Greetings all,

Firstly, Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope the holidays find you with those you love.

A bit about myself: As you could probably guess, I am new to the world of Straight-Razor shaving. I am not, however, new to this site; I've been vising StraightRazorPlace off and on for over a year, and I must truly commend everyone who has contributed to this wonderful community.

Being a young student (Computer Science) and working as a computer/network technician, I spend more than my share of time on the Internet. Off all the site, blogs, and forums I visit, I don't think I've ever seen such a close-knit and inviting group as you all have here at SRP.
When you guys disagree about something, it's things like whether or not to feed carrots to a badger if you want "the ultimate lather," and always done respectfully.

What's most striking about this place is the sheer joy and enthusiasm with which you embrace fellow shavers, experienced and beginning. The idea of bringing a sharpened piece of steel to one's neck can be quite daunting, and your guys' support and advice makes it seem not only possible, but very rewarding.


The First Cut:

My first shave, I was still in Boy Scouts, probably in Jr. High or early High School. I used my Dad's disposable razor and a mug with a bar of some shaving soap in it. The brush was an "Ever Ready 500 PBD Pure Badger."

It was the only brush I had ever seen, and it was evidently quite worn - I didn't know before visiting this site that the bristles were normally longer than 1".

It was exciting to cross over that bridge and realize that HO! I was a man!
That feeling lasted for a couple weeks, then it became another tedious bathroom chore like clipping my nails or cleaning my ears.

The Electric Razor:
Once it was certain that this "shaving" thing was going to be a continuous part of my life, someone in my family got me an electric razor. It was novel at first to be able to remove hair from my face in less than 2 minutes, but it always felt like it pulled more hairs out than it actually cut, and I got more severe razor rash from my electric than I had so far with the Gilette.


Dr. Dash or: How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Blade
(Ok I'm not really a doctor, yet)

At about the age of 20, I eschewed the electric altogether and returned to the disposable razor. Shaving was still a chore, but it was now less painful and at least i didn't have to worry about the discomfort from the electric.

I carried on that way for some time until I came across this site: You guys really like to take care of yourselves! Pre-shave creams, shaving soaps, shaving creams, post-shave lotions, creams - heck even cigars, ****tails, and soundtracks! Here was a bunch of guys doing probably one of the more manly activities possible, while at the same time pampering themselves indulgently, without apology! I had seen straight-razor shaving in westerns and mobster movies, but I had no idea there was such a dedicated and passionate following for it.

I read and read and read - pretty soon I had so much new stuff floating through my head - 7/8" barber-tip silver point ATG hollow-ground . . . my brain was spinning but at the same time I was thoroughly enjoying myself.
I knew that it was something I had to try.
While that was many months ago, and to this day I have not straight-razor-shaved, (well that's not completely true, but that is another story . . .) the discovery of this site did have an immediate effect on me - since then I have began to really embrace my shaves, taking my time and doing more than just "cutting off hair." I can't put my finger on just what changed, but the elation I get now when I am freshly shaven is just wonderful. I am a person that believes that if you do something to yourself, it should be for yourself, and shaving had become an opportunity for me to do something for myself that was both productive and relaxing.
I can't wait to get out of the shower now and lather up with my can of Barbasol and my Gilette and get to work. When I'm done, I feel like my skin is glowing and just generally good overall - something that's hard to describe but that you all undoubtedly know.

So now, Christmas break is here and I've decided it's time to take the next step. For Christmas, I asked for and received my 23" Illinois 127 strop, which I thought was a reasonable pick for a new shaver. And I know, I shouldn't get to attached to it, as I have been warned, but I have yet to use it and I already am very fond of the thing . . .
Now that I have my first piece of equipment, I know there's no backing out for me. In the next few days I plan on buying a razor. I am planning on following the FAQ guide with regards to size, grind, and tip, and unless one of the classifieds calls out to me, will likely get a new Dovo Best. The video that one member posted of Dovo's manufacturing process, coupled with their consistent praise and recommendation on this forum, is what has sold me on them.

Anyway, WOW! I just signed up just to say thanks and talk about my new Strop, and it looks like my keyboard has run wild.
I have no doubt that you guys will be hearing from me in quite a bit, so until then, thanks for the great site and resources, and Merry Christmas to everyone!