Thread: Getting started, new to straight razor

Originally Posted by jerkface38

I got PayPal to work finally and ordered my first straight razor! Now I have to get the other stuff I need. I might hold off on buying some of it until I get off of vacation, but I just can't wait to start learning how to use it. My friends are all scared and told me not to get one but I did it anyways. I have a lot of time on my hands so learning this will take some of the excess time I have. Thanks for all of the advice and help it is all appreciated. Also what kind of cream/soap would you guys recommend?

Wow. Land speed record from first asking for advice to purchase. So what did you order? Is it coming to you shave ready?

I ordered a 6/8 Hugo Koller Solingen from the classifieds here. It's coming shave ready. I really liked the black handle and I think this would be a great one for me to learn with.

I'm a bit curious about stropping. I read somewhere that it needs to be done every few shaves and others have said after every shave. What strop would be good but also a good price? I'm also going to research how to clean my razor because I want it to always be in top condition. Any advice would be appreciated.

Originally Posted by jerkface38

I'm a bit curious about stropping. I read somewhere that it needs to be done every few shaves and others have said after every shave. What strop would be good but also a good price? I'm also going to research how to clean my razor because I want it to always be in top condition. Any advice would be appreciated.

Most people strop between every shave, either before, after, or a bit of both.
The whipped dog poor man strop is supposed to be good value, but how much do you want to/ can you afford to spend?
As for brushes, again a budget figure would help semogues are cheapish, but are very well regarded boar brushes, I have one on order, but it hasn't arrived yet. Even the cheap natural bristle brushes from your local chemist should be ok.

I got a badger brush from amazon that had some good reviews and I believe I saw it reviewed on another site as well. I have a bit of extra money at the moment so I figure I can spend some on myself. I like quality so I don't mind spending a bit extra on something I will continue to use in the long run. I will definitely be stropping after every shave. I spent an ok amount on the soap and brush. I've always shaved with soap ans have used cream but soap feels better to me.

I can probably spend 50-100 on a strop but wondering if that's recommended or not. I don't mind spending a little extra but I'm also just starting out and think it would be overkill to buy a strop that costs almost as much as the razor. Most strops seem to be much cheaper than that though. Also sorry about the larger paragraphs and possible spelling errors I'm posting from my phone at the moment.

Don't TE=jerkface38;1274756]I got a badger brush from amazon that had some good reviews and I believe I saw it reviewed on another site as well. I have a bit of extra money at the moment so I figure I can spend some on myself. I like quality so I don't mind spending a bit extra on something I will continue to use in the long run. I will definitely be stropping after every shave. I spent an ok amount on the soap and brush. I've always shaved with soap ans have used cream but soap feels better to me.

I can probably spend 50-100 on a strop but wondering if that's recommended or not. I don't mind spending a little extra but I'm also just starting out and think it would be overkill to buy a strop that costs almost as much as the razor. Most strops seem to be much cheaper than that though. Also sorry about the larger paragraphs and possible spelling errors I'm posting from my phone at the moment.[/QUOTE]

Dont worry I use my phone almost exclusively, and it gets stuff wrong all of the time
If it were me, I would probably spend $20 or so on the poor man's strop (or something similar, I only have homemades), then when my technique was good get something better, or get a decent strop from a vendor that sells replacement leather, then if you do damage it just replace the leather, or order a spare leather piece with the strop and save on postage.

Regardless of what strop you get do not strop your new razor before using it for the first time.

I think all the supplies will arrive before the razor itself lol xD
I can't track it either so I just have to hope it arrives before I leave from where I'm at.

I should be getting it this week though and I'm very excited to use it for the first time. I have very steady hands so I shouldn't have any trouble as long as I take it slow. If I enjoy it as much as I imagine I will then I'll probably buy another soon.