Thread: Getting ready

Hello, Peter.

Yes, of course, straight razor shaving does require more time than shaving with a plastic cartridge razor and a can of shave cream.

Preparation with soap or cream and brush takes time. Stropping your razor takes time. Shaving takes time. Post shaving practices take time. And since many of these straight razors are made of high carbon steel, they would have a tendency to rust if not dried, as well as lose their edge if not afforded proper care.

Yes, traditional wet shaving with a straight razor is a completely different world, as far from the plastic multi-blade cartridge world as one can imagine. Is it worth all the trouble?

Yes. Ask any SRP member and you will have the same answer. Yes, it is worth it. Shaving with a straight razor is an art and art requires time and dedication. You start slowly, methodically and carefully as you hone your skills. Then comes a day when everything falls into place: you create luxurious lather with a brush, strop your razor and proceed to shave with much pleasure.

Don't forget, SRP offers plenty of research material, and if you don't find it there, post your question and you'll have an answer in no time.

Regards,

Obie

Sounds like it takes shaving to a a much higher level. Who would have thought that an ordinary daily practice can become extraordinary.

Hello again, Peter:

Yes, you take your shave to a higher level. The whole process becomes an event, a ritual, packed with extraordinary satisfaction. And, too, I must admit that once you get hooked on it, there is no going back to the old ways.

So study up on it in the Wiki and begin as soon as you can. You'll receive plenty of help here. We're glad to have you.

Oh, you live in Milwaukee, right? Pull up the January 14 issue of the Shepherd Express and you'll find my article on straight razor shaving there.

Regards,

Obie

Hello Obie,

I read your article in the Shepherd, that's why I visited this site in the first place. I liked your article and I became interested.

I think I'm going to like this. Many years ago I bought a brush and mug and used the soap pucks for lathering. At that time I wanted to make my morning shave more of a ritual.

I am in Milwaukee. Great article!

Peter

Hello, Peter:

Bless your heart for the kind words. I am also glad my Shepherd article led you to Straight Razor Place.

Your initial enthusiasm for the art of wet shaving with a straight razor is great for starters. Further, you have plenty of help and support at this address.

What's more, I will be more than happy to get together with you for some initial personal training. We also can figure what you need and I can point you in the right direction.

If you are ready to rock with a straight razor with some personal help, please drop me a personal message. I'll try to juggle my schedule around. In the meantime, good luck. We're glad you have joined us.

Regards,

Obie

Take Obie up on the offer for some first hand help. I have helped a couple of guys through there first shaves. It is nice to have someone there to actually show you how to strop and how to properly stretch the skin and all the other wonderful stuff involved in straight shaving. The help you will receive first hand will out do anything you can read or watch on video. So enjoy and welcome to SRP

Good Luck
Stephan

And Obie congrats on the offer to help first hand. It's people like you that go above and beyond to help another that make me proud to be a member of this site. Well done my friend Well done!!

My dear Stephan:

Thank you for the kind words. I am more than pleased to help out a fellow gentleman straight razor shaver.

Stay well, Stephan.

Regards,

Obie