Thread: Hi from Maryland

Thanks for the pointers! Rest assured, my daily shaving ritual begins with a thorough stropping before the blade ever touches my face, and I've started stropping between passes as well.

I don't think I need to take it to a stone either; stropping has been enough so far, and I've only had it for three months. I was more curious as to what to look for when it eventually does need honing.

To answer your questions:

1. I've never been allergic to anything before, so this would be new for me. Also, it's only the upper lip that feels it, and it's more like I'm feeling the harshness of the blade (even more so than when I essentially shaved without soap my first time )than running into any real shaving issues. I think my second shave with the William's soap was actually smoother than my usual shaves. @.@
2. I really can't give a good answer on my stropping technique without video or eyewitness, of course but I've always been careful to keep the strop straight and the blade lying flat.
3. Neither of those has been happening, so it might definitely be a bad reaction between my skin and the soap.

Originally Posted by LegalBeagle

Welcome to SRP and wet shaving. What part of Maryland are you living in? I am in NoVa myself (Alexandria/Tysons Corner for work), and would be happy to get together sometime to help you out, if you need assistance with anything...

I'm in Annapolis right now.