New to straight razor shaving and loving it!!!

Namely, For years now I have been toying with the idea of shaving with the straight razor. I even looked it up couple a years ago and was turned of by the prospect of buying something( and ones I liked where not cheap) and in the end not being able to learn how to use it. That coupled with a possibility of getting hurt in the process turned me off. Until a few days ago.
I walked by The Art Of Shaving store. I stopped in thinking this would be where one will find a straight razors and would be able to handle one. Well to my disappointment the salesman told me those are on order basis only and showed me a catalog. While I was thumbing through the catalog he mentioned that a Shavette might be the way to go for a first time straight razor. After he told me it was only $50 or so I said Yes! Picked up a Dovo Shavette, watch a video on you tube on how to shave with straight razor and started to shave. Thinking to myself " This could all go horribly wrong!" and lo and behold it did not. The level of satisfaction of looking at my self in the mirror(stupid grin on my face and all) after that first shave, I cannot describe(even though you could tell that one side was shaved better than other). Long of it short now I cannot wait for my beard to grow, I actually look forward to shaving in the morning.
Now naturally I want the real deal. I always used a brush and soap for lather(the drug store deal) so a Strop and razor is all I'm looking for right now. I guess I can use my shavette as back up "Razor" when I have to send one to be honed. What kind of strop should I get (grade, type etc..) For intrinsic reasons I would like antique razor, in very good shape. I have been looking around at the classifieds here and elsewhere. I am kind of stuck on a Red Point that Bobsrazors.com has for sale or something like restored antique razor like this

J.A.Henckel Twin Works 5/8 Straight Razor

Wondering if this would be good choice for now? If not what would you guys suggest?
I Have budgeted $300 at this time. In all honesty all the info on this site is overwhelming so little help from people that have been in the same spot I am now, would be appreciated. I could use all the advice in the world and if you have a razor for sale or know of one that you think would be suitable for me let me know.
Thank you in advance MO

Since you have all the gear you need other than a strop and razor, I'd say look at one of the strops from Straight Razor Designs. You'll probably nick and cut it up while you learn how to strop, but the fabric and leather components are replaceable (just undoing some screws and screwing them back in) and not expensive. I just got mine last week and I LOVE it.

Getting that would still leave you around $250 for your razor. You could certainly find a vintage one on the classifieds here for that, or get the one from Classic Edge if it's priced right (I cant follow the link you posted at the moment). Phil at Classic Edge hones each one before they go out, so it's definitely going to be shave ready.

Two pieces of advice on that- Make sure you get one that is shave ready from a reputable source (a quick check here will tell you for sure) and don't strop it before the first use... that way you'll know what a shave ready razor should feel like. Knowing that will help you determine if your razor needs a refreshing down the road.

Good luck with whatever you decide on... once you place the order, it'll feel like Christmas is on it's way! :)

Some great advice by crouton above!!

Yesterday I ordered a Red Point in superb condition (Utica knife and razor Company) and an Illinois strop. Bob (Bobsrazor.com)was very helpful and it was nice to be able to talk to someone before buying.
I really look forward to shaving with it ;)

I don't know much about the razor, but I know that the Illinois strops have a good reputation. The only real negative I've heard is that they need to be broken in pretty well to get the most out of them. Breaking one in isn't hard to do either.

If I were you, I'd do a quick search on here on the multiple processes to choose from to break that baby in, if she needs it.

Keep us up to speed on the razor... Oh, and pics. We loves us some pics around here... :)

Yes Bob did say that I will need to condition the strop and I bought the oil to so so. Yes I will take pics as soon as it get here.

Like I mentioned before I am Using bargain soap (Van Der something or other) and was wondering what soap I should order next. Are other more expensive soaps that much better and is pre shave oil a good idea?

Well, the preshave oil is a matter of debate for some. I personally use one, but others don't. It's just your preference on that one.

As far as the soap goes, I use the Van Der Hagen Luxury soap (it's about twice as expensive as the normal Van Der Hagen- a whopping $5) and get great shaves with it. You said you got the "drug store deal", which I assume is the Van Der Hagen set. My question to you is if you det get one of these sets, did it come with a mug or a bowl? If it's the mug, that's exactly what I started with (and in fact used last night and have a wonderful shave!!) and I like the soap that came with it. Van Der Hagen also makes another soap that's about $2.50 a puck that I've yet to use (though I have one).

