Saying Hi from the Chicagoland area

The name's Bill, and I picked up my first straight razor a few months ago (thanks Whipped Dog!!). After reading a lot of the guides on this site, I've been shaving with it on and off, and I've still yet to accomplish a smooth shave...:shrug:

But, I still enjoy doing it, when I don't cut myself :p. Something about turning it into almost a ritual makes it relaxing to me. I'm just not skilled enough yet to do it on a more regular basis. But hey, with practice, there's hope!

I put it down after I put some very inconveniently placed nicks in my strop, but I just repaired it last night with some Elmer's rubber cement. So, I'll be jumping back in again soon! Here's hoping for some smooth shaving! :D

Welcome to SRP!
sorry to hear about the nicked strop... you mentioned whipped dog, did you get his pasted balsa as well? sometimes a razor that has nicked a strop good will need some love before it is ready to shave again... first strop it and try a shave and then let us know so perhaps you can be guided to a quick path to make it work again for you.

these things happen from time to time.

enjoy,
jim

You are doing good. Enjoy the process, every shave is a learning experience. Don't expect quick results and you will get them quicker. And take advantage of all the data here. Welcome