Quote Originally Posted by TomSD View Post
With that said I can see how you could do this with just a cup, puck of soap, brush, basic sharpening stone and decent straight while out on the trail or in the field as a soldier.
This sums up my routine, and actually I try to be an old fashioned shaver. I use a W&B chopper, MWF soap, and badger brush. I also have a small coticule bout and a filly strop.
I use the chopper because I find it keeps its edge longer, is more reliable, and generally an easygoing shaver. My filly strop was never good, even when I bought it nearly two years ago, but if I'm lucky it will improve the edge. My coticule is good but I'm not great at using it. When I've finished honing my razor it pops arm hair but there's always some drag when shaving. (The blade is warped so that doesn't help). I use cold water. I don't put anything on when finished (unless it's a special occasion). I touch the razor up on the hone on Sundays.

The good points are:
I can pretty much get a df shave with a blunt blade (my honing is inconsistent).
I use one puck of soap a year.
I don't spend anything.
I enjoy the economy.
I enjoy making the best from less than best products.
I enjoy knowing that my technique is more than adequate.


Having said that, I really would like a decent strop. And when I'm not so damned poor I will get one.