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So last nite I ordered my first straight from Whipped Dog... I've been looking around and even looked at a few from eBay. So I got the sight unseen for a poor man and the poor man strop. Good deal from what I've seen. I have already a brush and mug of eBay. So in a few days a guess we'll see how it goes. I've seen allot of new straight shavers kind of mess up a shave ready blade so unless someone advises against it in not gonna strop the blade prior to my first straight shave. So help me out!
Welcome to SRP! I'm still a newbie myself, and I also have one of Larry's sight unseen razors. You are correct in that you should not strop it before your first shave. His razors do in fact come completely shave ready; he will also include some instructions with this advice (I have the poor man strop kit as well, which also comes with some instructions). I've been very pleased with my purchase from whipped dog.
You should go ahead and start using your soap and brush with your current shaving method so that you can practice lathering, thereby removing a variable with your first shave (if you haven't already started doing this). Also, be sure to read the info in the wiki regarding the first shave- definitely some good advice there! Welcome again!
I have been spending most of my time on SRP reading. As many of the threads that have to do with that first shave. I have been using my brush and soap for my regular routine... Which is shave when it gets to scruffy for me to stand. I'm really looking forward to this. I'll let us know how it goes.
Welcome TXpipecarver :<0) You are doing good so far. Just take your time and watch what your doing. I started with the flat spots first and worked my way out as I felt comfortable. Some just dive in and do the whole shave the first time. Either way just don't rush anything and you'll do fine. Starting off with a shave ready razor is the best move. If you start running into problems just ask and you will get a ton of answers .
Welcome to SRP TXpipecarver (I'm assuming you make pipes? You might enjoy the "Pipe of the Day" thread)...
It sounds like you're reading and taking advice and instruction very well indeed. The next bit of advice I would add is that, as your budget allows, you may want to consider getting a second shave ready razor and putting it to the side. You will most likely wind up messing up the edge of your first razor as you learn, and having a second one to fall back on while the first is out for honing is immensely helpful. Sure, you can fall back on your current method, but doing so only prolongs the learning curve.
The most important advice you can get was from 10pups above... take your time and enjoy the ride.
Again, welcome! :)
The pipe carving is having to take a back seat at the moment... trying to get a house from a divorce last year ready for market. So the handle is just that a handle I made up when I joined but I will get there... It's about the journey! As far a as getting another ready is gonna have to wait a minute cause I have just about gone over the me fund. I'll keep an eye out for a great deal. I'm really looking forward to getting my first straight. I actually got the it has shipped email just a Lil bit ago. I appreciate all the sound advise and will heed to most of it.
I can certainly understand that... like I said, it's not a must, just a nicety. The important thing is that you're doing your research first and listening to the advice of folks who have come before you. That in and of itself is WAAAAAAYYYY more beneficial than a second razor.
I've ordered from Larry at Whipped Dog before, and he's super fast on shipping. If my memory serves, he's in TX as well, which I'm assuming by your username means your razor and strop will get there faster than my order did (3 days to GA... not bad at all).
Some good advice above. I would also say watch your pressure! That was what made the biggest difference for me, as well as trying to keep the angle really low (about one spine widths away from your face). Don't angle the spine farther up as you will just dull the blade faster and increase your risk of a serious cut/slice. Take it slow and you'll be ok. Your shaves will improve with time. Good choice going with Larry's deals. He won't steer you wrong.
I just checked the tracking on my straight razor from Whipped Dog... Super excited feel like a kid on the nite before Christmas!!
Hehe...I know how you feel! Just remember...really really watch your angles and pressure! Enjoy and take it slow.
You've had some good advice already! I'll just add that if you have not already done so, give this article in the wiki a read:
First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Wiki
And don't worry about doing a full shave. Start on an easy bit (sideburn down, for example) and gradually expand the area you're shaving with the straight as it starts to feel more natural.
Others have said it, but it bears repeating: take it slow, relax, and enjoy!
So.. I got my first straight today and have it a test run.... I knew there would be a learning curve... I thought I knew my face... I don't know nothing.... I liked it...I just hope in the next few months and weeks that I don't feel like a high school freshman on his first date!!
Make sure you use a quality soap..Cella is short money but has excellent glide and cushion witch is key to having a great shave..A poor cheap soap will not allow the razor to "slide " over your face .