Hello From Washington DC/Northern VA

Hey all,

I've been browsing SRP for some time and thought I'd finally register and participate. Long-time wet shaver, I bought my first brush and wooden bowl of sandalwood shaving soap at 19 in Chicago. Before Art of Shaving shops popped up everywhere and before internet forums for shaving existed, I had found a few good shops that sold brushes and soaps along the lines of Tabac, TOBS, and Edwin Jagger. I still used disposable cartridges because I didn't know anything about DE razors and had no idea that straight razors still existed. About 2 years ago I bought a Merkur HD and never looked back. I've never used another razor since, despite lusting after the occasional Ikon or coveting my father's adjustable Gillette. Last year I bought my wife a DE and brush for her legs (she likes Tabac and Razorock, as do I), and this past Christmas I got my father a Merkur 1904, some Razorock, and a nice new badger. Got him hooked. Last year, my wife bought me a silvertip badger from AOS for my birthday. It's nice to have a wife who supports one's shaving hobby! And this year she graciously got me my first straight razor. I picked it out from Vintage Shave Llc, a TI Special Coiffuer and strop. Honed by Lynn Abrams, it looks great, feels great. She let me open it a few days early, but, alas, I'm not able to use it till Wednesday, on my birthday. I'm going mad with anticipation.

Anyway, this is my hello. Thanks to all for the trove of information and gorgeous SOTD pics. I'll be posting mine!

Michael

Welcome, Imyself started with the HD before going to straights. It is a fine razor, as will that TI be. One piece of advice, the amount of pressure you used with the merkur, use about 3/4 les with the TI, and short strokes. Start with the spine flat on your face, then tilt just enough to see space, then you can adjust your angles from there. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice. 3/4 less, eh? Will heed!

Welcome from a fellow NOVA guy.