Thread: Greetings from Oklahoma

I'm new to the art of straight razor shaving. It's one of those things I've been wanting to learn for a long time. Like learning to smoke with a pipe, using a straight razor is a right of passage in my books. It is something indicating that yes, you are now a man.

I've made the switch slowly. I discovered that using a boar hair brush with shaving soap is so much better an experience than using a foaming cream. Then I read that using a badger hair brush is even better and it got me curiously excited! Now I've got a blade, a reasonable strop, and badger brush on the way and I can't wait to put away the Gillette Fusion for good.

Like a lot of you I see this as more of an art and a hobby instead of a daily chore to get through. I fully intend to geek out over it, so I'll likely end up with a variety of blades, a room full of hones of various grits much to the chagrin of my wife. I've already spent a lot of time reading the resources this site has to offer and I'm quite impressed by the people here.

Here's to the future of shaving!

- bratta

Hello, bratta:

Welcome to SRP. Since you are at a crossroads of sorts in your life, as you indicate, what better time to start with the straight razor? I wanted to use a straight razor since my twenties. One day, late in my life, I decided to make my dream come true.

I am delighted with my decision.

Straight razor shaving also becomes a sweet obsession. That's what makes it so special for many of us. For me, I know. That and the whole ritual of wet shaving blend to create one of life's greatest pleasures.

When you start, take your time by throwing the clock away. Concentrate on technique. Let your skills grow in what feels natural to you. Most of all, embrace the ritual wholeheartedly. I have and what a great ride.

We're delighted to have you with us.

Regards,
Obie

Welcome! Not sure you can "geek out" on straight stuff. Perhaps "macho up" maybe!

Heh, yeah I guess the point is to "man up" instead of geeking out. Thanks for the welcome, guys!

Welcome aboard from OKC!

Think you'll enjoy it...straight shaving parallels a few other practices that to me, speak of a better time...more thoughtful, methodical...not so hurried, disposable and micro-waveable...Anyway, you're here and welcome!

Hey, welcome to SRP from this Kansas boy in Japan.

It's a great journey, and you have started right. Don't tell anyone I told you this, but good lather is THE MOST IMPORTANT part of a good shave. Then comes skill with the blade, then the blade itself. So start with the lather, and you're on your way.

As for badger v. boar, don't necessarily believe that badger is better. They both do the job, and they do them in similar ways, but the differences don't always equal improvements for everyone. I personally MUCH prefer boar to badger, and I've dropped some serious coin on Badger brushes. Everyone's got their own way and only you can find yours.

Good luck, and happy shaving!

Best,
Jim

Another Okie in our midst, welcome welcome. My brother(sbrouwers) and I are both from Woodward. What part of Oklahoma are you from?

Welcome from a Colorado Okie (Wagoner/Muskogee) and fellow newb. Once my razor returns from being honed, I can officially begin.

hello and welcome from broken arrow