Thread: Newby's story; classic question.

Originally Posted by raneyday

I've picked the strop (bridle) and brush (Simpson B4) and am deciding on the razor. I want to go the new route and am pretty sure I'll be buying from SRD as they promise a razor honed by some guy named "Lynn". I'd rather start with a tool I know is good and blame the outcome on the craftsman.

Hi David and welcome to SRP. Nice to see someone who does their homework in advance. I choice of strop and brush is first rate. I don't know the razors you're looking at well enough to make a suggestion but I just wanted to assure you that "Lynn" guy has honed a number of my razors to perfection.

Well...gulp...I just did it.

I went with the Ebony 5/8 curved point, the bridle (premium IV) strop and, I couldn't help myself and upgraded to the SRD Silver Tip #1.

Hey, you guys are always talking about how important lather is, so...that's my story and I'm sticking to it. In reality, I love figured wood and just don't care for that white plastic look.

After all of that I went cheap on the shipping and now I have to sit and wait.

Now, it's off to Mama Bear's site to pick some soap.

--D

They won't let you down over at Mama Bear's! I've got four of their soaps and they are all phenomenal. Looks like you've made some great decisions on your purchases.

Now we'll sit back until after your first shave when you'll invariably post either, 'I didn't get the shave I wanted' or 'This razor isn't very sharp'

Seriously, though, don't expect the world on your first shave. You will spend an hour on a completely mediocre result. Have patience, this will take a while to pick up properly. Your technique will be WAAAYYY off for a while and it will feel like the razor is not sharp...alas...it will come to you VERY sharp

Congrats on joining SRP and we're always here for ya.

Thanks, red. I used to have a '97, by the way. Still have dreams about it.

My goal for the first shave is no major lacerations. Nicks I can deal with. Bleeding out while smelling like lime, or sandlewood, not so much.

I'll report back as soon as I give it a try.

--David