Introduction & Gratitude

Initially I would like to introduce myself and express my excitement in joining the world of straight razor shaving. My wife surprised me tonight with likely the best early Christmas present I've ever recieved- a $300 gift certificate to Straight Razor Designs. I guess it pays to leave this site up on our home computer!!!

I've been reading this site for some time looking for some direction and opted to go with a 6/8" Dovo Red Bismarck (absolutely beatiful imo) set with a Simpson Beaufort badger shaving brush.

I would also like to express my deepest thanks to all who take the time to share their experiences, opinions and words of encouragement.

I cannot wait to recieve this set and hopefully not shave the side of my face off first run.

Looking forward to the start of something new.

CG

CG,

Welcome and hello from Hastings in the UK :)

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Welcome to SRP! Congrats on getting started, and congrats on marrying the right gal. ;)

Be sure to read the beginner's guide in the wiki if you haven't already, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

You should order Lynn's video, teaches you a lot! Welcome aboard and SHE"S A KEEPER!!

Hey thanks Shooter, I did indeed order one of Lynn's videos. I figured that was the wisest thing to do. What part of Texas you in? I'm out in the Houston area.

Glad the wife let me start up a new hobby. She's stuck with me all this time and allowed me to expand my vinyl collection, which now runs about 8K.

I can't wait to get this lovely instrument in. Gonna throw on a good Milt Jackson LP and get intimate with this razor.

Thanks for the replies guys.

I live just north of Paris, TX...about 6.5 hours city limit to city limit. There's other guys closer for you...just keep an eye on the forum & I'm sure you can find some closer. If you happen to be in this direction, let me know...

Welcome!!!

I think we have had dealings with your wife. Someone's wife was on here recently asking about getting a straight for her husband, and I believe the idea of the gift certificate ended up being the end idea.

Be sure to read the wiki, and ask lots of questions. Shaving with a straight is far more reliant on technique than other methods of shaving, so expect sub par shaves for a little while until you technique develops. Once you get it down, however, you will get the closest, most enjoyable shaves of your life.

Welcome to SRP and best of luck. Sounds like you're off to a great start allready with that fine setup.

Thanks Mark. My setup should come in from you guys tomorrow, it was showing shipped as of Friday so Tuesday at the latest.

I've been watching quite a few videos and looking at others techniques to get a sense of where I need to go with things.

The Wiki is grand. I've read through it as I've been thumbing through this site for about 3 months now and finally made the plunge in.

Any idea how long it will take for me to start getting the results I am looking for? I'm thinking the learning curve could be anywhere from 2 weeks to a month. Is this a realistic expectation?

Thanks Guys.

CG

You are right on on your learning curve, took me about a month IIRC to get the hang of it. Take your time...it's no race.

Welcome to Straight Razor Place!

Welcome to SRP. You have some nice gear coming. Your going to like the Dovo Red Bismarck, I have one myself, it's a great shaver. I like the gold work on the spine, that with the scales really sets it off. Simpson makes a fine brush imho. I just got a Simpson Persian Jar, it's quickly becoming my favorite brush. Don't hesitate to ask me for help.
I think you'll find that all our members will be eager to help you learn. Happy Holidays to you and your family....

Rich

Hello, CGarza:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

To have such a generous gift from your wife is a good sign that much joy lies ahead of you in the world of the straight razor — with her blessing. We are here to help you along should you need it.

That Bismarck is a lovely razor. It has a thumb notch, however, which makes stropping a challenge for some shavers. You might do well with it. I do. Don't forget, Straight Razor Designs has other razors you might consider. They all are honed by the master himself, the noble Lynn Abrams. And yes, do consider his shaving video.

In the meantime, I share the joy you will experience as you go shopping.

Regards,

Obie

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by zib

Welcome to SRP. You have some nice gear coming. Your going to like the Dovo Red Bismarck, I have one myself, it's a great shaver. I like the gold work on the spine, that with the scales really sets it off. Simpson makes a fine brush imho. I just got a Simpson Persian Jar, it's quickly becoming my favorite brush. Don't hesitate to ask me for help.
I think you'll find that all our members will be eager to help you learn. Happy Holidays to you and your family....

Rich

---

Zib, thanks for confirming, I am excited and cannot wait to get the Dovo in. Funny thing is I showed a few of the guys some of the photos and their replies were "I wish my wife would have gotten me something like that, I will likely get a 6 pack of tube socks again, lol".

Surely will ask for help, I am sure I will need it. Happy Holidays to you and yours as well.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, CGarza:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

To have such a generous gift from your wife is a good sign that much joy lies ahead of you in the world of the straight razor — with her blessing. We are here to help you along should you need it.

That Bismarck is a lovely razor. It has a thumb notch, however, which makes stropping a challenge for some shavers. You might do well with it. I do. Don't forget, Straight Razor Designs has other razors you might consider. They all are honed by the master himself, the noble Lynn Abrams. And yes, do consider his shaving video.

In the meantime, I share the joy you will experience as you go shopping.

Regards,

Obie

---

Thanks Obie. I went out and bought a very cheap straight razor, brush and shaving cream. My father in law is a cobbler of 45 years, yes that kind of cobbler. He's worked with leather all his life and has strope, grinding stone for his tools. My plans are to have him show me how to hone and strope with the cheaper razor since Lynn has taken care of the Dovo. Since I only shave about 2 times a week I shouldn't have to strope this for a bit correct?

I have also started working with the cheaper brush and shaving cream so I know going in how my lather should look. With a better brush and soap I'm sure this step will likely only get easier.

I am hoping my gear should be in any day now. With the weather in some parts of country I think it is slowing down the 2-3 day expected delivery time.

I'm overly excited about joining and keeping this art alive. We are expecting our 2nd child and by the Grace of God if it turns out to be son I will surely pass this down to him among other things.

Hello, CGarza:

Congratulations. You are on your way. You'll do fine stropping, don't worry. Makes sure you keep your focus. There are several good stropping videos here. Look them up in the Wiki. Beyond that, if you have questions, please ask away. Good luck.

Regards,

Obie