Thread: Hello At Last!

Hey all, checking in from the San Francisco Bay Area! I've been lurking on SRP for the past few months, and I decided to (finally) introduce myself. I've only been straight razor shaving since January, but this hobby (and all of its expensive trappings) have grabbed me and won't seem to let go.

For the three times a week that I shave, I switch back and forth between a Wostenholm Celebrated I-XL (from Whipped Dog), and a Wostenholm Pipe Razor (ebay lot find). Both are working really well for me! I've purchased some nicer razors from the marketplace here, as well as a few other sites. Though I occasionally switch it up, I'm trying to limit the variables when I shave, which means using only one or two razors most of the time. I'm getting pretty comfortable with my routine, even though not every shave is perfect. Honestly, I'm just happy that I haven't killed myself yet.

Also, it's worth pointing out that I got into straight razors because of my interest in knife honing. I already had all these stones sitting around (how often do my kitchen knives really need to be sharpened?) and realized that they would go perfectly with a large stable of straights. (This has not been the best year for my bank account, nor my fingers - lots of cuts.) To be honest, I almost enjoy honing my razors more than shaving with them. I've got a few beaters that I bevel-set, finish, and polish, then knock off the edge and start again. It's amazing how meditative and relaxing that is at the end of the day.

All that said, SRP has been an amazingly helpful resource over the last few months, both for honing and shaving. I think I know enough now to realize how little I actually know, so I'll continue to rely on everyone here for help!

Looking forward to getting to know you guys better!
-Timo

Welcome.

There is a lot of information here both in the Library and the collective memory and expertise of the members. Please ask questions.

Welcome Cornmuffin. Your journey is very similar to mine. I too became interested in SR shaving/honing as an extension of my interest in sharpening. You are on the right track re: limiting your variables to help better understand your results. As for the "perfect shave every time", I believe most here will agree that perfection 100% of the time is not likely attainable. Concentrate on improving your technique, continue to learn and ask questions, and most importantly, enjoy the process!!

Welcome to the forum, sounds like you are off to a good start. I think that limiting the variables, that goes for shave soaps/creams and brushes used too, is an excellent idea when starting out until you have your shaving technique sorted out to the point where your shaves are consistently decent. If you are not getting consistently good shaves every time you add or change something in your shave routine you will never be quite sure if that helped your shave or not.

Nothing wrong with striving for the perfect shave every time either, I do, but a close comfortable shave will do as well.


Hope you continue to enjoy your new hobby and see improvements.

Bob

Welcome to the only group that has a 12 step acquisition program, designed to further your deepening addiction into this hobby/sport/daily necessity of ours. That's a good start you have going.

Welcome to the forum. As a former lurker you have to know we are serious enablers.

Hello and welcome to SRP.
Enjoy your time here on the forum and have fun.

Pete <:-}

Welcome, Timo! Glad to have you here!

Welcome to SRP!

Hello Timo and welcome on the forum.