srqshaver
Jr. Shave Member
Hello. My name is Eric and I have fallen in love with shaving as a hobby. I live in Florida with my lovely wife and daughter. I have a background in IT and am an avid Linux and Open Source user. I mention this because I see a number of parallels between technology and shaving. I can "geek out" with either one, either learning the ins and outs of computers or learning all the idiosyncrasies and techniques of shaving gear. They both scratch the same itch, so to speak.
I've shaved with cartridges for most of my life, every so often trying an electric to see if I could find an easier way. Electric razors never quite took so I assumed shaving was always going to be one of those joyless necessities of life. I did try a safety razor about ten years ago but was a busy guy that didn't want to take the time to learn how to use it properly. After a few poor shaves, I chucked the gear in a drawer and promptly forgot all about it.
Fast forward to last summer and once again I found myself dreading shaving enough to try something different. Rather than trying yet another electric razor that I'd likely give away (my father-in-law didn't seem to mind) I decided to do some searching and was once again reminded that wet shaving is a thing. That jogged my memory about having a safety razor somewhere. Turns out it was a Merkur 33C which is a decent razor. I had some no-name blades and a terrible little brush, both of which I quickly realized were not helping. I bought a blade sampler, a PAA Atomic Rocket, and a tub of Proraso red and started having really good shaves and, much to my surprise, I was enjoying it. That was eight months ago and now I am completely hooked. I have acquired a ton of gear, mostly razors and blades as well as a few more brushes and soaps. I have flipped shaving from being something that I despised into one of the most enjoyable things I look forward to.
Beyond loving the gear and the practice, I have also started meeting some amazing people who have been unbelievably kind and generous. I have met a lot of fellow shavers but even vendors and artisans who have taken an interest in my SOTD pics, forum posts, and most recently, YouTube videos. I feel very fortunate to have found this hobby and community. I hope I have the opportunity to get to know all of you at the Cadre as well. Shave on!
I've shaved with cartridges for most of my life, every so often trying an electric to see if I could find an easier way. Electric razors never quite took so I assumed shaving was always going to be one of those joyless necessities of life. I did try a safety razor about ten years ago but was a busy guy that didn't want to take the time to learn how to use it properly. After a few poor shaves, I chucked the gear in a drawer and promptly forgot all about it.
Fast forward to last summer and once again I found myself dreading shaving enough to try something different. Rather than trying yet another electric razor that I'd likely give away (my father-in-law didn't seem to mind) I decided to do some searching and was once again reminded that wet shaving is a thing. That jogged my memory about having a safety razor somewhere. Turns out it was a Merkur 33C which is a decent razor. I had some no-name blades and a terrible little brush, both of which I quickly realized were not helping. I bought a blade sampler, a PAA Atomic Rocket, and a tub of Proraso red and started having really good shaves and, much to my surprise, I was enjoying it. That was eight months ago and now I am completely hooked. I have acquired a ton of gear, mostly razors and blades as well as a few more brushes and soaps. I have flipped shaving from being something that I despised into one of the most enjoyable things I look forward to.
Beyond loving the gear and the practice, I have also started meeting some amazing people who have been unbelievably kind and generous. I have met a lot of fellow shavers but even vendors and artisans who have taken an interest in my SOTD pics, forum posts, and most recently, YouTube videos. I feel very fortunate to have found this hobby and community. I hope I have the opportunity to get to know all of you at the Cadre as well. Shave on!
