….since I had my first straight razor shave in September of last year (Sept 20, 2013), I estimate that I have had slightly over 200 straight razor shaves! This number is a mere 'drop in the bucket' compared to the hundred (thousands!) of shaves many of TSD's longtime SR shavers here have. But I'm not even one whole year into my SR journey and what a year it has been! Jumping with both feet into the world of straight razor shaving has dramatically changed the way I think about shaving in the morning. Now granted, going from modern cartridge shaving with cans of goo over to the whole wet-shaving experience the majority of members here enjoy was truly a revelation. But I have learned there's something unique about the straight razor shaving experience that goes beyond simple facial hair reduction, and the rawness of man vs blade. It's allure has captured me and the appeal has now gone beyond a simple day-to-day morning routine. I now find myself comparing blade styles, the feel, the shape, the variety of stropping methods, the EDGE—it IS all about the EDGE! The edge becomes the focus, the ultimate chase, which leads to HONING—and all that this art entails. Quite the rabbit hole there, Alice. So yes, I still consider myself a relative novice in the world of straight razor shaving. I have much to learn—and I still have the desire and willingness to continue to listen and learn. The whole razor restoration 'kick' I have been on these many months has given me a greater understanding of the 'art' as well as the 'science' of straight razors. I'm willing to share the things I've learned over the past year—the successes and the failures—so others can come along side and enjoy the SR experience as much as I have. I'm indebted to Bruce @Stroker whose friendship and generosity in sharing his knowledge with this 'newb' got me out of the starting blocks much faster and more successfully had I tried to do it all on my own. A big thanks to Glen @gssixgun for his willingness to share with me his vast experience, which has been invaluable to my growth in both my feeble honing skills and restorations. My hope and prayer is that I can be in a position to help others who are new to the art of SR shaving as much as these two gents have helped me! We are blessed here to have so many experienced SR shavers in this forum who are willing to help others keep on the 'straight path' and avoid many of the pitfalls us beginners sometimes struggle with.
Kevin you have helped myself and many more whether it is by the pics of your restorations or by patience in answering many many more question over and over again (and that is just me) you a 're a natural teacher dude... and Glen is a man who can write an encyclopedia of all that encompasses straight razor...both of you make learning fun and interesting. Take care.
When I got out of the military, after shaving every day for fifteen years, i said "that's it, I'm never shaving again". This lasted about four days (itchy). Learning to make shaving one of my great pleasures instead of the chore it had been, was literally one of my life's great epiphanies. I couldn't agree with Kevin more.
Congratulations! I always enjoy reading your posts. I always see reviews and fun comments. Maybe one day you'll be helping this SR newb, but I'm not really interested in SR at the moment =P I can't even sharpen my kitchen knives hahaha
We at TSD are indeed fortunate to have so many gifted, talented and "VERY" generous in sharing their knowledge with others shavers!! Be advised Kevin IMO you are one of those shavers/craftsmen who make TSD such a special place!
Omeland... Sr shaving is new to me however the honing the maintenance involved of a straight razor leaves one with a very good feeling when you can create an edge fine enough to shave with and the feeling you can do that for the rest of your life you don't have to depend on buying new blades...it's kinda like fishing once you catch your first fish you realize you can feed your self for the rest of your life instead of depending on someone else to catch the fish for you. Take care.
