Thread: 1st time using a razor

I started with a straight last summer. didn't get my first safety razor until about a month ago. Best advice i could give is to watch a LOT of videos and read up on this site.

The 3rd option is a shavette, i believe the parker product is reasonable value from what i have read, and as they take D/E blades the running costs would be as a D/E, but you get something like the traditional shaving experience.

What i did, after 20+ years of plasti-shaving, was pick up a very inexpensive DE from antique store, cleaned it up got some very inexpensive blades (still sold in small towns) and started learning the difference. And despite the fact that i'd used mug and brush for years, i found out I wasn't doing that right. I had been shaving with soapy water, not nice foam.

Based on my experience (and a lot of reading shavette/sr transitional issues) I recommend getting a DE and learning it. Then, over time while learning that angle and pressure MEAN something (I razor burned myself first DE shave, never since). You'll learn grain and beard prep too.

You can then pick up a strop and an SR as you're learning to get a damn fine shave, and then TAKE YOUR EVERLOVIN' TIME making the transition.

I was a few months making the transition. Now i have some nice vintage open-comb DE's, but I only SR my face.

There is no rush. And I think a shavette would be an unnecessary expense in time and money. To be fair i might have tried one if I'd ever seen a used one for a very few dollars.

I really appreciate all the help!

Originally Posted by edhewitt

The 3rd option is a shavette, i believe the parker product is reasonable value from what i have read, and as they take D/E blades the running costs would be as a D/E, but you get something like the traditional shaving experience.

I don't see the point of shavettes, although it does mean you don't need to hone or strop. However, honing is very achievable. Ten strokes on a Shapton 16k will keep your razor shave ready for a long time, esp if your stropping is sound. I have a Norton 4/8 and a Shapton 16k and those are the only hones I've ever used. The Norton 4/8 does not really get a lot of use; I only use it really when I buy a new razor and wish to re-set the bevel. Ed's right about the budget, of course. I got a vintage DE from the local antique shop for 10 bucks and it's great; a nice open comb Gillette. I'd recommend Astra blades if you go that route. Of course new DEs are nice too, I also have a nice less aggressive Mühle R 89.

If you go the SR way, check out the JANorton thread here. The thread really kicks in at about page 18. Also, there is a 'Stroptober' thread here which has a lot of stropping videos in it.

Good luck with whatever option you choose.

[EDIT] also of course this link is important here.

Ok,ok so a shavette isnt a great option, but it was just a thought.

I was in the same boat as you about 2 years ago when I switched over from an electric razor / Mach 3s to a DE. At the time, I was considering jumping over to a straight edge, but I am glad that I went with the DE first. The DE allowed me to ease into wet shaving a get a feel on pressure/angles, beard prep, making lather, etc. before moving on to straight razors. This was good experience to get under my belt for jumping over to straights 8 months ago. I now only use straights.

As others have mentioned, straight razor shaving is a bigger initial investment than a DE (razor(s), strop, hones or paying for honing service). If I were you, I would get a entry level badger brush, a classic shave soap (Proraso Green), and either a used DE from an antique store/ebay (as others have mentioned) or get a new Merkur for $30-40. From there, you can evaluate if you like wet shaving. If after several months you are loving wet shaving, then consider making the jump to straights.

Whichever you decide, I believe you will find it a pleasant change from the electric razors.

Originally Posted by Bordee

... but I am glad that I went with the DE first. The DE allowed me to ease into wet shaving a get a feel on pressure/angles, beard prep, making lather, etc. before moving on to straight razors. This was good experience to get under my belt for jumping over to straights 8 months ago. I now only use straights.

...

brothers by diff't mothers eh?

That's what I'm talking' 'bout: Getting started young. I started late. Good for you for starting young. You will have decades of wonderful shaving experiences.

Originally Posted by Holland

I really appreciate all the help!

Hi there and welcome, nothing to add to what's already been said, apart from add your location. If other SRP members are near you they can help and maybe even loan you a straight to see if you'll enjoy the experience before you dive in fully.