Thread: New and completely clueless

I'm interested in getting into straight shaving but have no clue where to start. I'm hoping you can point me in the right direction. What's a good razor, preferably with tortoise scales? Right now I've only used Gillette Fusion razors and have a stock of their shaving gel. Can I use that to shave straight with? Also, what all do I need to go with the razor? This is one of those deals where there's so much information/opinions that I have a bit of information overload.

Welcome to SRP. Let's first start with what you need at a minimum.

1.) Shave ready razor (properly honed).
2.) Strop
3.) Shave Brush
4.) Shave soap / cream & a quality preshave (forget the canned shave gel)

This will get you started. Later on you can add other accessories. As for the tortoise scale razor you want to look for a 5/8 or 6/8 round point half to full hollow for your first blade. Boker & Dovo offer one in an imitation tortoise scale. You can also find them popping up in the classified here.

Which would work better, Boker or Dovo. What should I look for in a strop. The only one I've seen is an old Illinois strop, has the textured leather instead of the fabric some have. Anything else, like strop care?

Boker and Dovo are on par for quality. For your strop I would think that new is your better choice, also look for one with replaceable components, you can find that in both hanging and paddle strops. There are many vendors that are members here. There is a standard to be a vendor here, exactly what that means I don't know but it translates to good people to deal with. Straight Razor Designs is owned by the founder of this forum so they always hit tops picks from members. Shave ready is imperative. Brushes can be obtained for very little at any big drug store and many chain stores. I would not recommend the canned goo for straight shaving. Soap or cream for straights needs to be fairly slick to avoid the blade getting too much traction on your skin. Welcome. Read the wiki and search for answers and ask questions there is a lot to learn.

Skip the strop for now. search for "stropping on newspaper" on youtube. Do that until you quit making confetti...Then spend on a nice strop!

Hi and welcome. Check out the library and do a bit of reading and most of you basic questions will be answered and you will have a much better idea of whats involved to use a straight. Ed

Welcome to SRP.

Go to Straight Razor Place - Welcome to Straight Razor Place and look at the top block on the left that is entitled Helpful Links. Take a look at the first, the fourth, the fifth and the sixth.

Also take a look at the sticky threads in this section - they are at the top and are colored red. Then read through some other threads in this section from fellow beginners and by then you will have a good idea about what to do.

There is no 'best razor' that you can get. Stay with established brands, make sure it is honed properly (that's part of the homework before buying a razor) and you'll be fine. Illinois are good strops, probably the cheapest as well.

Ok, thanks! I have a few older razors but don't want to use them. I believe they belonged to my great-grandmother's brother.

Well, I kinda fibbed. There is one I would like to use. The plastic scales are broken with the pieces lost. The blade is separated. I'm thinking I can use some scrap cocobolo and make a replacement set, finished with Sutherland Welles marine finish.

One of my best shavers is over 100 years old. I'd bet that any of those old razors would be wonderful to start with. If not, look for a razor made in either Sheffield, England or Solingen, Germany. Those can be had for very little, compared to a new razor and will get you started. If you've got questions about a specific razor, send me a PM. I'll try to help.