Hello from the frozen north (Wisconsin)

I've been lurking for a while, mostly to read, learn and watch the various videos associated with straight razors and their use. I've been wet shaving with DE's for a couple of months and have several (a DE89, a Futur, a 39C slant, an R41) and am enjoying shaving much more than droning away with an electric as I've done for the last 40 years.

I'm just getting into shaving with a straight and have a Dovo. I also have a nice strop and some hones (DMT 350, Norton 1k, 4k/8k and Naniwa 12k) and bought a good inexpensive razor that is not shave ready to learn on. I'm an engineer (EE) and have a scientific turn of mind (Ph.D to match) so the mechanical nature of honing and stropping appeals to me.

I've shaved with the straight once, part way. I did my cheeks and the flat part of my neck both WTG. I had a plastic surgeon on speed dial but it went pretty well. Not super close but that wasn't my intent, I just wanted to get some experience with the razor. I'll use it again next time I shave (I'm an every other day man) and maybe do an ATG or XTG pass of the same areas. Not in any hurry and enjoying the journey.

So much for intro. Probably back to lurking mode until I have something to contribute (which might just be "how long does it take cuts to heal?").

LOL - welcome to SRP! Cut's don't take as long to heal as your pride :). Though if you own it when people ask -> they'll never see you in the same light when you state something like the dog bumped me while I was using my straight! And you will not feel as bad about it any more either lol. :)

How did you like your R41?

Thanks for the reply and welcome. I like the R41 quite a bit and use it regularly. The only one of my DE's I've not been able to fully enjoy is the 39C slant. I've only used it a few times and am still getting the feel of it and trying to find a blade I like. I get a closer and smoother shave with no nicks or cuts from the "dreaded" R41 and Feather combination than I've been able to manage with the slant and either Dorcos (hated them) or Gillette Blacks. I like the Blacks OK but will continue to experiment with blades as I expect I'll continue starting with the straight and finishing with a DE for a while until I've got more experience with the straight.

Thanks again.

Hey - that's quite the mini review! Thank you.

You are going to love going through different straights too! I would say (if I may) start slow and get to know your first couple of straights as well as possible before the acquisition disorder gets the best of you lol. It takes a bit of time as you know to get a straight shave mastered, and having just a few razors (now that you intend to hone) is going to make it much easier. They really all have their own personality's! Its incredible really - being they are innate I mean inanimate lol and all.

Whatever you do ask right away if there is something you are wondering - there are a ton of guys here who really know what they are doing!

All the best of luck as you pursue your new skill - I think you are going to love it!

Welcome! Where in WI? A bunch of us here to the west in MN. I am in the twin cities.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Minnebrew

Welcome! Where in WI? A bunch of us here to the west in MN. I am in the twin cities.

---

I have a small farm (not active) west of Richland Center - about 60 miles due west of Madison.