I also use Arko (order this one from Amazon or Ebay), which is another bargain soap that gives good shaves (at least for me). You have to lather a bit differently with it, basically just swirl the stick on a wet face and then once you have a film work the film with a wet brush. I think a case of 12 on Amazon runs about $22, or a single stick can be had for about $3.

Two others I use are both creams- C.O. Bigelow (a rebranded popular and staple cream from Italy- Proraso), which is available at Bath & Body Works if you're in the US, or you can get the Maca Root Shave Cream from The Body Shop (again, in the US). These two were about $10 each, and there's plenty to last you, since it only takes cream about the size of an almond to get a good lather for three passes (for a laugh, search for snurdle or snurdler on here).

I really haven't used much of anything else except some samples from SRD, which I'm putting through the ringer before making up my mind on them... I had 1 good shave with them and 1 bad, so I don't know if it's my water ratio or what. Either way, the scents are fantastic, assuming you're into the different ones they have. My favorite is the Opus X, which is a tobacco scent, like a fine (unsmoked) cigar.

Defintely test several different ones out, since soap can be a personal thing... what feels good on my face may not on yours.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Muamero

Yesterday I ordered a Red Point in superb condition (Utica knife and razor Company) and an Illinois strop. Bob (Bobsrazor.com)was very helpful and it was nice to be able to talk to someone before buying.
I really look forward to shaving with it ;)

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Bob is a really nice guy to talk to. Just sent him my first razor to get it shave ready. Hes a very honest person, also very helpful.

Hey Crouton , thank you for the fast reply on the soap. I have been using the Van Derr Hagen set for some years, just because it was readily available. It served me well in the mug configuration till it got broken. I bought the replacement set, without realizing it, I got the Cup now. I served me well and I was just wondering if I was missing out on something by not using the better quality soap. Creams I remember, my grandfather used to shave only using the cream. He always said it worked better then the canned stuff my father and uncles where using. Hey what do old folk know.
As far as the razor choices I really liked the look of the early English wedges but did not buy one because I read that beginners should avoid them because they are harder to hone. Now in the retrospect I guess it does not matter since I am not going to be honing them my self. Id really like one as a back up razor.
And lastly how many razors can one buy and still justify it as "I really need this many so I can have a comfortable shave every day" as opposed to buying them just because they make you drool on the keyboard of the laptop.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Muamero

And lastly how many razors can one buy and still justify it as "I really need this many so I can have a comfortable shave every day" as opposed to buying them just because they make you drool on the keyboard of the laptop.

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As many as you can lay your hands on? :shrug: :D

Muamero, you strike me as someone with more than just a passing interest in straights. If you like the shavette I really think you'll love a straight razor and I think you will enjoy the process of keeping it clean and sharp.

For me, it was a practical matter. The department store fare was irritating my face and not giving me the results I thought I deserved for the prices they were charging. The double edge razor solved my problems but I wanted to use straights, and I love them.

For me it's the ritual of it. The idea of the razor and strop the brush the soap the scuttle etc and waking up and pressing sharp well forged steel against your throat to start the day.

Well I really do love shaving wit Shavette. I find it hard to believe that it will be easier to shave with the razor. I love the control you get with it, and its an awesome way to start the day. You have to slow down and concentrate. I find it a perfect compliment to a morning run. Its a great contrast, going from huffing and puffing and your heart rate out of control to going to standing in front of mirror and slowing your heart rate down and taking a deep breath. Being able to use different strokes, rinsing the razor with cold water and feeling the cold steel it on the skin.
I am a knife enthusiast and have dabbled in making a few for friends, I know how to sharpen a knife and understand that it is not a same procedure. But I cant wait to start honing my own razors, in its own time I guess.

