Thread: Beginner Questions

I know there are a lot o posts about newbs on this forum. I'll be honest I looked at the other posts about starting brand new, and I got lost in the point of where to actually start. I am only 19 and a broke college student, my budget is only 150 at max, but I've wanted to do this type of shaving ever since I started shaving. Please give some advice on what type of sr you would've advise for cheap but still great razors. And great websites to start. Thanks y'all.

Start looking here at SRP in the classifieds. Look for the words shave ready in the description.
Keep in mind that the startup cost includes a brush, soap/cream, and a strop.
I strongly advise reading the information in the library titled getting startedand your first shave before you make a purchase.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...zor_Place_Wiki

+1 on checking the classifieds and reading in the wiki. You could also check whippeddog.com; if you're not too worried about looking pretty but just want functional, his sight unseen razors are a good deal. His "poor man's strop kit" and brush/soap combos are good too; for soap and brush you can also go to walgreens/walmart/target/etc. and pick up a Van der Hagen set for around $10. Good luck!

Id suggest whipped dog. From all reports cheap items at reasonable quality. Does a shave ready sight unseen razor pretty cheap. Should be able to get everything within your budget. Good luck

Hi purpleraiders, and welcome to SRP!

You're right, there is a TON of info here both on the forum and in the wiki ("Library" link above).

That's a good advice from Leatherstockiings. Sellers in the classifieds are members here at SRP so you won't be buying just from some random seller. If you do buy from another source, be especially sure that the blade has been professionally honed and is truly shave-ready. Blades do not come from the factory with an edge that will give you a good shave. There are a couple of lists of brands here on SRP that can help too.

Avoid these brands at all cost. They tend to be razor-shaped objects rather than razors that will take and hold an edge:
Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki

And rest assured that these are good (unless damaged in some way of course):
Good Straight Razor Brands - Straight Razor Place Wiki

As you will no doubt notice, there are many, MANY other brands of razors out there. If you find one and are not sure, feel free to post a question and we'll try to help.

And these are good things to read to start out, and should answer at least some of your questions:

Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki

First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Where are you located? There may be someone nearby who can help you out. And when you do have questions, feel free to ask!

I live in northeast Ohio which is where I attend school. There is just so many types of razors that I question which type to get and all. I have just started to look at the classifieds but I do want my first razor to be a good one and the first shave an enjoyable one.

Originally Posted by MBR1965

+1 on checking the classifieds and reading in the wiki. You could also check whippeddog.com; if you're not too worried about looking pretty but just want functional, his sight unseen razors are a good deal. His "poor man's strop kit" and brush/soap combos are good too; for soap and brush you can also go to walgreens/walmart/target/etc. and pick up a Van der Hagen set for around $10. Good luck!

+1 -- Keep reading and researching. You can definitely come in under budget. WD=Whipped Dog, btw. Larry @ WD is helpful, communicative and has great prices. You can always call him and explain your position, I'd think.

Originally Posted by purpleraiders

I live in northeast Ohio which is where I attend school. There is just so many types of razors that I question which type to get and all. I have just started to look at the classifieds but I do want my first razor to be a good one and the first shave an enjoyable one.

Most will advise getting a middle-of-the-road kind of blade to start out with. Not too big, not too small, not a super-heavy wedge grind, not a super thin grind... and in general I think that's good advice. Taking things to an extreme with either a huge or a tiny blade will probably not serve you too well.

So best to avoid a 3/8 or 4/8, just as it's best to avoid a 8/8 or 9/8 massive chopper. So look for something that's 5/8, 6/8, or maybe even 7/8 in width (although 7/8 is getting pretty big...), made by a reputable manufacturer, and in shave-ready condition. I honestly wouldn't worry too much about the grind unless you have your heart set on a particular grind. If you really like super hollow "singing" grinds, then get that. If you like a heavier, wedgeier grind, then get that. If you don't care, then don't worry about it. A good razor properly honed will shave well regardless of its grind. (IMHO)

Everything else (round point, square point, spike point, barber's notch, Spanish/French/Irish points) is partly aesthetic. They will affect to some extent how the razor is used, for example my square-point Boker taught me the hard way to pay particular attention to what that point was doing at all times, but they will all shave. Again, if you like a particular look, then go for it. There's no point blowing your budget on razor A becasue someone told you it's what you should buy when really you'd be happier with razor B.

So my main advice:
Not too big, not too small, make sure it's from a good manufacturer, make doubly-sure that it's shave-ready, and don't sweat the details.

I can't think of anyone in NE Ohio offhand, but I'll see what I can come up with. If you add your location to your account, it will be easier to attract help from locals.

Cangooner thanks for the help. The advice you gave me is exactly the help I needed to start on this adventure. And I'll add my location to try to gain more help. Thanks

Purpleraiders, Have you heard of Medina, Ohio?
I ask because Straight Razor Designs is located there. They have a brick and mortar store in addition to the online store. I bet you are within easy driving distance.