Esteemed gentlemen,
I'm new here and I just figured I'd give an intro on how I got here. From what I've read so far, you all seem extremely friendly and passionate about straights.
I have been using the various Gillette multi-blade contraptions with pharmacy canister shaving goop since I started shaving, with miserable results. I'm still a young man so I've only been shaving about 10 years and I've thought that the latest "bleeding edge" (excuse the pun, but it was too easy) technology had to be the best option. Since I've gotten such bad results though, I've always thought in the back of my mind that there had to be something better. I have little facial hair (can easily get away with shaving every other day with my Fusion), but have fair, dry skin prone to razor burn. The Fusion was tearing me up, but gave me a closer shave than my electric.
I recently came across an Art of Manliness article: How to Shave Like Your Grandpa and was interested. It sounded like a step in the right direction. After a little more digging, I came across another one of their articles: Shave Like Your Great Grandpa and I thought it a MUCH better alternative. A quick Google search later and here I am.
I've done a lot of reading on here, including the Wiki, and seen a bunch of videos. Now I'm taking the plunge and deciding on my starter kit. Based on a lot of reading here, I think I've decided on a 6/8 Dovo Special (love the tortoise-look until I can upgrade) from SRD, but I'm open to other suggestions. I want my first to come from Lynn's handiwork. I can already see how RAD is easy to catch! :D
What I'm having more trouble deciding on is whether I get the full set from SRD or just pick up the razor from there and mix and match the rest of my products from other sources. While I'm not particularly cash-constrained, I am always a value buyer. In particular, while SRD's strops seems very nice, I'm wondering if could find something cheaper elsewhere, especially since I'll probably nick it or worse anyway while learning. Secondly, I've read up on the importance of a good brush and want a good badger. After looking at some prices, I'm wondering how much of the price is the "name brand". I cam across what look to be great quality and affordable grade A silvertip knots from The Golden Nib, but I don't have either the woodworking skills or tools (although I'd love to learn) to make a proper handle. Although, I do see that they sell handles as well. May not be too bad a price all together.
Anyway, I've learned in life to ask those who have experience on their advice and "stand on the shoulders of giants". :bow So, I'd appreciate any and all advice you all may have. Thanks in advance and I look forward to hanging around SRP for a long time to come.
Cheers,
ElChe