New Member, Hello All

Greetings gentlemen, (and ladies, if applicable). My name is John, some folks call me J.W. I'm 29 years old, and live in the great city of Chicago. I have been shaving with a straight for about two months now -- I had been wanting to go to straight razor shaving for over eight years, and complacency, finances, and a little intimidation had kept me from doing so, until one day I was shaving with my mach 3 and just felt totally unsatisfied with the experience. I literally set the razor down, walked out the door, and caught a bus up the street to Merz Apothecary and bought a Dovo SS Olive Wood, a straight razor designs 3" leather w/ canvas strop, and some shaving soap. I kept my winter beard since taking the plunge into the open razor world, but use it to clean up my neck, throat, and around my upper cheeks. Man, I have really enjoyed it so far and have been reading and absorbing as much information as possible, particularly on honing(I'm actually gonna post a question later about honing in another thread/section if you're interested.) A couple weeks ago I bought a nice coticule bout and slurry stone, and have been fighting the urge to get rid of the beard and go completely clean and really experience a shave. I have really checked out a few forums, including this, B&B, and a few others, and I went ahead and registered here and am excited to trade anecdotes and info with you all. Professionally, I'm an HVAC/R service mechanic and am in the local 597 pipefitter's union. I guess that's pretty much it. Pleasure to meet you all,

John

Welcome to SRP!
Glad to hear that you are being successful thus far. if you take the time to learn the coticule properly it is all the stone you will ever need. however, you might find youreself wanting more and that is ok.

enjoy,
jim

Welcome to the learning curves

Jonathan

Welcome aboard. Do a search ""Members, Chicago"" for members in your area to have someone to talk with and perhaps learn from. there are a lot of them and they do get together occasionally.
~Richard