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