One year down

Gentlemen,

I just wished to share a complete and total success in almost one year of Straight Razor Shaving. Next month will mark my one year anniversary to SRS. I tip my hat to the many experienced shavers who have so thoroughly provided so much invaluable information to this most noble art. In addition, to the countless post from all members and to Straight Razor Place for which I’m eternally grateful.

I pretty well kicked off my experience last year by purchasing a Dovo Bismark that was pre-honed by Lynn. (Thanks Lynn…. It made all the difference in the world.) In addition, I basically bought a starter set (strop, mug, brush…etc) and the razor from www.vintagebladesllc.com. My best investment was the purchase of the Lynn Abrams DVD "World of Straight Razor Shaving". I’m fairly certain, in my case, that without this DVD I would pretty well have a scared face.

I live in Germany, so my preferred shaving soap is Tabac and I use Proraso as my aftershave. Other than that, I have my old trusty Alum block and styptic pen. I must confess that although my kit is relatively basic in nature. It simply performs the job of the smoothest shave I have ever had in my life. However, I have been drooling over many of the collections that most of the members have. I plan on purchasing another SR this year, however the possibilities seem endless. I may drive to Soligen to scope out the selection.

If I could share only one piece of advice that I have found tremendously helpful to a new user it would simple be this: A light hand with short strokes works wonders in SRS. It still fascinates me how ever single shave is so damn smooth. I’ve only had to hone my razor once thus far. Again, time was the key to achieve that razors edge on the stone. (Plus Lynn’s instructions and the many post on the site I read)

This is my first post and again I just wished to say Thanks!!! :nj

Thanks for sharing JG. I've been in it a month and I'm wondering what to expect. How'd it go for you? I started miserably with a cut on my third stroke; found the courage to start over and did cheeks and went from there to really decent shaves all over in a few weeks. Now working on my non-dominant hand going ATG.

I really am interested in hearing a brief year in review. How things clicked and when. Do you hone? How do you keep blades shave ready? Any specific breakthroughs that you were surprised about? Tips!

Sometimes its easier to learn from someone a number of steps ahead of your own progress (though I have benefited GREATLY from the advice of the ole pros here)

Thanks,
Jim

And Congratulations!!!!!

Jim,

I sure remember my first month of shaving. My fiance kept asking me why I was sweating and what was taking so long. Little did she realize just how damn scared I was of that razor especially after seeing some of the butchered faces on some of the posts. I suppose it was my second month of shaving that I began to settle down.

Prior to getting the SR I remember practicing with a butter knife. I got strange looks from both my fiance and dog, but it really did help. I do remember that I used to struggle keeping my skin tight. The tighter I can keep my skin the easier and smoother the shave seems to be. In addition, I used to struggle looking into the mirror and coordinating the razor around my face.

Other than that, around the fourth or fifth month I had to endeavor into the art of honing the razor. I dulled the razor due to the fact that I was applying to much pressure while stropping. I had fortunately purchased a Norton 4000/8000 stone, Belgium coticule stone and a slurry stone. Honing really went pretty smooth. You will recognize the need to hone your razor when either the whiskers feel like they are being pulled out or the blade isn't cutting them. I pretty much used the instructions from Lynn's DVD. It took about three days of honing and testing to finally get the razor back into action.

As for keeping my blades shave ready... I have to confess that the only razor I have is just my old trusty Dovo Bismarck. I'm looking into getting another this year, but the choices are murder. There are a lot of nice blades out there. Unfortunately, I really don't have any good information other than what I'm sure you've already read. The biggest learning point for me has been to apply virtually no pressure to the blade while stropping. Other than that, keeping the skin as tight as possible really makes the difference. I also remember telling myself that Rome wasn't built in a day and that I would get better. I remember using a conventional razor with the straight razor in areas that I really didn't feel confident. Now it's nothing but Straight razor Shaving.

I pretty well have my shave down to around fifteen minutes; however, on weekends I take a little longer just for the sheer enjoyment. I never would have thought just how much fun shaving could be.

Jim.. wish you the best. Take care and :gl:!!

Jay

Congrats ! It's been 2 years for me , and I'm still tweaking my technique a little .

Congrats! Is that every day or do you shave every other day like most of us?
How many shaves is that?

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