Thread: New User from Houston, TX

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.

Welcome to SRP, yes your razor probably needs a good honing. I do believe there are at least a few members in your area. Any other questions I'm sure can be answered here.
-Dan-

Welcome to SRP. Glad you finally found the place. It took me almost a year of pain and no gain with trying to shave with a straight razor, just about gave up on it and then I stumbled onto SRP and the rest is history. The gentlemen here are always willing to help a new member out. Before you learn to hone, I suggest you contact a member in the "Member Services" in the Classifieds, to see about having your razor honed, that way you have a reference point of what a "Shave Ready" razor shaves like. Post any questions you have and keep us posted.

Oh you have come in with a fine intro, Joshua! I am in H-Town and I will try to help you out soon. PM me with your location. Sounds like you are on the right track, just need some "hands on" !
Tom

Welcome brother!!

Welcome Joshua, I am in Texas City. Sharptonn and Str8Shooter have a ton of experience and are great guys to share info with. I am still working on my honing skills but I am having some success. The 2 guys above can certainly give out some honing tips. There are at least a handful of people in the Houston area that cab help you.

thanks guys I definitely will be looking forward to learning what I can. I just bought a set of naniwa super stones that should be arriving this Wednesday. I've been watching some videos posted on this website to see what I'm in for, but Like many things its always more complicated than it looks.

ReardenSteel:
As much as that makes since, I am kind of strapped for cash and really cant afford to be without my razor for a week or more. Unless I risk completely destroying the blade, I am going to have to rely on the advice, experience, and posts of the good people on this forum

Originally Posted by causeyja

thanks guys I definitely will be looking forward to learning what I can. I just bought a set of naniwa super stones that should be arriving this Wednesday. I've been watching some videos posted on this website to see what I'm in for, but Like many things its always more complicated than it looks.

ReardenSteel:
As much as that makes since, I am kind of strapped for cash and really cant afford to be without my razor for a week or more. Unless I risk completely destroying the blade, I am going to have to rely on the advice, experience, and posts of the good people on this forum

You need help it's there if you need it bro. honing lessons are free.
well food always helps!! lmao

Originally Posted by Str8Shooter

You need help it's there if you need it bro. honing lessons are free.
well food always helps!! lmao

Well let's get down to the Texas thread and plan a little get-together. I would love to finally sit down and hone with Paul!
Always something new to learn and teach!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Well let's get down to the Texas thread and plan a little get-together. I would love to finally sit down and hone with Paul!
Always something new to learn and teach!

Ditto here Tom!! More then one way to skin a cat's face!!!!