Thread: Hi from Brisbane, Australia

Hi gang, Nick here from Brisbane, in Australia. Have always had an affinity for straight razors but have just taken a while to finally take the plunge, much to the distress of my wife, who thinks I'll skin myself

Currently have a shavette-style razor with disposable blades but only had to use that once before I bought a proper steel razor & strop kit. Currently using a terrible brush and a Palmolive shave stick. I've always had really sensitive skin on my neck (Can't look against the grain, let alone shave it!!) but have found the pure sharpness of my disposable blade and the calming effect of taking my time has helped me immensely in getting a very close shave without having to go over my neck half a dozen times.

Looking forward to getting my kit I ordered from the UK (Just rubbish mind you) and hopefully getting a Dovo classic white in a little while. I'm also keen on restoring a razor perhaps as well, trades/using your hands is in my blood and I modify everything I can get my mitts on, so we'll see how much the wife lets me get into it!

I've already planned a balsa strop for some Cro2/Chromium Oxide that I'll most likely get into making on the weekend!

Welcome to the forum! That Dovo should be a sweet starter razor.

NickB, welcome to SRP mate!

I also started with a DOVO shavette before getting a DOVO Best Quality SR. Both still are used in the obligatory rotation.

Start of RAD

There are quite a lot of SR enthusiasts in and around Brisbane who will welcome you very soon. Between them they will offer all the support and encouragement you may need.

I have heard that there may be a get together late May in the Brisbane area, so watch this space or more specifically, the Downunder forum.

Cheers,

Sunbird

Cool, might be interesting! Thanks for the heads up!

I tend to get a few "GAS" issues (gear acquisition syndrome) being a I.t./computer tech and also a photographer. Also an avid car fan my wife reminded me over dinner, so that doesn't help things either!

Welcome to SRP.

Russell

Welcome to the forum Nick. Where abouts in Brissy are you?


Mick

Originally Posted by MickR

Welcome to the forum Nick. Where abouts in Brissy are you?


Mick

Thanks, Northside actually.

Hello Nick,
Welcome to Straight Razor Place. There is much to learn and enjoy, and you're in good hands with my friend MickR. It's good to have you with us.

Originally Posted by NickB

Thanks, Northside actually.

Well, if you need a hand with anything or just feel like a cuppa and a yarn, give me a shout. I'm at Brighton.


Mick

Originally Posted by MickR

Well, if you need a hand with anything or just feel like a cuppa and a yarn, give me a shout. I'm at Brighton.


Mick

Thanks Mick!

I'll throw my first question up here, why not!

I've got a plan in my head that may or may not be reasonable. I plan to rotate two razors, first is the shavette, second is the SR I have ordered from the UK.

With maintenance, I know honing is very important, my concern is with the maintenance plan I have in mind namely the DIY pasted balsa strop (when from my research apparently will be 'just as good' as a high-grit stone or pasted leather/material strop). But my real question is, how long should I be able to maintain a razor off it with cro2/crox paste and leather? I've chosen cro2/crox as from what I can establish it's a little milder than diamond spray.

From my reading, if I'm diligent, it should be essentially.. forever. That's my plan for the short term anyway (Perhaps a year). I have seen some ceramic barbers hones on ebay (this unfortunately shows my range of budget for this, which is essentially a hobby) for about $20 or so, used of course. The main aim is to not have a large outlay, so if I could keep going for a long time with the crox, or perhaps the crox with a yearly hone from a local honing god etc.. would be pretty good for me.

If any other newbies have asked the same sorts of questions, I'd appreciate links if you'd rather not regurgitate the same information I'm sure others have but what I can find all refers to getting stones and honing with them!