Hello from Greenwood, IN

Hello,

First I'd like to say how surprised I was to find out there were forums such as this where people were interested in straight razor shaving for similar reasons I had. The internet is a wonderful thing. First, I'm tired of buying and throwing away razors. Second, cartridge safety razors are just so expensive, especially to keep throwing away. I'm very cheap by nature and would tend to use a razor for too long; I'd even "strop" the razor against jeans just to get it to last a few weeks more.

Third, I'm sick of poor shaves. My face would feel abused, scraped and dried and I absolutely hated shaving. I've always heard of the mythical straight razor and what a clean and comfortable shave could be had. I also heard that the act of shaving could actually be an enjoyable experience.

The only caveat was that straight shaving would take time to learn and might actually turn into a hobby of sorts; skill was necessarily involved and most men couldn't be bothered. I think is was this last point that sold me. If there's anything I've learned, it is that those things that are hard to achieve and obtain are most appreciated in life.

I was very fortunate to stumble across this forum and even more fortunate to run into Pinklather. He seems to be very popular here and I can understand why. He has been a very patient and able guide for me in my first forays into the world of straight shaving. He even sold me my first razor at a very good price and provided guidance on brushes, shaving creams and soaps, etc. as well as answering my inane, newbie questions.

Vancouverdog has also been very helpful in advice he's given. Thank you.

So far I've had four shaves with this blade Pinklather calls a Swede, and the last shave was the first that I did not have to do any clean-up with my cartridge razor. I'm hoping that I will now be able to discard the cartridge forever, along with the canned foam I once thought passed for shaving cream.

Right now it takes me too long to prep and shave in the morning so I shave in the afternoon without the benefit of a warm shower to prepare my whiskers; so I've become extremely interested in the prep process. I've been reading the articles and posts by mainaman, CableDog, bshank66, and others and purchased some castor oil to mix with olive oil. I've also taken to using moisturizing hair conditioner and, of course, using a hot towel. I put the shaving oil in a little spritzer I found at Walgreens; the mix is not too viscous to come out the sprayer.

So far stropping has not proven to be a problem, but I'm sure as soon as I log out of here and strop for my next shave I'll leave a nick in it. That's how life is, sometimes; brag about something and the Fates will punish you.

I understand it may take at least a hundred shaves to get a decent shave. I still leave a bit of stubble myself, especially around my chin and neck where the hairs are most like steel; but I know with patience and practice and the help of others who take this fine art seriously, I'll do fine, like everyone else here.

Thank you.

-Mark from Greenwood

P.S.

Google is your friend. If you are ever interested in finding a particular article or subject you can limit Google searches to this site. For instance:

"castor" site:straightrazorplace.com

This will find instances where castor (oil) is mentioned on this site only. You can go to the advanced search tab and use advanced search items and Google will show you how to parse your search command. I found this invaluable here.

Hi Mark and welcome to SRP!!! Sounds like you are off to a good start. The guys on this forum are most helpfull and eager to share knowledge. Oh yes, the world of straight razors is very addicting. I've been at it for over 40 years and am still learning and buying razors. Very best regards and happy shaving, wildhog

Wildhog,

Thanks for the kind welcome. 40 years and still learning; it looks like I have a lot of catch-up to do.