New Member from Dallas

[minimatty]

I finally have time to introduce myself. My name is Matt, from Dallas TX. I have been planning on switching to a SR for the past few months and my wife took the opportunity to surprise me with brush, cream, soap and, oil all from AOS for Christmas. The first blade I picked up is a vintage Wade & Butcher from an antique shop for $10. The scales were destroyed but the blade is in fairly good shape. After I replace the scales I will be sending it out for a professional hone. My everyday shaver is a Thiers-lssard that I picked up at AOS. From what I can find it is the TI Spartacus relabeled for AOS. At this time I am scouring E-Bay for another daily shaver to pick up. I’m leaning toward a Boker. My first shave was a bloodbath! About a minute in I was ready to throw in the towel but I made it through the whole shave. After surviving several cuts and sever razor burn I worked my way slowly through the next two shave which were still not great. I watched some more vids on lather making, got mine to a point that I am happy with and, now my shaves have gotten progressively closer and smoother. 10 shave today without a scratch. I received my first strop in the mail today it’s a German Jemico with the adjustable handle. I would like to thank all that have contributed to this site it has been a wealth of information!

[zib]

Welcome to the forum. As you already know, there is a learning curve. Watch your angle, that's one of the biggest mistakes made by new guys. Make sure you do a good pre shave prep, and try to stretch your skin when you shave. Sounds like your wife is a keeper, nice gear. Use the pre shave oild prior to each shave, it'll soften your beard, It gets better the more you use it...

[Catrentshaving]

Welcome to SRP. It'll get better with patience and time as you've I'm sure allready figured out by the sounds of it. Just to echo the previous post, watch your angle etc. and keep in mind that learning curve and you'll do just fine

[cpcohen1945]

. . . 10 shave today without a scratch. I received my first strop in the mail today it’s a German Jemico with the adjustable handle.

You went 10 shaves without stropping the blade? OUCH !!!

Charles

[minimatty]

You went 10 shaves without stropping the blade? OUCH !!!

Charles

I do Personal Protection/Security in Dallas and with the Superbowl in town I have been busy. Took longer to get the strop ordered than I wanted but I’ll put it to use tomorrow. Any suggestions on a first stropping? It’s a two sided strop with leather and a green material on the back.

[cpcohen1945]

I'd do 40 laps (up and down) on the leather side.

I don't know what the green back is made of. If it's a fairly hard linen-weave fabric, do 20 laps on it before using the leather side.

If it's soft -- felt, or something like that -- I'd ignore it for the time being. I _think_ it's designed to be used as a "pasted strop", and you shouldn't need that yet.

Charles

PS -- I don't claim any stropping expertise. I'm telling you what works for me.

[Trevorxgage]

Welcome to SRD, Glad to have you!

I will say one thing, I would recommend sending your TI out to get honed up.
My first razor was from the AOS in Dallas, and while it will give you a decent shave, if you get it truly shave ready it will be a whole new level. Also it will make learning easier and you will be less likely to end up with razor burn.

Good luck man!

[minimatty]

Welcome to SRD, Glad to have you!

I will say one thing, I would recommend sending your TI out to get honed up.
My first razor was from the AOS in Dallas, and while it will give you a decent shave, if you get it truly shave ready it will be a whole new level. Also it will make learning easier and you will be less likely to end up with razor burn.

Good luck man!

I won a Geneva Cutlery-Onterio last night on E-Bay and as soon as it gets here I will be sending my TI and WB out for honing and new scales on the WB.

[AFDavis11]

Welcome. Have fun. No more blood baths though, okay?

[blugill]

I won a Geneva Cutlery-Onterio last night on E-Bay and as soon as it gets here I will be sending my TI and WB out for honing and new scales on the WB.

First off welcome to SRP, I'm in Kaufman about 20 minutes east of Dallas, I'm sure you know where its at. Larry at Whippeddog.com is only about 20-25 minutes from you,and he has been honing my razors since I started Straight Razor Shaving. I recently got a Norton Water Stone kit for Christmas but still working on my own honing skills. Larry puts a fantastic edge on a blade for a great price, and is right there in Arlington. He has a contact # on his website, if you go see him be sure to tell him Mark from Kaufman sent you and I'm sure he will fix you up. Larry is a really great guy and will help anybody any way he can. If you have any other questions you can pm me and I'll give you his #, you shouldn't be having all that razor burn and bleeding with a properly honed razor though, I know there is a learning curve but I never had it that bad "knock on wood" I'm irritation and razor burn free since Straight Shaving. Best of luck minimatty, let us know how it goes