Thread: New from Asia

I've been a member to this forum for a couple of weeks now and have been putting off the introduction part but will now do so as my first post. I'm not exactly sure why I have gotten into straight razor shaving. I think it was initially something to do with the aesthetics of a straight (or cut throat) razor. I stumbled upon this forum, watched the first few sections of Lynn's DVD in the beginning section, read a couple of threads and was immediately hooked.

I told my dad before Christmas and he brought me two old shavers that were his father's. Unfortunately, they were unable to restore to shave ready condition so I bought a new one (well a shave-ready vintage blade) from Bob Keyes, my first razor is a 'Palmer' 5/8 square point, full-hollow ground. Great guy, great blades with some geat advice. I didn't read much on the actual shaving part; I had by this time realized that actually one of the aspects of straight razor shaving that resonated strongly with me was the ritualistic, putting yourself in a good frame of mind actual shaving experience part (as opposed to the appreciation of the razors themselves). I began shaving completely wrong (wrong is perhaps a strong word, shaving tehcnique is not wrong just unusual and not reccomended though I do know people do shave like this), Lynn's DVD had not arrived (I had read his thread on getting started) and I had not done my research properly. I thought the dominant hand was using your right hand to shave your left side of your face so was using alternative hands to shave alternative sides of my face. It was tricky in some areas but in some ways this was what felt natural to me. Now I do it with the right hand dealing with my right side and the left dealing with my left, apart from the left side of my neck which I find reaching over with the right hand much more comfortable. I still am not getting the closest shave I can and apart from side swipe shaving using alternative hands after I have gone from top to bottom with the correct hand on the correct side I have not really tried shaving against the grain, which I am sure will give me a much better shave. I am nicking myself less and less and the aftershave gel (taylors of old bond street sandalwood) is amazing.

I am already addicted to the blades and have two in the mail coming for me. A Filarmonica 14 Doble Temple with carbon handles that Robert Williams is doing and a 5/8 round point Henckels with beautiful simulated burlwood handles from Bob. Ever since I saw Max's review of the Filli 14 I been obsessed, filli's are ridiculously expensive in comparison to most of the blades on the market but most agree (and since I ain't used one and really know nothing to compare with) that they are great blades, add this with a drop of Spanish blood here and there for a sentimental influence and I had to have one. I think that the three blades that I will have are all very different and so will allow me to learn more about what I prefer (at which point I'll know what I want for a complete custom from mr. williams) in terms of a blade to prune my facial shrubbery... I'm finding I shave to relax in the evening actually, it has been a great way to really feel great after a long day of work when I usually feel too tired to do much, instead I have a shave, brew some Chinese tea in a tiny teapot and get on comfortably with things at a calm pace. I think I have written more than I have intended to but will end this soon. It has been great starting to get into straight razors though it really does feel like an uncontrollable obsession. I live in Taipei, Taiwan and have grown up in Asia (but am tecnially English) all of my life. I look forward to meeting some of you on these forums and reading about your razors (or really i should say about razors in general), cheers, brad

p.s. if frankenstein or anyone else who may be interested is reading I am planning on making beautiful boxes of teak and suede interiors in indonesia, i have some questions on what sorts of things people want from a razor case / box but this is the wrong thread---> i will go to the correct one and post my questions there.

Welcome to SRP! It sounds like you've got a lovely start, and rest assured, it only gets better from here.

Enjoy, and good luck!

Also, I'd certainly be interested in your boxes, when you get off the ground.

Best,
Jim

Welcome to SRP!

Sounds like you are off to a good start and congrats for doing your homework before diving in! You'd be amazed how many people dont do that..! Hehe!

Let us know what you think of the Filli when it arrives!

Good luck!

thanks guys, will keep you updated on developments.

Ganboyi, welcome to the group. You sound like you have done your research well and this group is a great place to learn and expand your knowledge of shaving and all the lovely addictions that go with it. I hope you will enjoy your stay and please keep us updated on your progress and let us know if you have any questions.

Originally Posted by ganboyi

p.s. if frankenstein or anyone else who may be interested is reading I am planning on making beautiful boxes of teak and suede interiors in indonesia, i have some questions on what sorts of things people want from a razor case / box but this is the wrong thread---> i will go to the correct one and post my questions there.

Hi Brad.

Yes, still interested! My girlfriend was thinking of making some but I can see she will never get around to it. Please PM when you make the thread or have some more info.

Cheers,