Thread: So, I dove in face first... literally?? (well, maybe just the neck)

Greetings and salutations!!

Just figured I'd introduce myself and throw out some info on my (steadily growing) arsenal!!

So, since I started shaving, roughly 16 years ago, I've had nothing but problems, particularly regarding razor burn, especially on my throat. I was self taught in what I thought was proper shaving technique, using a Gilette Mach 3 razor, whatever shave gel I had (most likely the can that came with the razor... Edge gel, I think) and a bottle of Aqua Velva blue aftershave. I fought the razor burn every. Single. Time. Especially since I've been living in Georgia or Alabama my entire life, the razor burn was TERRIBLE during our exteremely hot, humid summers. Yet, even in the relatively mild winters we have, I still suffered razor burn.

After shaving this way for roughly 8 or 9 years, I tried switching to an electric shaver, and after my skin got used to it it was a little better. Until the weather warmed up. And then it was abysmal at best.

I went back and forth between these methods up until halfway through last year. At that time, I resolved to just trim up my neck using my beard trimmer, as I now have a full beard. I need to keep my beard trimmed and groomed, but I don't see the beard coming off any time soon. However, my neck still felt rough and the stubble rubbing against my collar just chafed my neck like mad. Desperate, I started searching for a viable solution.

In my endeavor, I came across a blog where the writer was singing the praises of DE shaving. After reading his thoughts and opinions, I reasoned his conclusions were most likely correct, and warranted further research. Being that the best research is hands on, I immediately went to Sally beauty supply and found a DE razor. Right next to it, however, was a straight that used 1/2 of a DE blade. I figured for the DE, the str8 and the blades, $25 was a worthwhile research investment. A quick stop at Walgreens yielded the Van Der Hagen starter set, with the brush, apothecary mug, soap and stand for another $30, Okay, for real badger hair, I can do that. I also grabbed a tube of Dove Men + Care face wash and post shave balm.

I came home and did a quick search on DIY pre-shave oils, and came up with a good recipe for one involving olive oil, vitamin E oil, tea tree oil and glycerin. I quickly whipped up a batch and ran to the bathroom.

After a nice, hot shower and a good facial scrub, I promptly hopped out and dried off (though not my face). I wrapped a hot damp towel around my face while I was filling the sink with hot water (and warming my razor and apothecary mug). After that, I applied the pre-shave oil, and went to work loading my brush (though I opted to leave the soap in the container it came in rather than put it in the mug... just seemed like it'd be too hard to build my lather). After whipping up my lather and applying it to my neck and top of my cheeks, I started in with the blade. After a WTG, XTG and ATG pass, with lather in between, I rinsed with hot and then cold water and dabbed dry. I applied my post shave balm, and cleaned up the bathroom. When finished, I added a bit of my pre-shave oil, just to lock in the moisture.

Hmmm.. not too bad. HMMMMM... Not bad AT ALL!!!!

I was %*&%$%&* hooked!! This was one of, if not THE best shaves of my life! No razor burn (which I felt within minutes), no irritation (after not shaving for a full year and a half) and relatively BBS.

So, here's what I have in the arsenal so far:


I have, since that first and fateful day, acquired a Geneva Cutlery Co. str8 (seen above on the left, though I dunno what model it is).



I'm pretty sure the scales are shot and showing signs of cell rot. I picked this one up at a local antique shop. It has one decent size pit on the blade. I also had an "incident" as I was starting to try and buff it up that cracked the blade near the toe and added several nicks further back toward the heel. Basically, I was using the Dremel buffing wheel and it grabbed the blade and pulled it so that the post of the attachment hit the blade. I just broke out the good ol' 4-sided Harbor Freight interrupted DMT and used the 400 and 600 sides to hone past the crack, and then jumped to 1200 grit wet/dry paper on a piece of granite to keep it flat. I figured if the blade was cracked, why not make a last ditch effort. It was either that or cut it and make a shorty.

I also have on the way two more Geneva's (both are 7N Pyramids):

Vintage Straight Edge Razor Geneva Cutlery Inc Geneva N Y USA | eBay

Vintage Buttercup Straight Edge Razor Geneva by aporcelainpigeon

I also have a vintage strop coming:

Genuine Belfast Linen 814 Razor Strop | eBay

as well as a vintage hone:

Vintage "Shaving Sharpness Made on The Hone" Sharpening Stone in The Box | eBay

I plan on getting more hones in the near future. I'm going to start out by sending all three out to get them honed to start off and then maintaining the edges as I learn to properly hone. I really want to be self sufficient. I also plan on trying my hand at making a new set of scales for the first Geneva above. I suppose it's a good thing I have a good background in woodworking.

Oh, that first shave was roughly 10 days ago and I've been lurking here ever since and learning all I can...

Here's to the journey ahead.