Thread: Hello from The Netherlands

Hi,

While browsing the internet reading up on (kitchen) knife sharpening, I bumped into this great forum and got interested. After diligently reading and browsing SRP, I decided to take the plunge and ordered the necessary equipment to get started (the sight unseen deal, a DE razor, and some soaps).
My girlfriend however didn't like the idea of using a used razor (and I must admit it is rather stuffed with gunk, so I didn't use it (yet)) so she got me a beautiful Dovo Prima Klang for Xmas

So here I am, having about 8 SR shaves behind my belt and taking it at a leisure pace (without much blood so far, knock on wood). Coming from electrical shaving, it is quite a different experience.

It's been an enjoyable ride so far. I seem to have a sensitive skin (HAHA, I guess everybody thinks that in the beginning), so so far I shave wet about 3 times a week (and a DE when short on time).
So far I learned that Taylors of bond street sandalwood isn't for me (already get a reaction about 1 minute after putting it on my face). Currently I use Proraso shaving soap (Ultra sensitive skin). I easily get a flaky/peeling skin a day later (bad technique or reaction to the soap?), but recently experienced that Clinique M lotion helps to avoid that quite a bit.

My current quest is how to keep my razor sharp. I've been stropping diligently but most likely wrongly as the edge doesn't pass a HHT anymore. (pasted) balsawood didn't help either. So I'll have to (a) find out where I dulled the edge, and (b) find out how to get it back in shape (preferably by myself).

Thanks for all the great info on this forum and looking forward to learning and experiencing a lot!

Riba

(current setup: Dovo prima Klang, poor mans strop (x2), pasted balsawood, proraso ultra sentitive soap, Proraso Razor Burn Repair. Stones: 320 grit, Chosera 1K, Suehiro Rika 5K, (and a 12K chinese waterstone on its way)
)

PS Best moment so far: when my girlfriend asked on Sunday why I was going to shave again (as it was still smooth from Saturday).