Introducing myself, new to the art

[bearandtherobot]

First off, i'm going to introduce myself. my name is Nate, and i'm from massachusetts. very nice to meet you all =] i've been interested in the art of straightrazor shaving for a while, and i'm actually very interested in the whole "old-fashioned-gentleman" look (mainly facial hair, i have a handlebar moustache and used to have friendly mutton chops, but shaved them down to long sideburns recently). but i'm starting to ramble. anyway, i actually finally took my first step into the art just yesterday and have been hooked.

i came across this site while googling how-tos on straightrazors. i've always been interested in the whole straightrazor thing, and finally managed to buy one for less than $300 yesterday at an antique shop. now with it being an antique shop, i wasn't expecting anything great, just something to keep the spark alive.

i took it home and tested it on my arm hair, and it didn't seem to do anything. i went out to walmart today and bought a honing block (a smith's diamond stone) with two sides; 720 and 350, thinking i'd be all ready to shave in a few days (just shaved this morning for an interview). i then watched more youtube videos, and to my amazement, they were using 1000-8000 grit honing blocks. after sharpening with my 720 side and watching a video of someone sharpening with 8000, i felt like it was about as sharp as a butter knife.

i feel like good equipment will be hard to get, but that won't discourage me. does anyone have any advice for a beginner and/or recommendations for good razors (i've heard dovos were reputable), honing stones, and strops? i'm also on a budget here, so any recommendations for equipment that is very good, but reasonably priced are very welcome.

[richmondesi]

Welcome, to SRP.

Let me offer to hone that razor for you.

Send me a private message, and I'll hook you up.

You do need to check the Beginner's Guide in the Wiki.

Lots of reading is in your future, Sir. Enjoy

[ReardenSteel]

Welcome to SRP. Sounds like you're off to a good start, but take "richmondesi" up on his offer to hone your razor and it will turn out to be a great start to your "old-fashioned" way to shave.