Greetings from Southern Orygun
Yup, we actually DO pronounce it that way, not Ory- gone.That's because it's still here, and hasn't 'gone' anyplace!
I've been using a straight for off and on for about 14 years, but not regularly. I'm still a newby at it. I prefer the shave, but being an over the road trucker, finding a decent place to accomplish a shave is tough. I reserve it for my times at home where I can have a somewhat more controlled atmosphere. Been thinking about it though!!
I still have a time not macerating my chin, and I'm still trying to educate my stupid (left) hand to use the razor.
My wife gave me her uncle's razor 14 or so years ago, and as my Grandpa had been a barber, I have his strop. I promptly scared the crap outta myself, and decided I needed some learning. A friend was a haircutter and had been to barbering school, and she gave me her barber school book. I got my first decent shave after reading it.
Then, for my birthday about 6 years ago, my wife gave me a nice Solengen 3-pin razor.
I don't get too fancy about soaps and such. I use Williams cake and a nice badger brush in an old Burma-Shave mug. I retired Grandpa's strop and bought a new one to replace it, an Illinois Russian leather with canvas. And there's just something about Bay Rum and Old Spice that I like. I still have Grandpa's stones, but they are so wore, I'm going to have to replace them with a new hone.
I've lurked here off and on for a spell, and finally decided to join up. I look forward to being a part of the forum.
Randy n Bridget (my venerable Corgi co-pilot)