Thread: Not a wetshaving noob, but taking the straight plunge

Just a quick post to introduce myself...a few folks on here might know me from other wetshaving forums, but I have recently acquired (gee, another AD, just what the ol' wallet needed!) a nice straight razor.

I did a little "homework" here, and at the other sites, and got a Garantie 4/8 spike point from altima55. I wanted a smaller blade because I have a "vandyke" style goatee, and thought a smaller blade might be easier to manuever around with.

I have yet to pick up a strop, but will probably go with Tony Miller's strop. It seems to be the way to go. Any other advice would be appreciated.

I haven't actually tried to shave yet. I need to wait until I have a day off so I can really take my time. But I am so looking forward to it!

--Blair

Welcome aboard, Blair. Glad to have you with us.

Welcome aboard Blair. Be careful as some of altima55's blades aren't completely shave ready. In any case you'll need something to touch up the blade with and since you're ordering from Tony anyways, get one of his pasted paddle strops or bench hones. I'm assuming you have the rest of the gear covered, so you'll be good to go.

Welcome Blair. Looks like you too are moving from DE to str8. just getting another AD like myself. Seen you around the other forums

I just had my first shave today. A GREAT EXPERIENCE!!!
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Folks on this forum are really helpful. Enjoy!!!

Just to second what has already been said and I know altima says he's b;ades are shave ready but from my experience the couple I've gotten from him were not shave ready so expect to have to do some honing. Welcome aboard!

Thanks for the welcome and replies, all. Will I need both a paddle strop AND a hanging strop, or will one do? I know a paddle strop will let you sharpen if it is pasted (although I will still need a hone), whereas the hanging strop with the linen and leather is mainly for fine edge-straightening and smoothing. Or do I have that mixed up?

You have it right. You can also strop on an unpasted side of a paddle strop but it's a hassle compared to using a hanger and Tony's low end models don't cost that much. You will not absolutely need a hone unless you're planning on restoring e-bay specials as a paste abrasive can maintain your edge indefinitely (barring accidental damage to the edge).