For New guys

[JTmke]

When I started I did not know about this site. I bought a razor from SRD (luckily) and watched Lynn's shaving video. Then shaved my whole face when I finally got up the nerve.

I destroyed edges, strops, soaps, parts of my face, and my wallet buying stuff I did not need or know how to use.

When just starting out there are several aspects of shaving with a straight that need to be learned and practiced for success.

If I started today I would focus on shaving, stropping and lather building. I would skip honing, restoring and eBay. I would not concern myself with ultimate BBS shaves my first time or thirtieth time out. Can I shave as well as I did with a cartridge or an electric? Chances are your shave will be smoother in areas right away but some parts of your face may take more figuring out. Close comfortable shaves should be your goal. Going for the ultimate shave right away is not only difficult but unrealistic. Nobody hops into an Indy car to learn to drive.

Better soaps and creams seem expensive when starting out. You will get more shaves from $15 to $30 of good soap or cream than you will from similar money in cans. There are some very affordable great soaps as well.

Set goals. A reasonable, repeatable shave. Good to great repeatable lather. Steady stropping that becomes smoother and second nature. You will add to your comfortable shave knowing what you have mastered and eventually achieve all over BBS.

There are lots of great vendors out there. Be cautious, there are plenty just trying to get in on the market selling less than quality merchandise.

Read, watch, read, practice.

It it has probably all been said before and is definitely written in the thread texts. Take your time and you will love your new shave/hobby

jim