Hello all,

My name is Joshua. I never know what to say for an introduction so I guess I'll get down to why I'm here. I have always wanted to shave with a straight razor for as long as I can remember, but didn't even know how to get started. I happened upon an Art of Shaving store while on business in San Francisco and bought one. One quick lesson from the woman sales person and I thought I was on easy street. Well for the next year of trying to shave with no clear direction, I've cut up two strops, ended up with a slightly rusted razor (not a loss just cosmetic damage), and drawn more blood from my face then I would care to recall. After all that, I now manage to get great shaves pretty much every time, but I have never managed to get away without some minor razor burn. Turns out my razor isn't nearly sharp enough. Come to find out, stropping isn't enough, you have to HONE the thing! Now, at this point my wife thinks I'm crazy and going over the top: $200 for a razor, another $100 for a brush, $60 for a strope ($40 for another, $80 for another (hard lessons to learn)), not to mention the consumables are a decent reoccurring cost, and now I need a set of water stones for an additional $200+!! Despite all this I love it. It is relaxing and super satisfying. I will never go back (not that my wife would let me after putting this much into it already).

Well needless to say I have quite a bit to learn. Top of the list is honing technique. Eventually, when the money is just right I want to get a few different types of razors and brushes to try the different styles. I would love to get with some people in my area (Houston, TX) as I would love to learn some cool techniques and insights and just have a great time with like minded folks.

Anyway thanks in advance for all the help and advice I am bound to find and receive.