Thread: 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...

But, I still enjoy doing it, when I don't cut myself . 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!

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