Hello from Knoxville

Hi Guys,
Been trolling around here for the last year or so. I'm a cook, been into sharpening knives for few years. Finally took the plunge about 4months ago with DE shaving, it really didn't go that well. I really enjoyed the ritual of things: badger brush, making lather (though not great at it), not buying disposable crap, trying something new, etc. I didn't/don't enjoy the horrible razor burn i get. I was in the process of narrowing down my problems, there were so many changing variables. Then i got my first straight! I had thought that DE shaving would prepare me for straights...i guess it helped with lathering but thats about it.
Well my straight came on my birthday in January and i started then instead of waiting until i had mastered DE shaving. I have absolutely loved it. I somehow am alittle more adept at straights than DE's. It was intimidating I have to admit. I was honestly scared. But after 3 or so very shoty shaves, i became able to shave my whole face. That was about 6 weeks ago, and i am very happy to still be at it. I have good days and bad, but so far always finish with the straight. I know i have so much to learn, but dont mind the journey. I have became obsessed, just like i did with cutlery..."ohhhh Japanese steel, How I", you get the idea. I was already a small fortune into knives, and stones, since i had the stones it seemed like straight razor sharpening would be an easy switch. Yes, i now know it isn't easy. Im now at a point where i need to work on the Dovo 6/8 full hollow, but its my only straight and the idea of DE shaving again makes me wanna scream. I have Chosera 400 (i know doesn't help here),1k,3k,5k and Norton 200,1k,4k,8k stones and a Rika 5k. I do not have any compounds for strops. Seems like that may be my first purchase, instead of a 10k+ stone? Also my razor was honed by Lynn via SRD, I have a SRD strop. So i am now at a point where i need to get another razor before messing this one up too much while learning. I have a very thick coarse beard, and of course sensitive skin. I am thinking of ordering a Hart for the thicker grind. Any thoughts? I dont have too much loot, but always seem to find ways to justify the obsessions. Im just trying to be a little more thoughtful about purchases since I had told SWMBO this would save us money!
Well I had just intended on saying hello, but managed to ask for advice anyway. I have done so much reading on here that I know how helpful all of you are and look forward to any advice you guys have. I was hoping to hear from others in East Tennessee that are interested in straights, everyone i know thinks i am nuts..even most the knife guys (go figure). If anyone on here does live in the Knoxville area; even though I dont drink much (have enough bad habits) I do work at a cool old brewery, with lots of good food and beer if anyone want to visit sometime for a chat!

Welcome from the Tri Cities TN area (Bluff City/Bristol)over here, I got the bug and love it.

Two of mine are off getting pro-treatment so I have something to compare my work to.

Welcome to SRP IronMonkey2772, and congrats on stepping out of the shadows and into the light!

And grats on your shaves as well, it can be an intimidating thing to do, wielding a straight razor for the first few times. Sounds like you did fine.

As for the honing/maintenance gear, you can shave fine off the norton 8k stone. In fact, there was a whole group of people here using only that stone for a month, they all had fun as far as I can remember. Check it out here.

Compounds are completely optional, I don't use compounds at all. Also if you want a thicker grind, there are tons of alternatives, check out some old wedge ground razors. But it sounds like you got the bug, so you do what you must :)

Anyways, good to have you with us, have fun, and let us know how you fare.

Welcome to SRP !

Thanks str8fencer, helps to know i can manage with 8k. Been on fence about what to do for alternative incase i goof it up. I still have a german chef's knife that i lost a good 1/2inch on learning how to sharpen...i just didn't know when to stop. Luckily I'm still able to use that knife at work...I let newbies use it. If i had the same learning curve with a straight...I doubt it would be salvageable, and not a good way for me to keep improving my shaving technique. If the 8k works for some I will just try some touching up and see where it lands me. I will probably follow your advice and keep my eyes open for an old Wade and Butcher, and see how that tackles my beard. I will look to buy from a member here, and if nothing comes up I will probably buy a Hart. I wish I could try out different grinds before buying...but I guess thats part of the fun. Thanks again, Cheers!

Welcome to SRP. I'm about 2-3 hrs from you. I hope to host a meet-up sometime in the next few months and you're more than welcome to make to the trip down to Huntsville. I started with straights over a year ago and haven't looked back. Enjoy the experience.

I have been shaving off an 8k for a while now and the edges are just fine (still going to get a 12k though). I don't own one but have heard really good things about hart razors.
Welcome to srp and have fun