Thread: Helloooooo!

Hey there! I am a recent college grad starting my new life teaching band. I have been interested in straight razor shaving for a while, so have spent the last few weeks watching Youtube videos and reading up on this sight. I finally bought a Dovo "Best Quality - Half Hollow", 6/8" Carbon Steel Straight Razor - Professionally Honed apparently by Lynn Abrams himself. I bought a travel strop as it seemed a good start, and maybe that was a mistake. I of course had to try stropping immediately, and maybe I caused more damage. I finally feel I can shave my entire face acceptably, but am garbage at shaving my chin. That has always been a tough spot even with my old cartridge razor, and am not sure how to go about it. It is uncomfortable and I cut myself frequently when trying. Is the blade too dull?

My brush seems like it is sprawling out in an unattractive fashion...is this my brush care, or a cheap brush?

This website has provided a good deal of information for me. Thanks for the help already!

Welcome to SRP! Good to have you on board.
The straight razor you got was an excellent choice, and well honed, undoubtedly. Is it sharp now? Well, I guess not. You mentioned your chin is hard, but the rest is fine? If that is the case, your razor is still in acceptable shape. Many struggle a bit with the chin, it takes a little practice to get it as smooth as the rest. Short strokes in correct angle does the job, there are many good videos showing how to go about it. Remember to use as light a touch as possible, it is easy to get a bit rough when one gets more focused

It is a good idea to let the brush hang to dry, after you have rinsed it well from all soap residue. I just shake the moisture out of it after use and hang to dry, and have not seen any unattractive sprawling from it. It will usually change a little as you break it in, but that's just normal.

Best of luck!

Welcome aboard!