Hi to all on SRP from NJ

Big Rock here, I have been using a safety razor for many years now and have been working on the transition to a straight razor. it is most definitely not as easy as many make it look, as I sit here typing, contemplating the new gouge in my right cheek, I am more determined than ever to succeed. I purchased a new Dovo razor, a leather strop, a badger brush, and some leather conditioner a year ago, started to use these great tools, but was constrained by time working doubles and dealing with family matters and such forced me to abandon the pursuit and go back to the quick route of the safety razor. Time is now on my side and I will devote some of it to learn a proper shave. I will be perusing the FAQ section here, as I feel my razor isnt as sharp as it should be, I am feeling a lot of resistance and pulling of hairs. My beard hair is coarse and hard, plenty of grays popping out, so stropping and honing will be absorbing a lot of effort first, I feel pretty comfortable maneuvering the razor around my face, but ripping out the hair sucks. Well, I am glad I found this site and thank its owner and administrators for all the effort in producing such a wonderful resource.

Welcome to SRP bigrock. Reading through the FAQ section and the Wiki are good starts. I would recommend reading through the beginners guide Straight Razor Place Wiki:Books/Beginners Guide - Straight Razor Place Wiki and Lynn's advice for new shavers First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Wiki.


It does sound like you need to have your razor honed up properly. For people just getting into using straight razors it's recommended that you send it out to one of the members here to hone for you so that you know that you have a shave ready razor. You can find many people available to do this in the vendor section on the forum, or the services section on the classifieds.

There is a NYC meet being planned for Feb 21 that if you can go would be a great opportunity for you to pick up some pointers in person. http://straightrazorpalace.com/get-t...c-meetups.html. You may even be able to get your razor honed while you are there.

Good luck on your journey into straight razor shaving. If you have any questions let us know and we will do our best to assist.

Welcome to SRP. Maybe sending it out for a pro honing might be a good idea. Read my sig below to avoid nicks. :gl:

Greetings from another FNG from the northern part of NJ!

Welcome to the community ! Born and raised in NJ myself, relocated to PA when I could no longer afford NJ. Everyone here is full of great advice, follow it and take your time, and you will be enjoying a great shave in no time !

Welcome! Nice to have you here!!

Hello, Bigrock:

Welcome to SRP.

Shaving with a straight razor is an art and a craft. It is not easy, no, but it is far from impossible. It takes time to hone your skills with the straight razor. How much time depends on your natural skills, physical dexterity and mental focus. The worst you can do is not only to rush your daily shave, but to also put a calendar next to your mirror to gauge your daily improvement.

Let your skills develop naturally. Before you know it, you're there. Enjoy the ritual of shaving with the straight razor. Maneuvering the dangerous blade over your face is only part of the ritual. Proper face preparation, stropping and post-shave practices comprise the other important elements.

By embracing the complete ritual of wet-shaving with a straight razor you will taste one of sweet obsessions man has created for himself.

Regards,

Obie

Welcome to SRP. Central NJ over here. I'll also be at the NYC meet.