Thread: Im a complete beginner so all advice is welcome

Hello all. Im 19 and joining the military. I've always wanted to learn the art of using the straight blade but ive only just had the guts to actually do something about it and I thought it would be rather fitting to learn now before I join up. So being quite anxious, I didnt want to fork out a lot of money for a decent straight razor so I purchased a shavette. Now ive already read how they are two completely different feels, but I just wanted something cheap and cheerful to see if I liked using that over a standard 3 blade. if I enjoy it I will invest into the whole shabang after my phase 1 training in the army, as I won't have the time. I just wondered if anyone has any advice? I will post what my first experience with the shavette is like soon. Thank you.

Welcome! Definitely check out the library before your first go at it!

Linkies I've found helpful starting out:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi..._razor_shaving
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...et_on_a_budget
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...ht_razor_shave

I would think that using a DE (Double edge safety razor) would be a prudent way to go while you are in the service, or till you are established where the rigors and stress of training are minimum. You'll get a better shave from a DE any time over a multi-bladed apparition of a razor. Depending on what your beard is like and the blade chosen (many to choose from) you can get over 4 to six shaves a blade. If you go the DE route buy a sampler pack of razors so you can experience variable levels of sharpness and comfort. Less time involved and no need to worry about the straight razors edge condition.

A shavette is a perfectly reasonable way to start straight razor shaving, and the feel is only slightly different from that of a regular straight razor. It is certainly far closer than using a DE. Whatever the biases on this forum may be, a DE is more like using a cartridge razor.

How long till you ship off?

Nothing wrong with a shavette. That's how I started. Do you have any shaving gear yet?

I think during boot your best off with a shavette as I can't imagine having the time for stropping and blade maintenance.

Welcome to SRP.

I started out with a shavette and the switch over to a straight was relatively easy. I still use the shavette for touch ups some days. The main difference in shaving between them is the blade angle and pressure.

I go to phase 1 training in August. And no I dont really, just standard foam and razor. If I can shave fast enough with a shavette ill use that in basic training.

If you wan to get started on the inexpensive side....
Vdh shave kit the inexpensive one will run you 8-10$ and will include a brush a bowl and soap. It can be found at walgreens or CVS her in California. So it should be available at a few other drugstores around the country.
The shavette I use was found at a Sally beauty supply and is 10$ as well. I bought a 5 pack of persona blades there for another 3$

That's under 30$ total. And I still have and use daily the brush and bowl. An still have blades and the shavette. Inexpensive doesn't have to mean cheap.

+1 on VDH kit. That is how I am starting and it is serving me well so far.

That sounds good but im in the UK and ive yet to find anything like that but ill keep looking