Thread: Welcome Surprises

Hello all. I'm new to straight shaving and SRP. Been shaving with a DE now for over a year. Just recently worked up enough nerve to try my hand at straight shaving and while it is going slow I'm making strides. A couple of interesting things happened this week that I'd like to share. First, this past weekend I had the opportunity to go through some of my grandfather's things that he left behind when he died and I found an Old Spice mug and a 1940s Gillette Super Speed in very good condition. I remembered him using these when I was young, but I was very surprised to find them still in his medicine cabinet (he's been gone for 14 years now). Shaving with that equipment will be very special for me. Now on to the next thing. Since I've started straight razor shaving, I've told quite a few people that I know and work with what I'm venturing into and the most common response is, "why in the hell would you want to do that??" Most everyone I mention it to thinks I'm crazy. So, I'm grateful to everyone at SRP because you're the only ones that I can relate to. However, last night I made a trip to see an old highschool buddy that I hadn't seen or talked to in a long time. Our lives have gone in very different paths since highschool and we don't have that much in common anymore. But, right before I left, I noticed that he had some AOS products lying around. I asked him if he was into wet shaving and he said, "yes, you mean with a straight razor? I use one." He just recently picked up a Dovo Best Quality from SRD and has been doing it for the past few months. I couldn't believe it!! We had a great conversation about stropping and getting used to the straight razor feel. What a coincidence that he got into this at the same time as me! Anyway...Hello from Louisiana.

"Why in the hell wouldn't you want to do that??" Do you realize how many guys on this forum would happily give their "left one" to have, hold, and use a razor that was once used by one of their forebearers? An ancestor's razor is like the holy grail to us! Secondly, to have a friend that you can share with about your shaving hobby is huge. I don't have a friend, a relative or a neighbor who cares a thing about wet shaving. (My best friend shaves with an electric razor, but he's still a nice gut in spite of it.) Luckily, this forum gives me an opportunity to share my passion with like-minded folks, such as yourself. So, welcome to our little community. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. There is usually someone who can supply you with an answer.

Regards - Walt

Yep, I get that a lot, too. You know the look. It's like they just realized you have a third eye in the middle of your forehead. Or, more often, they give you the old condescending "it's just a fad" treatment. Come to think of it, we are a bit unique. I like it. Welcome home.