Thread: Placed the Order...

Hey all,

This forum has provided me the inspiration and information to give this a shot. I placed my order last night through SRD, starting out with some basics:

* 5/8 black Best Quality Straight Razor Kit w/3" red Latigo strop and Lavender SRD shave soap and Simpson B4 brush. I decided for a cheaper first razor. Everything you guys have posted suggests this razor has a high quality edge that will shave well without extra frills. I figure if I can have some success after a few months, I can always look at a different razor down the road.

* Alum block and styptic pencil (hey, it was cheap so why not get both and see what I like). I wanted the alum block for traction while stretching the skin.

* Musgo shave oil. If I'm going to get into this, I want to protect my face in every possible way!

* Thayer's Witch Hazel (no alcohol toner). From what I've read it sounds like this can help keep down razor burn which I will inevitably get early on.

* Castle Forbes after shave balm

I anticipate taking this process slowly, watching Lynn's DVD before I get started at all. I've already watched just about every youtube video there is for str8 razor shaving and read most of the Wiki info about blade angle, light pressure, technique, etc.

I will start just shaving my sideburn and/or cheek area WTG as suggested by most of the Sr. members on here. I fully expect tugging and a very mediocre shave and know that it will get better from there.

Thanks again to all of you. As so many have said, I hope to go from having to shave to wanting to shave.

That looks like a nice little start up.

Watch, you'll get one pass from sideburn down and you'll think "Yea, lets keep going!"

I thought a similar thing when I started. A few good swipes and I was off to the cheek, then the neck, off to the chin and mustache.

It takes time but you'll get the hang of it and before you know it, your bathroom is full of shaving goodies, razors, strops...

Which CF balm sent did you get? I love the 1445 and Lavender.

i love your how you read up and did your homework. it only gets better from the day you start good luck to you

Hello, Stubbles:

I join in to congratulate you on your well-rounded and quality starter kit. You have done it smartly, especially after proper research. All this indicates your exceptional flair for wet shaving with a straight razor.

You seem to me as a methodical and patient person. Those are ideal traits for straight razor shaving. Now throw the clock away and focus on honing your craft. A little at a time will do it. Good stropping. For the shave, short strokes and light touch, as well as proper razor angle and skin stretching.

Before you know it you will soar. Well done, sir.

Regards,
Obie

Good start!

Looks like propper planning to me.

Taking it slow and easy is best in the long run - and saves the rest of us another post of "my first shave s*cked / Why isn't my razor sharp?"

Good luck.

Nice setup, welcome to SRP! You're approaching this process
with patience and care -- do the shave that way and you'll be
just fine

- Scott

it begins!!!

Stubbles,

Very nice, very intelligent choices. Shows you really paid attention to the Wiki and the forums.

That set will take you very far.

All the way up to an aquisition disorder setting it.

IMHO, you will have no regrets with your equipment choices or str8 shaving.

Warmest welcome.

David

Hi there. Looks like you're off to a good start.
Maybe you shouldn't expect tugging & a mediocre shave. Might just surprise yourself

Best wishes to you chief...It appears that you have taken the first steps into what ought to be an interesting journey into the world of str8 razor shaving.

Take care--and smooth shaving.