Thread: Greetings from Belgium

Hello folks

I'm just a regular guy from Belgium who started with traditional wetshaving around August 2017 (the Merkur 34C was my first safety razor). Before that I used various tools to shave myself (Gillette cartridge razors, electric shaver and beard trimmer). In November last year, I got myself a DOVO Inox shavette which was quite fun to use (even though it took more time to shave myself).

I've been on the fence about getting a straight razor for more than a year now. What always held me back was that it's quite an investment. I also want to learn to hone myself and this has often scared me. I remember I bought some sharpening stones years ago for sharpening knives, but returned them before even using them because I was afraid of screwing up the angle. Luckily that problem doesn't exist with straight razors since you can just lay them flat on the stone.

So this morning I finally pulled the trigger on a Strop-It Supex 77 Top paddle strop with an extra Dark Latigo Leather replacement bed. Now the hunt for a straight razor can slowly begin. I already have my eye on a Koraat straight razor, but there are so many customizable options in his configurator (probably going for a Sheffield design, 7/8", near wedge and the rest I still have to figure out).

I'm sure I can gain a lot of knowledge on this forum since there are so many experienced people over here.

Welcome. We have a few members from Belgium who I’m sure would willingly help you out.

If you are looking at a Koraat straight razor, you are setting the bar very high. Those razors have had incredible reviews from those SRP members who own them. There is even a forum for them from which you can get some in depth information.

https://sharprazorpalace.com/razor-c...at-razors.html

Check out the SRP library for lots of useful tips and videos that any newbie should find useful. Ask questions and take pictures of your razor, strop, hone etc. - we love photographs and they help us more accurately address any concerns you may have.

And, have fun. We do.

Originally Posted by DZEC

Welcome. We have a few members from Belgium who I’m sure would willingly help you out.

If you are looking at a Koraat straight razor, you are setting the bar very high. Those razors have had incredible reviews from those SRP members who own them. There is even a forum for them from which you can get some in depth information.

https://sharprazorpalace.com/razor-c...at-razors.html

Check out the SRP library for lots of useful tips and videos that any newbie should find useful. Ask questions and take pictures of your razor, strop, hone etc. - we love photographs and they help us more accurately address any concerns you may have.

And, have fun. We do.

Thanks for the warm welcome DZEC. My initial plan was to get a Ralf Aust because they offer stainless steel straight razors, but a few experienced honers on a Dutch shaving forum said they don't like to hone stainless steel. On top of that I prefer the designs and options of Koraat straight razors. So once I figured out I don't really need stainless steel, it became an easy choice for me.

I've come across that thread a few times and completely read it already, but thanks for mentioning it though.

Welcome! A good place to learn here. Lots of info in the archives and lots of knowledgeable members. Post around !

Tom

Hello and welcome to SRP.

If you do decide on a Koraat, Ulrik is a great guy and I'm sure would be glad to work with you and offer suggestions and advice. Just send him an email. I have three Koraat's and must say that they are superb.

Enjoy your time here on the forum and have fun.

Pete <:-}

Welcome aboard! Glad to see you here. I second Peter's suggestion on Koraat.
cheers!

Welcome,

If you haven't already check this out.

https://snailforge.be/

Welcome!

As others have said this is a great place to get advice, input on decisions and make friends. Since you're in Belgium, I can't give much advice on sources, but somebody from near you will undoubtedly jump in with advice on sources for razors. Ulrich is a great guy and makes quality SRs, but you'll probably want at least 2, so you may also want to look for a lower end one as a starter/back-up.

Originally Posted by petercp4e

Hello and welcome to SRP.

If you do decide on a Koraat, Ulrik is a great guy and I'm sure would be glad to work with you and offer suggestions and advice. Just send him an email. I have three Koraat's and must say that they are superb.

Enjoy your time here on the forum and have fun.

Pete <:-}

Yes, I will e-mail him at some point with a few questions.

Originally Posted by 32t

Welcome,

If you haven't already check this out.

https://snailforge.be/

I had never heard of that website before. Is it yours?

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

Welcome!

As others have said this is a great place to get advice, input on decisions and make friends. Since you're in Belgium, I can't give much advice on sources, but somebody from near you will undoubtedly jump in with advice on sources for razors. Ulrich is a great guy and makes quality SRs, but you'll probably want at least 2, so you may also want to look for a lower end one as a starter/back-up.

Why at least two if I may ask?

Originally Posted by CobraX

I had never heard of that website before. Is it yours?

No, but Bruno is a friend of mine.