I've just got into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne, so I figured I should probably learn how to handle a blade well and before I become a surgeon. If I can shave thick stubborn hair from my face with precision, the beasts I will eventually operate on will hopefully stand a pretty good chance survival.

The other reasons why I began to learn how to straight shave are:
  1. I'm sick of paying for $15 for 4 disposable razors (Money)
  2. Even when I triple shave with a disposable, I can still feel stubble (Dissatisfaction with another product)
  3. I've had a couple of cut-throat shaves at a couple of different barbers, and I would like to try my own hand at it (Saw a better product)
  4. My new years resolution with my wife was to do less work, and more of what I enjoy. I enjoy shaving (Therapy and meditation... and in a manly way)
  5. It's an ethical choice in terms of waste (Will save the planet)


I hail from Adelaide in South Australia, and I'm about to move to Melbourne (although I've chosen to cycle the 1100+km via the Great Ocean Road in Summer for charity [I'm a man of unwise decisions]). I've been browsing the site for quite sometime now and was seriously contemplating joining up. I was surprised at the high calibre of writing, and the way many of you effectively communicate difficult concepts.

I genuinely hope to milk all of you for all of the tips, hints, and information that I can while I learn to shave with a straight razor (And hopefully to the relief of the community's Veterans: No, I don't want to know the value of my razors; yes, the search bar is a very useful tool; and no, I don't want to know how long my razor will last before I need to have it honed again.) I also have a keen interest in the history of the objects I own, and I think that this will extend to my razors and other shaving equipment.

So basically, I hope to be a valuable member of this community (particularly the Australian one), and build my knowledge and skills until I am at a stage where I can be a useful member and help newcomers as much as many of you do.

Now, for the question, aimed at both new and old members.

Why did you decide to start shaving with a straight/DE?
What equipment do you have, and why do you choose this? (Brag as much as you want about your little beauties!)

Cheers,

Wulf