Bonsoir, Messieurs, Dames, as they tend to say in this part of the world.
I'm a straight razor debutante, though I have to admit I've been shaving for a long time.
For me, this all started when my daughter saw 'Pirates of the Carribean' and liked Depp's facial adornment. She kept on at me to grow a beard, and eventually I thought, "Hey, why not?" So I did.
Then I tried removing bits here and there, and have now settled for a semi Van Dyck look which seems to make people think I'm a Harley rider.....I have to say the only Harley I can tolerate is the excellent V-rod, as I'm more an ex Brit Iron sort of guy. I've never owned one of the vibraty-type Harleys, so can't say more.
Anyway, I'm here to learn about the noble art of getting the alleged best shave ever, without, I trust, removing any essential parts of my anatomy!
I have recently bought a superb old Sheffield blade from HG Long and Company, which I located on eBay for the paltry sum of £12 and bought originally to shape foam for motorcycle upholstery (I know, I know) but decided it's far too good for such work.
I also have an ERN "Try Me" Hamburg Ring, in nice condition, and the one I like best, a George Butler "Keen" "Invisible edge" in NOS condition. This has the Shakespeare quote about "keen as the razor's edge is invisible" and the immortal bard's head etched on the blade.
I'm thinking I'll have to invest in some Japanese water stones, but I think I'll get a strop made locally, as I have friends who make saddles, and a strop is, let's face it, a strip of leather.
My ridiculous username is due to the spiteful nature of the software on this site, which as I tried to register this evening rejected every name I could think of, telling me they were already used, which I don't believe for a moment, as I was inventing the most absurd names I could think of.....
It seemed to like r2d2 for some reason, and NO-ONE WAS USING IT!
Normally I'm known as Hal.....on the web!Attachment 121311
Check this strap made by one of my saddlemaking buddies here in France.....