Ok, so far we have:
1. RyX (only if I don't bleed out first) (shipped 3/29)
2. Drygulch (shipped 3/29)
3. SharptoothC *
4. BamaSamurai (shipped 3/29)
Just ordered five more.
5. Screwtape (shipped 3/29)
6. NCoxSTL
7. Norcalnewb *
8. PickledNorthern *
9. Markjnewcomb (Shipped 3/29)

Any other takers?

A very nice smooth shave today, if you don't count the scratch below the ear.
SOTD
Dr. Jon's Aphrodite Soap
Doug Korn Brush
Koraat Razor
Lucky Tiger
Old Spice Lime After Shave
Have fun!

Late night on eBay. Always dangerous

I'll try one. Looks ideal for MayHEM (which will probably last one day and then off to the ER...) The one I'm really lusting after though is your Koraat with that burled birch handle...

Day 3 of 30 days of Henckel straights

I had a very nice shave today with the 4/8 Henckel. I added just a touch of pressure because it is a light blade. I also easily found the angle. Both of these were a direct result of listening to @Drygulch . Thanks for the help.

The first pass was very close and smooth. I decided to go ATG on the second pass with extremely good results. The third pass was just to clean up a few stray hairs. BBS.

DIY Pre-shave Oil
ABC Face Lathered
24mm High silvertip set an extra 10mm deep
3 passes, WTG, ATG, XTG
Sampsons All Natural Aftershave Balm
4/8 Round Toe Henckel 89 1/2

I am down.

@mrchick - I see I was too late.

Congrats. I have enjoyed reading and following along with your progress.

You'll have to settle for one of these

What's the worst that could happen?

Gripping closer to razor head yields less pressure and more precise control, and vice versa. It depends on how the razor feels as to the grip I pick

I ordered more. I wouldn't want you left out

Sweet!

It depends on the razor. For light razors, I tend to grip the end of the handle. For heavy razors, closer to the head. My favorites are heavy and long handles, and I grip those about 1/3 of the way down, but use a pinky on the end of the handle to control the razor.

I should have the second order in time for Mayhem. They ship from Thailand and I will redistribute them when I get them. We just need four more brave souls.
Calling @NCoxSTL @PickledNorthern @RetLEI-07 @ob1page

That looks like FUN! I'm in.

Yeah I've often thought I need a timed lock on ebay. After midnight things lose their danger glow.

I have a question for you straight razor guys. I have four straights in my collection. Picture attached.

The one that puzzles me is the R. Clark of Newcastle on the far right. It has a very pronounced concave curve to the blade. Is that a normal variant or an experiment or did somebody just hone it to death?

That is a very pronounced frown. That happens when the center of the blade is torqued while honing over a very long period of time. I would probably call that one a letter opener, and just save it for the scales. There won't be enough of a blade left to do much with once you remove the hanging heel and the frown.

What Adam said.