- Joined
- Apr 10, 2007
- Messages
- 7,395
Well, new again may be more accurate. I picked up straight shaving about 11 years or so ago and promptly dropped it again. I was fresh out of high school and therefore new everything so I didn't need to do any research. All I had to do was find a razor that was sharp, squirt some Gillette Edge gel on my face and scrape away. After a week of bad nicks and severe razor rash, I was sure that my face was just too soft and I'd need to be a grizzly old man with callouses on my face before I could use a straight razor.
Since then, I've bought and sold numerous vintage razors and have developed a 'feel' for a good one. I've learned a lot about what I can do to restore neglected metals and when it's time to ask for professional help. I got myself a Parker SR1 (I wish I had gone with the Dovo Shavette, might still get one) to practice my technique and as a travel razor. I've been reading all the info I can find and learning a bit more every day. I partially restored and honed a J.R. Torrey and gave it a test run, only one tiny nick and almost no irritation. Next is getting a better brush, trying out some different soap, picking up a proper strop and a selection of honing compounds, refinishing a few more vintage razors and picking two 'favorites', trying out the balsa wood hone, etc. In other words, I've found another hobby and I'm glad I'm doing it right (I hope) this time.
Anyway, I just wanted to pop in and say hello! I'm sure you'll see a bit more of me lurking about this forum.
Since then, I've bought and sold numerous vintage razors and have developed a 'feel' for a good one. I've learned a lot about what I can do to restore neglected metals and when it's time to ask for professional help. I got myself a Parker SR1 (I wish I had gone with the Dovo Shavette, might still get one) to practice my technique and as a travel razor. I've been reading all the info I can find and learning a bit more every day. I partially restored and honed a J.R. Torrey and gave it a test run, only one tiny nick and almost no irritation. Next is getting a better brush, trying out some different soap, picking up a proper strop and a selection of honing compounds, refinishing a few more vintage razors and picking two 'favorites', trying out the balsa wood hone, etc. In other words, I've found another hobby and I'm glad I'm doing it right (I hope) this time.
Anyway, I just wanted to pop in and say hello! I'm sure you'll see a bit more of me lurking about this forum.
