Thread: Hello from Darwin

Howdy
I'm completely new at straight razor shaving, though over 20 years of shaving via other methods.
Moved to Darwin, Australia, about three years ago and found that my sensitive skin just couldn't handle the electric razor (which I had been putting up with previously for years in a drier climate) in this hot humid climate.
Moved to cartridge shaving, with a slight improvement but not great.
Then read an article on how to get a perfect shave, which turned me onto DE shaving. Felt old fashioned, and took me months to get used to it, but holy wow did it improve my shaving.
Actually enjoy shaving these days. Nice lather, nice brush, nice razor, close shave, no rash or bumps anymore. The odd cut.
Anyway, since getting into how good the older methods of shaving really are, have decided to take the plunge and try straight shaving. It's going to be fun even if I find its not as good as the DE. Ordered a razor and strop, which are on their way now, and looking forward to learning how to not cut my face up.
Appreciate all the advice on this site, even though Im sure I have barely scratched the surface yet with all the reading I'm doing.

Hello, Jimph:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place. You've made a great choice in straight razor shaving.

Please start by perusing the Wiki, where you will find a wealth of information on just about every aspect of straight razor shaving. After that, post your questions and we will try to help you out. We will guide you every inch of the way.

We are delighted to have you with us.

Regards,
Obie

Welcome!

As Obie says, make sure you check the Wiki and other articles as they will really help you. There are links to them in my sig line below.

You'll find that a lot of the lathering and face prep carries directly over to straight razors. I went the cartridge to DE to straight route as well, and I really enjoy it..!

Where did you get your razor and strop from? Just make sure that the razor is shave ready as a lot of factory razors are not really shave worthy right out of the box. Onimaru55 lives in Australia and offers honing services, so it may be worth contacting him if you have any doubts about the edge.

Other than that, welcome, enjoy the ride and make yourself at home!

Good luck and keep us posted!

Thanks for the replies and welcome.

Ordered the blade and strop from Straight Razor Designs. Overseas (USA) delivery, but still (after a bit of reading up) preferred to get a razor already professionally honed than have a go myself. Though I am sure in a few months I will have a go at the honing. Just not yet.

Also ordered the dvd at the same time. Think I will watch that a few times first.

The wiki is great yes. Great resource.

Hello, Jimph:

You are beginning the smart way: a shave-ready straight razor and quality strop. Lynn Abrams' DVD is excellent. Also, concentrate heavily on preparation. All that will help you. What's more, you have plenty of time for honing, as you note. Good luck.

Regards,
Obie

G'day & welcome Jimph ! Sounds like you're off to a good start.
Make sure you dry & oil that straight up there especially in the wet season... unless its stainless

Hey Jimph!

I too used to live in Darwin - Larrakeyah. I miss the lady at Mindil beach markets who made the green paw paw salad...

Definitely take on all the advice you've already been given, especially OZ's about keeping the straight moisture-free in such a humid climate. Shouldn't take too much effort, just a little vigilance. Same goes for the strop too - mold likes leather, but you already know that I am sure.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Oh, btw, what did you buy?

James.

G'day and welcome. You will enjoy yourself here whilst learning so much. Os recommended (and I use) innox-mx3 spray. Darwin is a great place. Ski club, Mindil beach markets-Food!

Thanks guys. Darwin's great especially now we are coming into the dry season. Several months of every day just perfect.

I ordered the Dove Perlex Inox 5/8 with a 3" Red Latigo leather (with webbing on the back). Decided to go the stainless route, albeit with a relatively cheapish version, for my first go. Stainless because of the humidity here in Darwin, yes. Hopefully good enough to do the job properly, but not too good so I get upset when I drop or bang it or whatever I'm sure to do.