Thread: Add my name to the converted - officially a happy user

After recently becoming interested in straight razors by reading a book on bladesmithing (traditional Japanese methods) I joined this site looking for information.
Since then I visited whipped-dog and bought one of his sight-unseen razors plus strop, soap etc to get me started.
I've now had 3 shaves and feel myself getting more proficient at the harder to reach spots each time.
Since then i've bought two older razors and a leather strop from eBay, and the razors have been kept in brilliant condition.
Thanks to all the people that have posted their words of wisdom on here, youtube and of course Larry, for providing such a reasonably priced entry point into the world of straight razors.

Welcome to SRP!

Many paths lead us to the summit of the shaving mountain. Some are circuitous and winding, some straight, and some are a 3 lane dual carriageway with those little shiny dot-things on the sides of the lanes.

Glad you found your path. Now's when the fun begins!

James.

Hi and welcome. Sounds like your on the path to acquisition disorders. IMO the disorders are half the fun. Good luck. Ed

Good to hear you are enjoying wet-shaving. I started with a DE and was truly converted to a higher form of shaving by the bowl and the brush, Lather is still one of my favorite parts of the shave. welcome to the forum.
What types of razors did you wind up with?

Originally Posted by gunsandbibles

Good to hear you are enjoying wet-shaving. I started with a DE and was truly converted to a higher form of shaving by the bowl and the brush, Lather is still one of my favorite parts of the shave. welcome to the forum.
What types of razors did you wind up with?

The first three I bought are now in my photo gallery. A JR Torrey from U.S. Worcester MASS. , A TR Cadman and sons Bengall (was originally sold locally from the name on it), and a Mercator (can't remember the manufacturer).

The three I received today are all Cadman and sons Bengall, but from a different time, as they have the pattern between the blade and the shank, whereas the other Bengall doesn't. Pictures of these to come.

Originally Posted by Robbied

After recently becoming interested in straight razors by reading a book on bladesmithing (traditional Japanese methods) I joined this site looking for information.
Since then I visited whipped-dog and bought one of his sight-unseen razors plus strop, soap etc to get me started.
I've now had 3 shaves and feel myself getting more proficient at the harder to reach spots each time.
Since then i've bought two older razors and a leather strop from eBay, and the razors have been kept in brilliant condition.
Thanks to all the people that have posted their words of wisdom on here, youtube and of course Larry, for providing such a reasonably priced entry point into the world of straight razors.

I looked at the razors you have pictured and it appears that you and I have similar tastes, a fondness for ones in the 5/8-6/8 range and vintage. I probably use a 5/8 size 90% of the time. When I started I was all thumbs but now have it down pat. You seem to be gaining proficiency as a straight shaver MUCH faster than I did.

It's hard to believe that next March I will have been a straight razor shaver only four years. Still the biggest kick I get from it is simply a close, comfortable shave, something that eluded me for most of my adult life. I feel more confident when I walk out the door and my face and I are actually on speaking terms since I no longer abuse it with this daily ritual.

It feels like a quest for constant improvement, getting the the blade angle spot on with every pass to get the same smoothness all over. Slightly better each time. but lots of time to practise.
I like to restore old items of furniture, and I feel that restoring and using these razors is like keeping history alive.
I have to agree, with what i've been able to get out of the razor so far, a good shave feels so much more rewarding, and it's become something I set aside time for, rather than just a quick rush in the morning.