Thread: Hello from Chicago!

Hello!

I'm 27 years old and for the last couple years I've been shaving with a DE razor (Merkur standard with feather blades). I'm starting to grow interested in making the switch to straight razors, but I do have a question (as I'm sure I'll have many more).

I only have one hand and I'm curious about the necessity of stretching one's skin when shaving? Does anyone bypass this while shaving and have good results? My guess is that I can get away with it now when I'm young and have fairly tight skin, but that as I grow older and the skin on my neck becomes looser, it may become a problem. I'd love to hear any thoughts on the matter!

-Aaron

Aaron,

Hello from Indianapolis--and welcome to SRP.

If you are thinking about transitioning to straight razors, you've come to the right place. Check out the SRP wiki first. It has loads of information about razors to buy as well those to avoid. Members will also be quite helpful too.

Your journey to straight razor shaving is a lot like mine. I began by converting to DE razors, then to straights. In fact, I still use my trusty Merkur HD 34C on occasion when I'm in a hurry to get to work.

Take care--and smooth shaving.

Well, I am 61 years old now. The skin is not as tight as before and I still do not stretch my skin while shaving but still get a very good shave. Hope that answers your question.

Be sure and update your profile by putting in your location, Chicago, Ill.
We have local and regional Razor Meets and the only way we can send you a notification is if we know what state you live in. It also can help you meet others in your area.
There will be a Razor Meet April 23 in Kenosha WI.
Here is a link to that thread.....

http://straightrazorpalace.com/get-t...up-please.html
Welcome to SRP,

Hey man I'm same age and location as you! welcome to the world of straight shaving. I think it helps a lot using the non shaving hand to stretch the skin in order to get a BBS (baby's butt smooth) shave, but it isn't necessary as Randy eluded to. If you're looking to buy antique stuff I have had some pretty good luck in the city and burbs with finding it all...

Hi, and welcome to SRP.

If you get ok results with the DE, you will, IMHO, be able to achieve the same with a straight.
You're a young guy, so shouldn't be too bothered with the loose skin we oldtimers develop
In fact, I have done shaves without stretching on numerous occasions, and the result was not bad at all.
Now, I must admit that if anyone had seen me do that, with all the face gymnastics going on, they would probably burst out laughing or think that I've lost it.
I can live with that.
No one has more fun than the Locos

Good luck with your efforts!

Welcome aboard!