Thread: Hello from Atlanta!

I found this forum through artofmanliness.com's piece on straight razors. I've always been interested in giving it a try, and so I've started with an el'Cheapo blade that was on sale at featherrazor.com.... probably not my brightest moment in shaving.

Since that time, I've acquired a norton 4k/8k hone, leather strop, and badger brush. I have a cheap soap puck and bowl I found at a local store and frankly... I think I'll stick to my Neutrogena shave cream as its never done me wrong before.

I was able to get the cheap blade to a mirror finish after much hone and polishing. Trial and error has lead to a OK shave, but I'm here to learn more and possibly upgrade after working on my technique. I'm not to a normal Gillette close cut, but I'm getting there.

Welcome, from another newbie. In Dallas Georgia. This is an awesome place to learn. The wiki links have tons of info and the videos are great. Most everyone here is willing to help just ask a question. It has probably been asked before but they will still answer (its a patient lot).

James

It does take some time to learn to straight shave. It helps to have some good known variables. The norton helps when you really get into honing. I would also suggest lapping the stone if you haven't already. Spend some time in our wiki, it has a lot of great info and searching old threads teach a lot.
I would also suggest that you find a member in your location via our member map to help expedite the learning curve or there may be a meet in your area coming up. Lots to learn here from lots of very experienced people.

Most important: Welcome!

I just now noticed the video section and looking at that. Didn't notice a member map, but that would be amazing to find a meet up and talk shop.

+1 to meeting a local to help you. Shortens the learning curve in a big way.

I would also consider getting someone to hone your razor. You may have done a great job, or maybe not. That is the problem, you have nothing to base it on and frankly IMO the shave test is even a crappy test to base it on when one is learning to use a straight.