Thread: New to the group

Hello, I am Branndon. I just received my first straight razor for Christmas. I have decided pick up this "hobby" because of the ridiculous price of your standard 5 blade razors, and I am sure some of you have started because of the same reasons. With most hobbies they tend to get expensive but I think this is an area were I could save some money in time. My first razor is Dovo Ebony... I am not so sure if this is what it is called. I read some tips from the sight for the beginners and decided that I would spend a little more that the bottom of the line to start so I didn't run into issues with a cheap product.
My first shave was three days ago and I have to admit I loved the feeling of it (+ I didn't cut myself once). I was so excited to do it again this morning but it wasn't nearly as comfortable as the first time so I had to use my old razor to finish the job. I did some research last night and tonight about stropping, and have come to find out it isn't as easy as I hoped.
I tried the hair test and it was a no go... So I tried some techniques that you guys have offered to me and I was able to do the hair test but it seemed that it snagged a little bit. Almost like where I started to cut the hair only slide about an inch up the hair until it finally cut it. My guess is that it isn't quite stropped enough to shave again.

Well that is my long and troubling intro, I'll keep researching and trying until I can finally enjoy this new hobby.

Hi Branndon,

Congrats on getting started. Keep working on your stropping technique, and quit worrying about the hanging hair test. If you don't know how your hair reacts to different blades, it doesn't mean anything.

Welcome to Straight Razor Place!

Welcome to SRP. Sounds like you're off to a decent start. Practice your stropping...it can make or break your edge and shave.

Welcome. I have found this place to be incredibly helpful for beginners.