Hello from San Angelo, TX

I've been using SRP for a while now and haven't yet introduced myself... Where are the manners, right?
Well, I'm 31yrs old, grew up in a small town about half an hour north of Eugene, OR. Joined the USAF when I was 24, and now I'm stationed in San Angelo, TX. I have an 8yr old son from my first marriage and am now happily remarried to a fantastic woman.
I've been shaving with a straight razor for... well, haven't started yet, I have several razors to restore before I can begin. I thoroughly enjoy the process of the shave now that I've found this forum. It's great to know there's a world of true gentlemen out there willing to aid, encourage, and provide insight regarding the finer things in life.
Looking forward to the journey.
Aaron

Hey, Duckman,

So you're on the end of the diving board, deep in contemplation. You'll swim fine.

Big Red Flag: "I have several razors to restore before I can begin." Do you plan to do the resto yourself? Pls. notice how many threads mention how critical a 'shave ready' razor is to a new shaver. Before even learning the shave, you want to tackle restoration? Pls. reconsider.

You needn't drop a wad of money to get a razor that really is shave ready. Its not going to be from a brick and mortar store. It'll be from someone who uses one daily. The romance/coolness of restoration is strong. Sometimes its quite satisfying. Its in the future for a new shaver. And, like learning the shave, all the help will be there for the restoration work also. But first learn the shave with a pro-quality edge. New guys need better edges than us old farts. You'll be harder on edges, both from the shave and from developing stropping skills. ( I hope to develop some someday :) ). Whether you send your existing blades out for professional TLC or buy a shave ready blade, you're about to get into the best shaves of your life. Let you fascination w/ the restore work remain, but don't dive into that until you can shave comfortably and hone a decent edge. Each of these skills will do you proud when its time to unleash the restoration passion.

BTW. You left God's country for TX? Sigh. On the plus side - there is an unusually high concentration of very highly skilled (and wonderful guys in general) guys in TX. The site has a google map page that helps you find members in your area. Getting together w/ a more experienced shaver can just put rocket fuel in your learning tank. 'Look forward to hearing about your first shaves. And thank you for serving.

Welcome to SRP! :)

I have to concur with Pinklather. Have at least one razor, preferably 2, honed by a pro from SRP. Look in the SRP Classified Ads under Services for guys offering honing. That way you will know what a truly sharp razors edge feels like and have reference point for your own honing attempts.

Restoration.....is one of the most addictive hobbies you will ever encounter and consume much of your free time and money......... but it sure is fun! :) and satisfying .

I was stationed in San Angelo for 4 years, still miss it a decade later!

Welcome to SRP.

I agree with pinklather and randydance. Before you begin your restore projects, try to get one or two of your razors professionally honed by somebody here who knows what they are doing.

A properly honed razor can make all the difference--that and proper stropping and shaving technique--when it comes to a satisfying straight razor shave.

Well, I followed your advice, especially since my wife bought me a Solingen straight for Christmas. She even had my initials etched in the blade. Pretty cool if you ask me. I shaved the day I got it. No nicks on the cheeks, so I kept going... got through the entire shave without any irritation. I only did the WTG pass, as I didn’t want to press my luck too hard. I was a little nervous about the quality of the blade until I bought a Dovo Pearlex (took advantage of SRD’s “free honing for life” promo) and shaved with it too. The generic Solingen performed better than the Dovo. Of course it could just be me, but the Dovo feels much harsher on my face. I’m getting more and more comfortable with WTG passes and am slowly experimenting with the ATG and XTG passes. I can get that BBS feel on my cheeks, but of course, the jaw, chin, and neck are my problem areas. After my straight, I clean it up with my cartridge razor. Oh well, I’ll keep it around a little while longer.
I have all the tools now for restoration. I’m working on a couple; one’s a F. Fenney Tally Ho (search “Tally Ho!”), and another is a Griffon Carbo-Magnetic I’m going to do the steampunk inspired scales on for my brother.
On another note, I bought my son a 1912 GEM Junior so he can “shave” with me in the morning. There’s not a blade in it, but he loves lathering up and shaving it off. One of my fatherly joys I suppose.
Thanks for the support guys!

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Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I was stationed in San Angelo for 4 years, still miss it a decade later!

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The people are what make San Angelo nice. The climate and location... not so much.

My son and I are APDavis... your first name isn't Aaron (my name) or Ayden (the boy) is it?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pinklather

BTW. You left God's country for TX? Sigh. On the plus side - there is an unusually high concentration of very highly skilled (and wonderful guys in general) guys in TX. The site has a google map page that helps you find members in your area. Getting together w/ a more experienced shaver can just put rocket fuel in your learning tank. 'Look forward to hearing about your first shaves. And thank you for serving.

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Where's the google map page? I must be SRP retarded... I can't find it.

nope, the google map page is not working right now.

Hello Aaron. My name is nathan, I am 28 with a 7 year old daughter. I reside in San Angelo and am also a fan of steampunk. The straight razor you've fashioned is quite beautiful, I and a few other artisan types are attempting to create a steampunk appreciation group here in west texas. you can find us on fb @ San Angelo Steampunk. Our collective skills range from leatherwork, sewing, carpentry, etc... your skills would be a most welcome addition and in a town where the motto is "keep san angelo backward", a few more likeminded individuals you can call friends never hurts