Hello. I think...

Hi,

I was pointed to here by a couple of gentlemen, and decided that I should poke my nose in properly instead of just reading/lurking.

My name is Stu, I live in Japan (Kagawa, quiet little place) not far from JosephG (who told me about here) and I've been emailing with JimR about a few things as well.

I don't shave with a straight or bent razor, kamisori, knife, sickle or chainsaw, just a disposable razor. But I am curious about using something 'proper' and wouldn't mind learning a few things.

The main reason I've decided to say "Hello!" is two fold. One, I joined another razor shaving forum and got read the riot act (or as they called it, standard boilerplate) which I couldn't agree with and the reason I got given that is because I sell things. Japanese woodworking tools and obviously sharpening gear to keep them sharp.

It seems to be much more friendly and open here, which is nice after the last welcome I got. Made me gun-shy to join up anywhere else that considers waving very sharp stuff around one's own throat (!) enjoyable.

I'll hold off on mentioning anything else for now, I don't want to wear out my welcome.

That's about all I've got right now. I'm off to read some more stuff and see what I'm supposed to be doing as a materiel pusher...

Thanks for being congenial, I hope I don't change that.

Stu.

Stu,

We are glad to have you. There are some rules of how we conduct ourselves, but in summary it's about being a gentleman. I think you will find the FAQ & Rules of Conduct a good place to start:
Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki
SRP rules of conduct - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Thanks Shooter,

I did read the rules of conduct, but not the FAQ.

I can't be called a vendor yet, but I do hope that I can contribute something without abusing sensibilities.

The main issue elsewhere was a lot of verifying documents (business documentation, good luck reading any of that in Japanese) and money up front, and maybe we'll approve you. Either that, or you can't say anything in any thread that mentions a product I sell.

Really frustrating to see bad information thrown around, and being unable to do anything about it because I sell the product. Which, when it comes to synthetic stones, I sell pretty much all of them except Norton, so it means staying out of those threads, and I know well enough to shut up if I don't know something.

To me, it reeked of extortion, so I've not gone back. Too busy to fight lopsided and ridiculous battles. ;)

So long as it's ok to contribute on things I know and also happen to sell, great.

I'll be lurking a lot until I work out what's really needed for a razor though. :)

Off looking again,

Stu.

Welcome Schtoo.
Don't worry you will find this place very friendly :-)

Welcome to SRP

Welcome, you have a very good man in JimR. Good luck!

Stu,
I'm new too. Been lurking around for a few days and trying to decide to take the leap into straight razor shaving. I'm happy to see you here because I know of you from a couple of woodworking forums. I'm a hobbyist woodworker. I also know that you are extremely knowledgeable and honest when it comes to sharpening materials. Glad to hear you survived the disaster in Japan.

Hi Stu,
Good to see you here.
Let me know when you are ready to try the 'proper' method of shaving
as I can donate whatever you'll need to get started if Jim hasn't got you
covered there already.
Hope your golden week went well and to see you again in the near future.

Hi Joe,

I've actually got a notice from the Post Office that may or may not be a little package with some kind of sharp doohickey in it.

Now if only I can retire the big kanna blade I have been using and switch to something smaller and more appropriate...

And thanks to all for the welcome. Just hope I don't have an accident and am never able to come back!

Stu.

Welcome to SRP! Good luck in your venture.