Was there a doubt - I'm hooked

[Alacrity59]

I just took delivery of two new straight razors, both manufactured by Dovo . . . a Bismark and a Redbone.

I've been holding off for months but allowed myself this a little prize for myself on being hired for a job I really fit after 10 months being unemployed.

I've been shaving with straight razors almost exclusively since mid January of this year. I've been using two of three straight razors that I'm pretty certain are 80 to 110 years old (gave one away).

I was surprised by my new additions. They are quite a bit heavier than the vintage blades I've been using . . . very much thicker spines and scales that are thicker as well.

I probably am showing superhuman restraint . . . I admit to gently passing one of the two of them over a small patch of my face . . . dry shave at 4 pm. I think I will like this one.

Tomorrow I will hold off and shave with one of my tried and true . . .but I look forward to Saturday and Sunday . . . It will be the first time I try a blade honed by someone else . . . so I will finally know how well I've learned to hone over the last year or so.

I know it sounds silly but this will be a little big event for me . . . moving from eBay razors I've brought back to what I think is shave ready myself and learned to shave with comfortably . . . to a couple of new professionally honed new razors . . . .

I'm looking forward to what I learn . . . and you can be sure I will share my experience.

Mike

 

[BRuhling]

Congrats on both the job and the new babies!

I just received my first straight (a restored Dubl Duck Special #1 I bought off of BST) today and will try it out when my filly strop arrives. I look forward to hearing how your first shaves turn out!

 

[Antique Hoosier]

Looking forward to your experience/findings. Here's to better times ahead with the new job AND new blades!

 

[dpmtherrien]

Congrats on both. Nice going.

 

[richmondesi]

Anxiously awaiting your results! Congrats on the score and the new job, btw

 

[Alacrity59]

I tried out the Bismark this morning using my version of Kyle's prep and Williams Mug shaving soap. It was a good shave. I was somewhat happy that the blade performed much as my older razors. I was feeling good about my honing ability. Rinsed off my face an applied Lilac Vegital. Then I had an idea . . . I picked up the Redbone and took a stroke about a quarter inch over the skin on my arm. . . .WOW the hair did not stand a chance . . . just magically piled up on top of the blade. Yes I do need to practice honing a bit more so I can have similar results.

Mike

 

[Sullybob]

Congratulations on the the new razors, your honing and the new job!

 

[DunEdinRanger]

Congrats, Mike!

 

[Starcar]

Congrats on the new job and new str8's. I hope you grow to like your Bismark
as much as I do mine.

 

[Don]

Congrats!

 

[Luc]

Congrats!! Post the results!!

 

[netsurfr]

Congrats on the new job and the blades. Nice choices.

 

[schatz]

Yes I do need to practice honing a bit more so I can have similar results.

Mike

On the older razors that you are bringing up to speed yourself, don't skimp on resetting the bevel (1000 grit stone or coticule with slurry). Without this important step, you are often wasting time when using polishing level stones. It took me a good number of years to figure this out for myself.

 

[Alacrity59]

I am enjoying and getting used to the two new razors. The Redbone . . . though a 5/8" is quite chunky. The tang is thick enough to cause me a bit of trouble flipping the blade while stropping. Not a huge problem . . . just slows me down a bit.

schatz . . . excellent point. I think my bevel setting is good but I think I'll go for a secondary bevel the next time I hone.