Noob jumping in with both feet...

My business partner gave me a tub of D.R. Harris arlington shave soap for Christmas.

I got on ebay and bought my first straight razor. I read a little bit on this site and figured I was getting a decent razor. It came and was about what I expected.

From what I know (PLEASE feel free to instruct me if anything I say is incorrect here) it appears to be an early Double Duck. It is stamped "C. S. Breschnick, Solingen Germany" and on the other side it says "hand forged Black Diamond"

It was a frowning blade and the spine showed non uniform wear. I have sharpened lots of knifes and carving blades so I was able to understand the posts that taught me how to restore a blade. I BK it and reset the bevel. I also took some care to "reset the spine". I don't know if that is even a real thing or not. I imagine in my little brain of mine that the spine and blade should run totally parallel to each other so they are always in the exact same contact with the hone and or strop.

Anyway, after all that, she shaves quite nicely! I just got my badger hair brush today and tonight will be my first shave with a proper lather. I have just been using my hands to work up a lather on my face. I imagine many will laugh at this, but I literally pop the soap out of the bowl and rub it over my stubble after the shower. That seems to deposit a fair amount of product on my face which I rub into a lather. I am aware the brush will give me infinitely better results, and I am looking forward to it.

Anyway, Here ia a picture of my current shave equipment. Would love to hear thoughts.

Cheers!

Attachment 117576

looks like a great start to me, sweet.

I'm also a noob diving in head first! I've used the D R Harris Lavender and really like it. If you want a MUCH stronger scent and still an amazing lather, I really love my QED soaps!! No laughs about using the puck directly on your stubble, soap sticks are often used this way, only difference is the shape.

Looks like good stuff, welcome to the party!

Jones, that an amazing way to start. Even w/ (maybe because of) knife experience, few could make a dog (condition) blade shave well. Bravo! And it'll likely be a really nice shaver. Welcome. It'll only get better from here.

I have an old Bresnick hand forged and although it is very honed out I got a few great shaves out it. You are on your way and it looks like a great start.