Thread: 1st time using a razor

Hey guys! My name is matt, and I'm 18 yrs old. I've been shaving with an electric razor for a couple years now and I strongly dislike it. I came across articles about straight razors and safety razors and I just loved the whole process involved with both. I would like to use a straight razor, but should I start out with a safety razor and transition to a straight? I have never used an a razor before, disposable or safety/straight, only the electric. I would really appreciate some advice on what to start with!

I think I would just pick one. If you add your location to your profile, someone may be near you who can mentor you, saving you some frustration. A DE might have less of learning curve but I wouldn't shy away from a straight especially if someone can show how to use it.

By the way Welcome to SRP!

Save yourself some money and go to a straight right away. Yes, there will be a learning curve, but you'll get there eventually.

Like the above post you need to pick one. There is a learning curve with each style of razor.... DE or Straight. The DE is a shorter learning curve than a Straight, but if I had to start to learn how to shave I would just start with a Straight and go slow and stick with it. Ask a lot of questions, because there are a lot of members with a wealth of information,and are very willing to share it with you. I know because they have helped me. I am 51 and I'm a newbie. I wish I would of started at your age. Check out the forum's library on getting started.

Since you are starting totally from scratch I would get a brush and some decent soap or cream and and start with a DE or even disposable razor (single blade style if possible) and first learn how to make decent lather and shave with an edge. Learn that skill first then decide where to go from there. Learning how to shave with a straight, strop and use a brush and make lather is a lot to take in at once

There is no right or wrong answer, I would say learn both straight and DE shaving techniques. Mix it up a little

I'd go straight to a straight
You'll do fine. There's so much advice on this forum; start with the Wiki (Library). Make sure you get a nice straight that's shave ready, a strop, brush and cream and you're ready to go.

DEs are very cool too, esp (in my mind) vintage ones, but there's nothing like a straight razor for downright coolness.

I think part of the answer might be in your budget, yes you will need soap/cream and a brush for both, but a D/E can be picked up very cheaply, blades are cheap too, astras can be had for about $15 for 100 from ebay. Whereas a straight will cost more to buy, you will also need a strop, and you will need to factor in honing costs, and eventually a/ some hone(s).
Thats not to say that you should necessarily use a D/E just that the initial investment will be somewhat less, and you will have a D/E for when you want to use it should you decide to buy a straight razor eventually. All that being said i almost never use my D/E anymore.

Originally Posted by Wayne1963

Save yourself some money and go to a straight right away. Yes, there will be a learning curve, but you'll get there eventually.

Learning curve= blood. Watch a couple of videos at least before you jump in.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

I think part of the answer might be in your budget, yes you will need soap/cream and a brush for both, but a D/E can be picked up very cheaply, blades are cheap too, astras can be had for about $15 for 100 from ebay. Whereas a straight will cost more to buy, you will also need a strop, and you will need to factor in honing costs, and eventually a/ some hone(s).
Thats not to say that you should necessarily use a D/E just that the initial investment will be somewhat less, and you will have a D/E for when you want to use it should you decide to buy a straight razor eventually. All that being said i almost never use my D/E anymore.

I think what Ed says about a budget really makes sense to take serious consideration of. Either method of shaving will give you a very good shave once you get your technique down but the initial cost to get into straight razor shaving is higher considering all the extras you will need to keep it shaving. On the other hand if you start and stay with shaving with a straight it can be cheaper in the long run.

Bob