Hello,
Been reading the posts on here for a while. Decided to introduce myself and get involved in some of the discussions.
I started out my straight razor shaving experience by growing a beard and needing to get it trimmed. I went to a "traditional" barber near my work for this. Having never experienced I didn't know what to expect. When I left I felt like a million $$. My beard was trimmed and soft and my neck was BBS. It was amazing! I was hooked. I started telling all my friends they should try it. Of course I got lots of funny looks at mentioning that people should try getting a straight razor shave.
Not too long after this I found the Truefitt and Hill in Toronto which luckily was also really close to my office. I went there to get the beard shaved off. I was in complete heaven!! The whole experience from beginning to end was amazing. I figured out that hot towels = relaxation. The ambience was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Why hadn't anyone told me this before!!! What an experience!!
My wife helped me start my RAD (which I didn't realize afflicted others as well). For Christmas that same year she bought me a brush, stand, mug and straight razor from T&H. At the time I didn't know straight razors didn't come shave ready. I soon figured out that what I was experiencing at home didn't match the feel (or sound) of the Truefitt and Hill shave experience so I went on the hunt discovering the forums and videos.
And from there RAD started. My collection is growing
Razors
- T&H razor (not sure of the brand)
- DOVO All Stainless Steel, 5/8 w/ Satin finish
- Thiers-Issard Sheffield Silver Steel, Kingwood, 7/8
- Feather Razor "Artist Club RG
I've only had one really bad experience with the Feather. I wound up with a pretty bad scare on my right side near my ear. Simply wasn't paying attention. Lesson learned.
On the shaving cream side I have only used Truefitt and Hill Almond. This is an area I want to experiment with in the future.
I went on hiatus from straight razor shaving because of work-related travel and not being able to take razors on the plane. I decided to get back into it this year. Right now my focus is on stropping. I bought a Tony Miller strop 2 weeks ago and have been going to town on the practice strop. The real strop is so nice I don't want to use it. LOL
I thought my DOVO stainless was getting a little dull so I got in touch with Lynn. When I thought about the situation I figured I would be a couple of weeks without a straight razor. In order to prevent such a horrific situation I ordered a Dovo Red "Bismarck" 6/8" Straight Razor & Strop Set from SRD. When it arrives I'll send the Dovo stainless to Lynn. Disaster averted!
It's funny how RAD distorts logic!
Cheers,
Adam