Greetings SRP! After lurking the forums for weeks I decided to dive in.
I have been researching straight razors and the process of shaving for the past few week (mostly here). And finally decided that I was going to learn this art... I purchased a Dovo Forestal (5/8 carbon) Razor and most of the basic gear, 3" black Latigo strop with matching canvas, Naniwa 3000/8000 stone, Art of Shaving starter kit in sandlewood... and of course a nick stick.
Yes I am committed. And realize I have a few more things I want already (like a 12K stone, and another razor and another strop for paste and...)
So today I put a 'Pro honed' (From SRD) blade to my face for the first time... Yup this is going to take some time to learn. While I took my time... Hot towel on the face, pre-oiled, good lather ect, Felt like I was all thumbs. Only nicked myself once, but the final shave was about on par with a cartridge blade shave comfort wise. Which is quite a complement cause I had a 30 day beard and it was my first straight shave. I did not strop the razor just used it out of the box. It pulled more then I thought it would, but that is likely my bad form. No worries I'll stick with it, I love it already and know I'll get better. Happy to be a new member and my 12 year old already thinks that so cool he wants me to teach him when he is ready to shave.
