Greetings from Tennessee

Hello, all!

I'm just getting started in this adventure, but I've been interested in it for quite some time. I've already gotten a few different soaps/creams that I'm trying out with a cartridge razor, but I have ordered a straight from Whipped Dog.

I've always seen shaving as a chore, and usually avoid it for as long as possible. It's kind of profound how much a difference just using a mug and a brush has made to me. I look at it as more of a daily treat for my skin and a few minutes of zen relaxation. I'm eagerly awaiting my straight and looking forward to learning to use it.

About me: 33 years old, USMC vet, bookworm, proud nerd, and part-time blacksmith. I think my penchant for doing things "the old-fashioned way" is what really got me interested in wet shaving. That, and my loathing of cartridge razors.

Anyways, thanks for the warm welcome and the wealth of knowledge and wisdom you all provide here. I quickly learned to value communities like this when I started to learn blacksmithing, and I'm sure I'll value this community in my upcoming venture.

Welcome Gor! You are about to embark on a journey that can be both challenging and very rewarding. You seem to already have a good attitude and an adventurous spirit. So, you have a leg up on a lot of other beginners. As you have seen, there are no foolish questions, so if you have any problems be sure to ask.

Regards - Walt
( A former Tennessean with family still in the Knoxville area.)

Welcome to SRP. If you think the few minutes of zen you get using the brush and soap with your cartridge is great you will love the zen you can get with the straight. This forum is full of great tips and advise and plenty of people willing to help with any problems that may pop up while you are learning to use your straight (there is a bit of a learning curve that comes with it), but once you get it down shaving no longer is a chore.

Which soaps and creams have you got already (soap/cream is one of my favorite parts of shaving)

Welcome in,
Tri Cities here, you will enjoy it for sure.

Sinn, I have a puck of VDH, and I also have the 7-day sampler from Al's Shaving. Only tried the Goodfellas scent so far, but the lather was amazing.

Welcome aboard! As you may have noticed, all your wet shaving questions can be answered right here. I encourage the liberal use of the Wiki as there is a wealth of info there alone. Of course, any questions not answered there can be answered by any of our helpful members. enjoy the ride!

Welcome to SRP. The challenge can last a few months, more if you want to learn it all, but the rewards can be for a lifetime. There are very close shaves out there, in which you never feel the sharpness of the blade, grab yourself a few! Enjoy!

Just wanted to drop an update. Got a Southington Cutlery straight from Whippeddog, and really enjoying the shaves with it. I do have a couple of trouble spots that I have to be careful with, but the rest of it is going wonderfully. Thanks to everyone for the welcome and advice.

Had a little trouble spot on my lower neck, left side (shave with right hand only) just to left and below adams apple for several years. Last week decided to pay a little more attention to it. Stretched the skin a little different than I had been doing, and what do ya know. No trouble spot any more. Always a reason and solution. You'll get it, but don't be afraid to ask for ideas or suggestions.