Hi,


I've been using either Mach 3's or a Norelco electric I got in 2001 for the past 10 years. I was out of Mach 3 heads and while at the store recalled some video I was shown of the Dollar Shave Club. I though I'd check it out. While I was at it, I thought of a double edged razor handle my grand father had, so I started looking at those. That led me to various forums, and somehow I ran into straight razors. I thought... what the heck, why not!?

That was maybe a month ago. Since then I've:
  • Looked around for used razors at antique stores, contemplated doing the whipped dog deal, and eventually found out that user robd is local and ended up buying an antique special from him for $15 to get started
  • Ordered a 22mm silvertip brush from The Golden Nib. I plan to turn my own handle soon.
  • Put some Taylor or Old Bond Sandalwood and a styptic pencil on order; should be here soon.


The only thing I don't have is a strop and any honing instruments.

I couldn't wait any longer. I did my first shave tonight after a shower. Used the badger brush handleless and whipped up some lather from my Nivia gel in a can in a shallow coffee mug. I stopped my razor (it was already shave ready from robd) with newspaper laying flat on my marble kitchen island.

It went so-so... My comments:
  • The shave was more "pull-y" than I expected. Perhaps the razor wasn't sharp enough or my cream wasn't very good. It tugged quite a bit. The razor did pass the hanging hair test... maybe cream matters more than I thought?
  • I cut myself a bit, but no worse than using a new Mach 3 cartridge. I always seem to get a few nicks the first time. I was hoping to be a pro on the first go, but all-in-all I wasn't too disappointed
  • Shaving around the voice box, directly under the jaw line, near the ears, and the chin are quite difficult! Not sure how best to get these areas. I kind of just skipped them for the sake of not filleting my face.


Anyway, just wanted to officially say "Hi." I've been lurking all this time and it's a great site. Robd has been quite helpful with various questions on private messaging and it was neat to know there's some locals here (St. Paul, MN).

I think I'll try to find leather to make a strop at Tandy and keep my eye open for something like a 4000/8000 Norton stone or a barber hone, as those seem to be the recommended starting places.

I'd love any suggestions on the tugging factor. I didn't expect that. Sharpness, cream, lather, all three?

Thanks!
John