Hello everyone. I stumbled on this site... well, I'm not sure how exactly, but after perusing through the Beginner section I'm definitely thankful I did. I'm just starting out on this particular journey, and when I say just starting I mean exactly that: I want to start using a straight razor, but do not have one (or any accessories) yet, nor would I have any idea what to do with them if I did.

I'm drawn by the promises of (eventually) the uber-smooth shave that I keep reading about, and that is certainly not currently provided by the standard razor. You see, I am one of those men who perpetually appear as though a small furry mammal has taken up residence on my face; I shave in the morning and by about 1 PM I look like most guys do after a couple days. Flip side, this has in the past allowed me to grow a pretty awesome beard, but that is hardly the point.

I'm looking forward to learning from you more experienced blade-wielding examples of pure manliness, and to picking your brains. Thank you in advance for your advice, your patience, and your knowledge.

~Jono