Hello from New Orleans

So, I decided to take the plunge, order myself a sight unseen razor from Whipped Dog. Gotta admit, the idea of paying $55 for the strop kit and a grab-bag razor seems pretty fun in and of itself. I got so excited, well I purchased a second razor from the classifieds here too. So let's see, two razors, and I haven't even shaved with any yet. Oh, and I should also mention I've only ever shaved with an electric razor. Should be a fun transition!

I also grabbed one of those basic omega brushes, then I swung by a store here that carries wet shaving supplies, saw Truefitt & Hill, a name a recognized from browsing around on here, and grabbed some of their rose scented shaving cream. Talk about nice-smelling. Then, since I figured I needed the practice, I went ahead and lathered myself up...then wiped it off and shaved with my sorry electric razor. But really, man, you guys weren't kidding about how nice warm lather is. Plus I can still vaguely smell the rose. Pretty sure I'm going to like this.

Oh, and when I was in that store, I mentioned that I was going to straight razor shave, and the guy in there said something along the lines of them not recommending straight razor shaving unless you're a doctor or barber. So I'm guessing everyone on this forum is an MD, right? ;) I suppose I can see why they wouldn't want to push people towards straight razors, though...I figure you probably should come to that decision on your own, not thanks to a salesman.

Welcome to SRP. Be patient while learning to shave with a straight, read the links for beginners and your face will thank you. It will take some time, but if you hang in there, you will get the best shaves of your life. As for the guy not recommending shaving with straights, what does he know? He probably drinks the Kool-aid believing Gillette makes the best shave a man can get. Just the other day there was a restorable W & B on the bay and the guy's ad stated the razor would display nicely as the pins were tight, but the real beauty was the [U]box[U] that came with it. :) Yep, I guess we're just a bunch of old fashion guys who enjoy a great shave and yes there are a few barbers and doctors on this forum, so I guess we're in good hands.

LilyMayBear,

Hello; and welcome to SRP. Glad to have you aboard.

+1 on ReardenSteel's advice. Be patient. Everything you need to know about straight razor shaving won't be learned in a day, week, month or even a year. Just stick with it. Straight razor shaving is one of the true pleasures left in life. Enjoy it.

Thanks for the welcomes so far.

I've been lurking around reading almost everything I can, since I tend to be a bit of a researchaholic. This will be an excellent trait when it comes to shaving with a straight razor, I'm sure. Already read the beginners guide maybe four times (I keep coming back as I learn more, and more of it starts to make sense and fit together), and I know I'm going to have to control my impulse to go gung ho on the first shot and try to shave my whole face.

I can tell the community here is great, though, so as I start off and continue to learn, and learn, and learn some more, it'll be great to have such a helpful group of people around.

This makes me think, though. It seems like, pre-internet, the way men learned how to shave was from their fathers or immediate relatives. This is why I shave with an electric, because it's all my dad ever taught me. But here we have this great forum where we're no longer bound by the knowledge limits of the obvious people in our lives to teach us these things. Heck, someone who spends twenty minutes on this forum probably would learn more about shaving in that time than the majority of men will learn in their lifetimes on the subject.

Welcome aboard!!

+1 on all the advice already given. One can only offer encouragement as an addition. Truly stick to the tried and true approaches so that it doesn't sour you on the experience. If you take it slow and enjoy it for what it is, that being an alternative to the speed shaves purported since the double edge blade was invented, you will get more gratification from shaving than you ever thought possible.

Again, welcome to the club and be sure and ask questions when the questions have formed properly. There will be many!! :)

Best of luck, :tu

Mike

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Originally Posted by LilyMayBear

Thanks for the welcomes so far.
This makes me think, though. It seems like, pre-internet, the way men learned how to shave was from their fathers or immediate relatives. This is why I shave with an electric, because it's all my dad ever taught me. But here we have this great forum where we're no longer bound by the knowledge limits of the obvious people in our lives to teach us these things. Heck, someone who spends twenty minutes on this forum probably would learn more about shaving in that time than the majority of men will learn in their lifetimes on the subject.

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I know exactly how you feel :) well spoken.