Thread: Hi from Norway

Hello everyone,

I'm originally from Sheffield in the UK but been living in Norway for three years. Ordered my first straight razor a couple of days ago and waiting for it to arrive. Its a dovo square point which I gather is not the most popular choice for a beginner. I learned the hard way years ago that its better not to shave than to shave in a hurry, so I'm not too worried about the extra care that's apparently needed. Also ordered an Edwin Jagger brush and soap because Sheffield is awesome. I was a little disappointed to learn that there are no straight razors made in Sheffield anymore.

I've been considering a straight razor since I was 18 and I'm now 31, so seeing Skyfall wasn't the only factor. Coming across the phrase "shave like you mean it" tipped the balance. (Thanks, Geofatboy.) I should also add that this year I was mistaken for a schoolboy and I've bought an ironing board, so there's quite a certain amount of wanting to regain a feeling of manliness involved in my decision.

Until this evening I was all excited about getting my razor, but now I'm getting a little nervous. Not worried about cutting myself up, but more worried about stropping and honing. I feel I'm quite likely to mess up the blade early on, so if anyone can help me find a honemeister in Norway I'd appreciate it.

That's probably enough for now. I'll be sure to post something about how my first attempt goes. Any advice would be very welcome. Have a great Christmas everyone.

David

If the razor is properly honed when you get it, you shouldn't need to hone it for months. And your first shave should be _before_ you strop the razor.

But you _will_ have to learn to strop, after every shave. Go slowly, hold the strop tight, and don't lift the spine of the razor off the strop.

There are lots of videos online, and some good stropping articles in the Wiki.

. Charles

Hi there, and a warm welcome from another member from Norway.
Feel free to PM me for any questions you might have, I'll do my best to help out.
And the many skilled gentlemen on this board are sure to do the same

Welcome. Best of luck. Enjoy the learning.

Hi David, welcome to the SRP, they may not make razors in Sheffield anymore but there are plenty of fine Sheffield razors to be found still in use, I'm sure you will get around to owning one eventually.

Jamie

Don't be afraid to make mistakes. You will make many and you will learn from each of them. It's a journey so enjoy it. It is worth the effort.

Thanks for the welcome and the advice everyone.

My edwin jagger brush and soap arrived today. I went for their sea buckthorn soap. I have no idea what a sea buckthorn is, but I think it smells a bit like fresh nectarine. The razor has arrived in the country and been cleared by customs so it shouldn't be long now. I'll be making my first lather with a brush and soap tomorrow morning and I'm looking forward to that even more than to opening my christmas presents. I was considering saving the stubble for the straight razor but people keep taking photos so I feel I should look presentable.

Not surprisingly most of my family think straight razor shaving is too dangerous. Only my brother has ever had a straight razor shave and the barber cut his face, so I can understand his skepticism.