Recently I have taken up straight (cutthroat) razor shaving. It’s an entirely different ballgame than DE shaving, I must say.

I can’t complain about my initial few shaves. I did some reading on Badger and Blade and Straight Razor Place, watched some videos and went to it. I’m getting a few cuts and significant razor burn, but also DFS (damn fine shaves). I’m a BBS (baby-bottom smooth) fanatic. I am probably pushing it too hard with the straight trying to get BBS results and using too much pressure.

The learning curve is steep and long according to the old hands. I’ve read recommendations that one should start just shaving one cheek, then moving into more territory on subsequent days. I want to shorten things so I’m doing my entire face. Oddly, I’m better with my off hand than my main. Must be something about the whole process being foreign to me, so my left hand is as good at it as my right.

What I’m really having trouble with is learning how to strop. I have cut my starter strop multiple times. I really didn’t think stropping technique would be so difficult to learn. Good thing I bought a backup strop.

Which leads me to the vendor I used to purchase my starter setup. I bought the ‘sight unseen’ straight razor deal and poor man’s strop kit from Whipped Dog Straights.

This is a fine way to put a toe into the straight shaving pool. Larry will provide an older, but shave-ready honed, straight razor and starter strop cheaply. You don’t see a picture of the razor, taking it on faith that he will do you right. And he does. Larry’s reputation is stellar and I can see why. This is a terrific service.

I’m looking forward to shaving again, just like my early DE days.

I’ll be updating as I go along. I think many acquisitions loom in the future.