Thread: A Converting Shaver in India and Oregon

Hello, everyone!

I was born and raised in Oregon and Washington States and I still consider the Pacific Northwest my home even thought life has taken me to various parts of the globe. Most recently I have been working and living in India—in Goa to be specific.

Over the years, I have had passing thoughts of trying straight razor shaving, but I never did anything about it or looked into it seriously—until a few weeks ago. I decided to see what I could find on the internet and I found SRP. Since then I have been reading more and more, especially in the forums and wiki pages, and I have learned a load so far. I am so grateful for the helpful information and references given here to us new guys about the world of straight razor shaving!

Anyway, I’m pretty excited about converting from Mach 3 to the shaving art of my grandfather. My grandfather used a straight razor and for some time sold razor strops in Portland, Oregon many years ago. In fact, my father inherited his razor and has said that I might be the recipient of it in the future. I don’t know its make or stats, but perhaps when I visit this summer I can take a look at it and even upload a few pics to SRP to get your thoughts on it.

I noticed a few other members are living in India also. If you are able give some advice about sources of good wet shaving supplies in India, I would be much obliged. Thanks!

To be entirely honest, it was largely the giveaway contest that got me to sign up as a member, but when I spent a little time looking around, I was hooked!

Thanks so much,

Jeremy

Hello Jeremy, and welcome to SRP.
Congratulations on finding this site, it is a great place to learn about straight razor shaving. The wiki covers all the basics, and the forums are full of helpful people willing to answer any questions.
Have fun, and keep us posted on your progress.

Welcome welcome. I don't know about India, but I believe Obie and Manah are not too far away. They are the guys to contact....

Thanks for the warm welcome, guys! I will definitely get in touch with Obie and Manah.

Welcome to SRP!

Well, after much anticipation I have made my first attempt at a straight razor shave! It is a very humble beginning as you can see from the picture below. I was wondering if I was a fool to try my first shave with this kind of razor, but I figured this is a way I can begin to get the hang of it, i.e. the hand position, the grip on the razor, the pressure of the blade (or better the lack of pressure) on my face, etc. The fact is, overall, the shave was not very good at all--not very close and difficult to get my face and hands in the right position so I could see what I was doing, not slice myself up, and actually shave off some facial hair in the process. But all in all I felt like it was a good start and I'm excited about learning the art.
I was pretty happy with the consistency of the lather I whipped up. Of course, I don't really know what I'm talking about since this was my first attempt. My first few strokes down my cheeks went pretty well, I think. It was feeling like a pretty good shave--better than my Mach3 shaves for sure! But it was when I attempted to shave my neck and upper lip that things got a little tough. I had trouble getting the right angle and I couldn't seem to cut the hairs very close. Anyway, practice makes perfect. Soon I hope to buy a good quality vintage blade for a good price and begin training on "the real thing!"