I took my first baby step towards straights today. I received an email from a popular online vendor stating orders over $35 come with a mystery package worth $25. I couldn't resist, so I ordered an Illinois 827 strop! My birthday is next month, and I got clearance from my better half to get a straight razor. I'm going to get a Whipped Dog sight unseen, unless something better pops up between now and then.
Great, in the meantime start shaving with your non dominant hand so you will be slightly ahead of the curve.
Awesome!! Well, let me be the first to welcome you to the door step of the Dark Side! I'm probably one of the newest noob SR shavers so until I get it down better I hold the door to the club! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I started about 5 months ago, and never looked back. Just kept plugging away. Definitely more fun than other types of shaving. The only way you could get more Old School with your shaving is to use flint or a sharpened clam shell.
Great Choice, they really do have some fantastic sight unseen razors. Enjoy! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I ordered my sight unseen the other day. He's quick to get back to you. I'm like Ralphie with the mail right now. Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk
I too am new to Straights. Going on month 4. To be honest the first two weeks were terrifying. I came to realize there is nothing to fear. Clear mind and a steady deliberate hand. You will do great. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
To be honest, I don't fear cutting myself. I've been hurt enough in life to know pain is temporary, and I will heal. My biggest fear concerning straight shaving is the damage I might do to the equipment. I don't know if I'd forgive myself if I ruined a hundred year old razor...
Don''t worry about it. @gssixgun is here to fix your razor(s) and @Drygulch is here to repair your strops
I did about six straight shaves over the holidays. It was pretty scary. I did my upper face pretty well but not my neck. I shaved about half of my neck quite uncomfortably in one of those shaves. It definitely gives you a close, close shave. I'm not giving up as I won a straight in the TSD raffle. I've sent it off to get some touch-up on the stones. The big drawback is the maintenance and time factor with stropping, etc. I'll try it again soon. I'd like to learn the skill and use it off and on as time allows. I don't see straight shaving replacing my injectors at the moment!
Personally I don't look at this as a drawback at all, just part of the whole experience. Stropping only adds a couple minutes at most to your routine. Add in a few minutes a month or so to touch up on a hone, will keep you shaving for a long time. Please don't take my comments wrong , it's all relative, this is just my perspective YMMV. FYI, I haven't picked up my beloved injectors since going straight.
My Injectors are Gathering Dust..I Can Hardly Bring Myself to Put a Factory Blade on My Face these Days.. Billy..
I'm sure there is. As much as I admire the straight razor shavers, I am afraid that it is beyond my skill set. Too much maintenance for me. Again, I admire you guys who keep this skill alive.