Thread: Anoter Newb Intro

Hey everybody,

Just wanted to stop by and say hi. I've been lurking on here for a couple weeks trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible. I've been wetshaving with DE for over a year now and started getting the itch on shaving with a straight. I purchased two straights about six weeks ago while antique shopping, had them honed by a member on another forum but I don't think they were honed very well. They wouldn't even shave my arm hair. That coupled with my learning curve lead to some rough shaves and a couple of cuts. I decided to go full bore and had them and another two razors I won on ebay out for full restorations. It's taking longer than I expected but I know these guys are artisans and the finished product is going to be amazing but the anticiaption is killing me.

Anyways, I look forward to learning more from everybody and wish excellent shaves to all.

Oscar

Welcome aboard!

Hey, Oc. Welcome.

Kudos for not messing w/ 1/2 effort on getting a worthy edge. The pull of ebay/antique store prices is hard to leave alone, but when you're starting - its usually better to source from someone who shaves w/ one daily. $10 fleabay + $30-40 for resto grinding and honing (with shipping), and the savings disappears. Down the road, they'll be a nice hobby, but for now, they're mostly seduction.

Being new, you actually need a better edge than an old timer. You'll also need them touched up more frequently. Now that a few have gotten professional love, others will likely be able to touch them up & give a satisfying edge.

Basics for now - you have the lather routine down, likely detailed facial topography & lay of the beard. Now it'll be blade angle and *absence* of pressure, stropping, and finding which stretches & strokes do best on a particular area. 'Takes a bit to get used to.

Pls. post again when you get to try those new edges.

I wasn't aware vintage blades had issues with getting an edge. I thought the opposite was true about them. Especially in the hands of a pro. I'll let everybody know how things go once I start using them.

Hello

If I may clarify.... vintage blades do not have issues with developing an edge. But when they have sat unused for many years and the edge has oxidized a bit then it takes more work to restore the edge.

Hope this helps

G'Day Oscar and welcome to the fold