Well, I suppose that I can now say, "I've done about all I can. to keep my unwanted shaving requirements, from getting boring!" I doubt that there's anyone who's hated shaving as much as I did. As far as that goes, I've tried just about every safety, twin, disposable, electric, and new-finagled contraption, that's ever been made and sold. Actually, that's not entirely accurate, I've never tried waxing or Nair! I'm fairly sure it's safe to say, "women must be Kraazey.....to PULL their short hairs out....BY THE ROOTS???! OUCH!

As my profile shows, I live in the hottest, driest/wettest, and most thorny area on this planet. Around here, everything either sticks you, bites you, or cuts you! I LOVE IT!

My son recently surprised me with a, made in Germany, Solingen straight razor. Now, the fact is that I've been thinking about this type of shaving, for some time now. In fact, this razor and strop, were supposed to be my Christmas gifts. Apparently, my beautiful bride, must'a told him about my "desires" for a straight razor! The reason that I got this great gift early is because I was in the actual act of ordering a "batch" of stuff, including a straight razor, off the Internet. He saw me doing this, and just before I pressed the "BUY" button, he handed me a plastic bag with my new razor and strop inside.

I've shaved with it for the past six days! I must admit, it requires MORE time, MORE commitment, much MORE patience, but I'm HAVING A BALL!!! I kain't hardly believe this, but I actually "look forward" to my daily shaves. If you just knew, how much I HATE to shave.....well....you'd be amazed too! In addition to my "other" TALENTS....I'm also a certified machinist. As such, I'd done lots'a lapping and honing in my 50+ years. I did NOT take the well advised advise, of the columns, that I read on this wonderful site. I just spent several hundred dollars on hones, lapping stones, slurry stones, etc.. I've also ordered a few different balms and soaps, to "give a try"!

I'm sure I'll never be a connoisseur, of the manly art of straight razor shaving, BUT.....I dang sure enjoy it.....SO FAR! OH YEAH! and by the way, I hate to admit this....but, that first shave....Skair't (scared) the hell out'a me! I was "home alone" (we live on a ranch) and I actually wondered, "how am I going to get myself (the 16 miles) to the hospital in town", if I should cut my fool throat! I sure the heck was shaking enough....to have...."done it"! Bye for now...and I'm proud that I found this site! John