Thread: Newb from Kansas City

Hello Straight Razors,


I've been reading posts for a while, and considering I'm straight and recently interested in razors, I've finally decided to join!


I'm 30, and never knew much about shaving techniques, and for that reason shaving was always a painful, bloody experience. I even have flesh losses out of my chin that I suspect were from shaving at some points along the way. I've been "gifted" with a longer, more muscular neck than most folks--very definite muscles, adam's apple, hard jaw line… no flab to grab onto and stretch tight when shaving. Also, the grain under my jaw goes to the right, making it difficult to work with. That and my lack of shaving knowledge resulted in perennial razor burn, my skin constantly freckled with blood and raw patches. My solution has been to wear turtlenecks, and go for the George Michael shadow (clippers are nicer to my skin).


Recently I've grown tired of walking around with rash-like razor burn all over my neck. Finding an "Art of Shaving" store nearby gave me the idea that there's something to be done about it. Since then I'm trying out everything to see what works best for me.


I've been shaving with double-edge safety razors for about a month. I finally figured out how to work up lather with a brush. I still cut myself regularly but I'm getting better. About 2 months ago I had a rare date with an amazing woman, and shaved clean on my way out the door, but came home to see my neck dotted with small, hardened blood clots--fewer than before, but still an embarrassment which sealed my mission to get it right. Since then I've learned to use as little pressure as possible.


With a safety razor, the razor is still hidden so it's harder for me to keep track of what angle it's at--and therefore what I'm doing with it. Probably this will improve with practice, but I've always understood "manual" options best, and figured straight shaving was probably what I really wanted to learn. Yet it sounded so technically involved, and depending on who I was talking to people seemed really afraid of it. I collect (and throw) knives, and use woodworking hand planes, so I trust myself with a blade in general--and straight razor shaving seems like an extension of that education. After a woman I was working with started telling me all about her grandfather shaving with a straight razor, I figure if he could do it so can I!


I have tons of questions, so please check my posts if you feel like imparting wisdom…in the words of Ross Perot, I'm all ears.


Thanks!
Dave
"Bhip"

Welcome to SRP

There are a number of SRP guys in Kansas City. Here is a link to some of them......

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...rt=posts&pp=50

Do yourself a favor and modify your profile to include your location. That way when a Razor Meet is put together you can be notified.

Here is a forum to monitor for upcoming Razor Meets. You might want to check out the prior events.

Get Togethers and Meetings

Thanks for the info... I'll update my profile.

Welcome - if you are ever in Toe-Picker, feel free to PM me and I'll show you my collection and techniques as to how I maintain the collection.

Best of luck - shaving with a straight is a lifestyle! I think you'll love it.

Welcome to the world of wet shaving. Can't think of any questions about shaving that someone here cannot answer.
Good luck and take it slow. You have a long time to learn this art.

Dave

As a Kansas City expat now living on the East Coast, let me welcome you to SRP. It's always good to see eager new members signing up here. As others have suggested, there is a ton of information up on the Wiki and to be found in the threads around the site, but especially in the newbie section. If push comes to shove, never hesitate to ask for advice/help/a medic. We love to share the joy we all find in this hobby.

But most of all, as the founder of the site Lynn likes to remind us all, what's most important of all is to just have fun with this hobby!

Thanks, everybody!

If you need any help just ask. I am currently in Rolla, MO. I know there are a lot of members in the mid-west.