shave with a straight razor

I haven’t gotten a full shave yet, but I’m getting there. I think I need to sharpen the blade just a bit more and also get my soap mix a bit better…I think I’m too dry.

The blade sticks on my face a bit, but I’m not forcing it. This will be mine soon!

The slang term “cut throat” is certainly well-deserved. Although I have thus far managed not to severely injure myself, I still get a slight sense of unease pressing that blade to my neck.

I’m not an expert straight razor user yet; I haven’t quite gotten the hang of not giving myself razor burn. I’m not planning to give up, though. I like the almost ritual feeling of stropping, lathering up the brush, and shaving with 3.5 inches of ridiculously sharp steel.

I’ve taught myself how to sharpen and strop to get my dovo blade to a “reasonable” edge. It’s a bit scary holding a naked blade that sharp to your neck – but damn what a feeing afterwords. I’ve not mastered this, but I like the feel.

I did shave after November. I have one razor blade remaining and I haven’t decided if I’m going to buy more. It looks like I’ll be spending about 60$-70$ on an entry level razor, who knows about the brush, soap and dish, although I’m comfortable with beginner’s stuff for now (seeing as that’s what I am).

An excellent site is http://www.straightrazorplace.com/. seems pretty comprehensive and unbiased. They even use trailing slashes.

Also while I was in a mall the other day, I spied a shop by the name of “The Art of Shaving”. Um, major disappointment. They were selling soap, brushes, dishes and 4-blade saftey razors for like 50$. It was ridiculous.

i thing this is going to happen prety soon because at macys they are selling a kit

I’m participating in No-Shave November, so I think when November is over, I’ll look around for a straight razor or at least find one to shave at least part of my beard off.

I’ve decided that instead of waiting till my disposables are cashed out, I will give myself a straight razor for Christmas. It turns out I always give myself the best presents anyway, like the year I gave myself the Red Ryder BB gun I always wanted.
This way I will still have the safety razor handy incase I need to speed things up. Not a great thing to rush, shaving with a straight razor, I gather.

So I’ve decided that when my safety razors run out, I will make the switch. Either that or start to look like Grizzly Adams. Either way I am pretty much done with buying throw away razors. (Unless for some unforseen reason, I develop a need to shave the Balzac; not a good time to test one’s dexterity)
I’ve got three more cartridges to go, and they last about a month and a half. The countdown begins.

I haven’t fully mastered the art of straight razor shaving, but I’ve reached the point where I can call this one done.

Well, I’ve bought one. Now all I have to do is learn how to use it without adding too much ‘character’ to my face.