This being my first post in over a year i think i would first like to say hi to all. I have been straight shaving for about 7 or so years now and love it very much. I would say if you have any left over money, go ahead and buy some stones for straight honing! I would say you likely already have a bevel setter if you sharpen knives so you might only need something like a norton 4k/8k. You can get a good shave if you come straight of the 8k to a Crox strop or get a better one off a chinese nat for only $20-30 more. You seem like they type of person who might enjoy honing if you enjoy slowing down and enjoying a fine art. Also another tip i can offer is buy a 9 dollar diamond hone from ebay and 2 gold dollars, im not promoting these, for about 4 dollars each. You should be able to set the bevel with the diamond hone before going to water stones and since these are cheap no loss if you mess them up but at the same time the steel has a fair enough quality so show you where your at with honing. Anyways this is only my opinion since you already have a good shaver thats easy on the eyes. ;)

I am really fighting the urge to buy a hone right now. I am bidding on a couple cheap razors on e bay that need cleaning up and a hone. If it works out ill use them for honing practices. I have no intention of ruining the Red Point. I will hang on a safe side and have it professionally honed when time comes. Yes I do have DTM diamond hones of which the finest is 1200 grit. Now Ill keep my eyes peeled for a bargain on 4k/8k Norton. I learned how to sharpen with a wet stone when I was not more than 12. I still have that piece of stone my grandfather gave me. I dont use it but I still have it. Poop now I have to order honing DVD, its a vicious circle I tell Ya.

Ohh Boy, it came in mail. Got to say it looks better in person than it does on Bobs website.!!!


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Congratulations looks so nice. Bob is sharpening mine right now I can't wait. Let us now how it shaves.:)

I intentionally did not shave today. Saving whiskers for morning ritual. :D I am practicing stropping with my Shavette. Definitely have to strop in between shaves right?. It looks so sharp I am afraid to strop it.:tameshigiri:

That's a nice looking razor!! I'll add a little something to CaliforniaCajun's comment. The safety (double-edge) razor IS a nice throwback addition to your eventual vintage razor obsession and one does not necessarily need to pick one over the other. Solution? Start shaving your head, as I have, with the safety and save the straight for your face. Problem solved. Case closed.....until the bug for more razors, strops, soaps, creams, aftershaves, restoration projects, and flea market quests become more than you originally bargained for. :p

Question!

As far as I’ve read, you haven’t said if the razor came ‘shave ready’! There are many definitions of that term!

Those Pro’s whom I’ve dealt with have always said: Just rinse the oil off and only shave the sideburn area. This advice is intended for those just starting out!

When I’ve honed for others, I offer the same advice about just rinsing the oil off and having a go with it as they are usually at least a few shaves in!

You mentioned honing. Wait! Learn the basics, making lather, stropping, and of course learning to use a straight properly to get a good shave!

I like to put it in perspective as “You need to learn to walk before you can run”!

Once you’ve learned to walk and walk well, learn to run and don’t stop running!

Yes, I talked to Bob of Bobsrazors.com before he shipped it and he says it is shave ready. As a reminder he puts short instructions that says you should not have to do a thing to it before you use it. Yes I am planing to send it back to Bob for a hone when needed.quick question when stropping there should not be any torquing of the blade, just even pressure on the flat of the blade. ??

I’m glad to know that the razor is apparently ‘shave ready’! As I said, the term 'shave ready' varies by who hones and their standards.

When I started out, I hadn’t found SRP and I had to ‘teach’ myself how to strop and shave! I remembered how my old barber did it when I was a youngster. He did use more speed than I did and I understood that just like learning to drive a car, you don’t just jump in, hit the throttle and do 60 miles an hour, you creep along while you learn!!!

The videos that Lynn, Glenn and others have posted are a Wealth of Information and Instruction!

I hope you will watch how slowly they go!

The basic idea is to keep the spine in even contact with the strop and just enough ‘touch’ to keep the blade following along!

Everything about using a straight razor is truly an Art! It just doesn’t ‘happen’!!

Go slow, be patient and all will work out!:tu

Nice thank you for clarification, I watched all the videos I could find on youtube and in particular all Lynns videos.

Ohh mine, it shaves brilliant, just a tad less sharp than my Shavette. On my third shave it feels even sharper then the first time. Guess I am doing ok on stropping. I love this thing. The only area that it feels ackward is the concave part of the neck on both sides. Its longer than the Shavette. I am slowly getting a hang of it. Thank you all on the good advice and resources.