Texas gulf coast

Hello, from the hot and humid gulf coast! Recently had the notion to try and grow a stand-alone handlebar. And then the downward spiral began... I’m a little over a month in, on a premature handlebar. I started looking into wax, balms, oils at first. Then I stumbled upon the traditional straight razor, and all its accessories. Now all I have done the last month is research and compare various tools and technique. I really enjoy the hunt. I am interested in getting started honing one day, but not until I master strop prep. From strop’s, different stones, quality blades, soaps, brushes, is quite the never ending hunt! I have created an entry level wet shave kit, excluding my straight. With six children, every expense is calculated! But as soon as we are able I will select one that this forum has mentioned time and time again. Thank you for all the gents that take the time to put this information within arms reach. It really is an asset to beginners like myself. My wife is already looking at me sideways now that I want to make my own beard oils, wax, and pass a very sharp specimen of metallurgy along my face. Until I acquire stones, I will need to find a willing honing service. I am located between Houston and Corpus Christi, if anyone is local. If not, I can always ship to one of the referred I have seen on here. I’m always open to advice, tips, and such. Thanks again.

Welcome to SRP!

You live in a state with some seriously skilled restoration mentors. I’m sure one will be by soon to welcome you.

Sounds like you have already begun to mine the knowledge that is here and have taken a very deliberate and informed approach to starting down the wet shaving/straight razor rabbit hole. Just keep those sharp objects out of reach of the chlldren.

Enjoy your new hobby.

Welcome. :)

Hello and welcome to SRP.

Do a lot of homework and take it slowly and steady.
There's more to this than meets the eye.
Enjoy your time here on the forum and have fun learning.

Good luck!

Pete <:-}

Welcome to the forum. There are a few members from Texas.

Welcome. I am in Houston. Hell, you may as well be in Alabama! :rofl2:

Good forum. Nice fellas here. Tons of info. Search box up top-right.
Enjoy!

Welcome to the forum, Greg! Learning to shave with a straight razor takes a bit of practice to gain proficiency, but you’ve come to the right place to get yourself started the right way.

A great place to find a shave ready straight razor is right here on our B/S/T forum section. Keep an eye out for good deals dropping every week.

Hi and welcome aboard. You can spend a lot of time hunting through the information here and end up with a large wish list.

Welcome to SRP!
With 6 kids and a wife, the first step should be to put a good lock on the bathroom door. You don't want anyone sneaking up on you while you have metal at your neck.

Thanks for all the support. Yes, a dedicated safe spot to shave is must.

Welcome aboard! We have quite a few Texans here, I was one and will always be at heart...but I am about 6 miles over the boarder in Oklahoma now.

I would be more than happy to assist you in any way online. As a matter of fact, you show me that you have a quality strop and brush, I will provide you with a shave ready razor.

Welcome to SRP. As you can see, we have a lot of good people. Some will go 9ut of there way to help you along. Enjoy the learning of straights and ask any questions. We are here to help.

Hello and welcome on the forum. No doubt that you will find a lot of helping hands in your vicinity. Maybe is a straight waiting for you in a drawer somewhere, by your neighbours, uncle George or aunty Rosa. If you speak about it, you can be surprised ...

Welcome to SRP!!!!

You’ve found the place to be. And been given some great advise.
Here is a link to our LIBRARY there’s a lot of great info there

Enjoy and have fun!!!!!

Thanks for all the awesome welcome replies.

Welcome aboard.
The same goes for here, if ya need help, gimmie a holler.

Welcome to the Forum. Finding old razors in good condition is one way to save money. They can always be honed by one of our fine people here on the Forum.
We are here to help people starting out.

Mr. Clean- Yes, that is a very good idea. I have always enjoyed estate sales and such. I do not recall ever finding straights. But I was not looking for them. I will definitely be keeping an eye out, in my travels.

Razor, vintage badger brush, and a travel size tube of Bigelow's is on it's way to you.

Amazing, thanks Scott. I'm excited, a little nervous /apprehensive to to actually try the straight razor. Can't wait to give it a go. I know it will be a process, and a learning experience. I/m beyond impressed with the gentlemanly conduct and camaraderie involved in this community. I feel lucky that I haphazardly found this avenue, to pursue this hobby. Have an awesome day Scott. And everyone else as well!

Took off a couple days from work. Had a new addition to the family arrive. Needed to help out SHMBO as much as possible. But, that means I have some idle time. Scott’s package made its way to my neck of the woods. Gave it a go...
Man! This is a little nerve-racking! To be honest, I was not able to complete a shave. I stropped, very slowly (need to practice dearly). I am getting more of a rhythm, but is still new to me. I’m sure it will become more natural and muscle memory will take over. Now, as for the shave— I started below sideburns and ended at jawline. Cleaned up around the infantile handlebar I’m growing. And attempted the front part of my chin. Tried a part of neck also. Switching from non dominant hand was tricky, to say the least. Was fun and I know it will get better with practice. I will keep looking at the tips and info available here. Thanks again Scott, for the starter package. Be safe and have fun.

You are stropping right, slow is just fine. Just be sure to strop after every shave as it not only reconditions the edge, but cleans the micro-crud away from the edge. Take your time and enjoy that LeGrelot!