Gentlemen,

Today was the day for my first straight razor shave.
Been looking forward to this day with great anticipation, but with great caution as well (as i stated earlier in another thread, i tried straight razor shaving before and THAT turned out into a disaster).

After "some" investigation of as much topics i could handle, AND with great support from the fellow members, i started collecting as much as i could to complete my equipment.

Starting with (of course) a straight razor, purchased on The Bay; a shave ready Wade & Butcher - 5/8 "frame back" (confirmed by yours truly via the hanging hair test).
A "lightly oiled" English bridle leather strop (you DO NEED to keep the razor sharp).
To top this off: a "pure badger" shaving brush by "MecDarment" (not used yet, instead i used a "Vero" boar brush).
A sample of La Toya shaving soap and a sample of La Toya AS; generously provided by one of the Gentlemen Members on the SRP forum.

Ok, so much for the prelimenaries........on to the main event!!
First i waited for some "peace and quit"; this means that the time had to come for the kids to go to bed for a good night's sleep.
Basically i'm scared easily, and you don't want to have two "loose cannons" around you while having a very sharp razor in your hands near your face.......
So this meant a good hot shower inbetween, until THE moment had come....

Tried to build up a good lather with the boar brush and the La Toya soap: this already was a treat!!
Then the razor emerged: felt like D-Day!! (no insult intended)

At this time i was like: "let's go!!" (ALL the way, that is), but at the same time an advice came to mind: "start with the sideburns and cheeks, and then stop."
The sideburns and cheeks were no problem at all; no "burning sensation", nothing like that.
Then i (almost) made the mistake by becoming "couragious", and thinking i could shave a little more. This ended up with a slight nick in the neck; just slightly, but still......a nick!!
The only problem i have at this time, is that it is difficult to handle the razor with my LEFT hand. I'm not a "lefty"....... so i need to build up that routine as time passes by.

The rest of the shave was (childish as it may seem....) ended with a DE razor. From this point on i will slowly work my way up to a complete shave with a straight razor, and i have to admit: i've become a SR addict!!!

Ending with a refreshing dab of La Toya AS, i felt some pride in what i had just done. It feels great!!

At the same time, i would like to thank ALL the Gentlemen Members of the SRP forum for providing me with help and guidance.
Thank you very much!!!

Until next time and with very kind regards,

RazorBack