for a pure beginner is there a inexpensive way to start
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for a pure beginner is there a inexpensive way to start
Depends on what you mean by inexpensive. If you don't already have a brush, soap and a strop you'll need those too not just a razor. Are you willing to go used rather than new?Quote:
Originally Posted by deskman
Bob
If you are not sure you will stick with there are places where you can get very usable but not pretty razors and strops. There are reasonably usable boar brushes in drug stores for 15-20. It is not necessary to start with all top of the line gear, but we often wind up there.
Right on the main page: Buying a beginner's set on a budget - Straight Razor Place LibraryQuote:
Originally Posted by deskman
Try whipped dog. About the cheapest. Not the prettiest but the cheapest.
Deskman,
You need to consider four elements to start: shave ready razor, strop, brush and soap. Then determine your budget and we can proceed with the shopping list. By the way, welcome to Straight Razor Place.
i had good experiences with whipped dog
you might also consider a disposable though it has a different feel
To some inexpensive might mean a couple hundred bucks and to others it might mean forty bucks or less. Let us know your budget and we'll fix you up.
I purchased a 50 dollar kit on ebay on a whim and the products are not of quality. . . now I am aware that as a first time shaver with a straight razor I should not expect good results. . . but the soap barely made a foam. . . the brush was rather coarse and shed bristles, the razor shaved some hair but not all. . . just not a great experience. The razor was some brand called Zeva or something like that, and it did more scratching than shaving. I Would really like to start straight razor shaving. . . but I cannot afford a 100 dollar razor. Does anyone have any recommendations on how I could get a razor and have it honed for around 50 bucks. I can survive with a cheap brush for a little while but the razor is something that needs to be acceptable for me to give this an honest effort.
Another newbie here. +1 on Whipped Dog. I wanted to try the switch from safety razor to straight without a huge investment. I wanted to know I had the commitment before I got in deep. Got a very serviceable razor from Larry, along with a strop. She's no prom queen, but she'll do her job as long as I do mine. As always, YMMV.
Charlie
I've heard only good things about whipped dog.
Another affordable way to start would be to purchase the brush and soap first. You can use those with your existing razor, improve your shave right away, and, once you are comfortable with those, you'll be in a better position, skill wise, to move onto a straight, plus you'll already have some of your gear.
save your pennies and buy a good one used
It'll hold it's value if you want / need to sell it later but you'll have removed a variable from your learning experience
All good advice. The best is ,,,make sure your razors is of good quality and truly shave ready. Stay away from cheap. It is a disaster waiting to happen. ( Except for Whipped dog. ) You shave alone in the bathroom anyway and if it doesn't work out frame it and have some nice bathroom decor :<0)