Thread: trading up from a gilette fusion

Originally Posted by sinnfein

Dovo does make good razors, just be sure it is honed to shave ready. I guess you could "save" the lather by just not rinsing out whatever you mix it up in but I personally don't see the point. I agree not putting anything on your stop besides rubbing it with the palm of your hand. Maybe add a good aftershave to the collection.

Im still using Gillette aftershave gel for sensitive skin with my Gillette razor still I was thinking of still using that

I'm also looking at a nice wood handled straight razor from cutthroats razor company. I want a nice med sized blade that's shave ready with a wood handle and a strop that has a metal handle. I wonder if there is a list of actual stores in Michigan that sell straight razors?

What would I need to maintain my strop? Any oils act?

Maggard Razors is located in Adrian. If you are on the east side of Michigan.

Originally Posted by wforest

Maggard Razors is located in Adrian. If you are on the east side of Michigan.

I'm in central Lansing lol thank you

All you need to maintain your strop is the palm of your hand. Rub the strop briskly until it, and your palm, warms up. Do this several times a day at first, then just a couple of times a week will suffice.

Originally Posted by DennisBeckwith2

What would be the next step up from dovo as far as quality? And what's an average as far as how long blades last?
I thought you were supposed to spray your strop every once in a blue moon?

That's a subjective decision. All quality razors deliver a great shave if they are honed properly and the shaver knows how to use it.

I was asking the same questions, as were many others when we started so I know what you're feeling.

The first question to ask yourself is how committed to learning straights. If it depends on how difficult it is, the cheapest way to try is to get a Parker shavette for $20 and try it without investing in a strop or hone up front. True straights are easier to use in my opinion so if you like shavettes you'll love straights. The cheapest way to try true straights is the Whippeed Dog option with the "poor man's" accessories. Don't laugh at me for saying this, but I knew that I would persevere with it and bought new stuff up front. If you have the same conviction I would go to Straight Razor Designs and get a razor that appeals to you. It will be shave ready. Then I'd go to Star Shaving and get a Big Daddy 3" strop. My favorite of his strops is English Bridle. You'll cut your first one up learning if you're like me which is why I picked the lowest price quality strop I know.

One thing you mentioned was the canned gel. I'm convinced it contributed to my misery during the Fusion days so I strongly recommend a quality soap and brush.

A final word about the quality of razors. Often the difference between a no frills model and an expensive one is cosmetic, not a difference in quality.

Try to determine how you want to start and we can be more specific in our recommendations.

Originally Posted by CaliforniaCajun

That's a subjective decision. All quality razors deliver a great shave if they are honed properly and the shaver knows how to use it.

I was asking the same questions, as were many others when we started so I know what you're feeling.

The first question to ask yourself is how committed to learning straights. If it depends on how difficult it is, the cheapest way to try is to get a Parker shavette for $20 and try it without investing in a strop or hone up front. True straights are easier to use in my opinion so if you like shavettes you'll love straights. The cheapest way to try true straights is the Whippeed Dog option with the "poor man's" accessories. Don't laugh at me for saying this, but I knew that I would persevere with it and bought new stuff up front. If you have the same conviction I would go to Straight Razor Designs and get a razor that appeals to you. It will be shave ready. Then I'd go to Star Shaving and get a Big Daddy 3" strop. My favorite of his strops is English Bridle. You'll cut your first one up learning if you're like me which is why I picked the lowest price quality strop I know.

One thing you mentioned was the canned gel. I'm convinced it contributed to my misery during the Fusion days so I strongly recommend a quality soap and brush.

A final word about the quality of razors. Often the difference between a no frills model and an expensive one is cosmetic, not a difference in quality.

Try to determine how you want to start and we can be more specific in our recommendations.

I never mentioned canned shave gel. Just the aftershave gel. Thank you by the way I do plan on sticking with it. I'd rather have a straight razor I can maintain than have to go to the store and by replacement cartridges

OK so just to clarify I do not ever want to go back to shaving cream from a can and I never want to have to replace a cartridge or a shavette razor. Ever again. I feel that straight razor shaving is a nearly lost art and would like to learn it and have already given myself the mindset that this is what I am going to do no matter what its going to happen.
I am 24 and in 16 years when my firstborn starts shaving its something I would like to pass on to him.
With that being said I want a true straight razor a really good strop and to be able to learn this skill.

Originally Posted by DennisBeckwith2

What would I need to maintain my strop? Any oils act?

Unless you buy an extremely dried out vintage strop your palm is all you need