My name is Joel and my journey to using a Straight Razor began after I read an article at gizmodo, the gadget guide: Razors Under a Microscope - Shaving - Gizmodo I searched the web for Straight Razor information and discouvered the SRP and a wealth of information on the subject of shaving with a straight razor.

After much reading of the Wiki and beginners pages I purchased my first razor, one that was restored and honed by Lynn. I also picked up at a local flea market a Boker in very good condition abet in need of honing and some polishing.

Armed with a carefully stropped razor I proceeded to give myself my first self administered shave. I did one complete pass WTG and was hooked. The first shave required about 40 minutes but was bloodless and absolutely wonderful.

I look forward to my shaving experience now even though I am still in the early learning stages. I am now shaving WTG followed by ATG and have started using both hands to perform the task. I look forward to many more SR shaves and getting into razor restoration and honing.

I have to tell you that this experience raised old memories of when I was a boy and the local barber (my best friend’s stepfather) would give me a haircut followed by trimming my neck with a straight razor. I was about 8 or 9 and not yet tall enough to be at a working height in the barber chair. The shop had a leather padded board that they would sit on the chair arms to get us up high enough to work on. The barber shop Mr Kearney ran has been closed for almost 15 years now but when you walk by the shop it still looks like it did 50+ years ago. The three barber chairs are covered with sheets and there are still hanging strops by the chairs and shaving products on the back counter, there is no telling what kind of goodies are still in the drawers. I hope to get access to the shop soon and will take some photos to post to this forum so everyone can take a trip back in time.

And the journey continues..........