Thread: Yet another new guy

Oh boy, I'm sure you get a lot of these kinds of threads. Go easy on me. It's painfully frustrating to delve into the astonishingly large amount of research required to find the right blade(s) when you're on a 12 year old laptop!

So here's the thing...I'm cheap, and I'm poor. I dry shave or use nothing more than water with the cheapest disposeables I can find, and I use each disposeable well past their period of usefulness. So when I looked a little deeper into straights, I figured perhaps I might be able to find something worthy of an investment, and hopefully something I might be able to obtain via eBay, since I haven't exactly seen much around my area. That's where I'm hoping you guys come in.

Ironically, I'm asking the exact same question that one of the guides on this site specifically mentioned I shouldnt ask...

Well welcome anyway from an old guy. Stay away from eBay, and either go to the Classifieds here, to Larry at Whipped Dog or to SRD and bite the bullet on a $100 quality razor. The key is to get a shave ready razor which all three of those sources reliably have, and a strop...same true of those three sources, although Larry is likely the cheapest of the three.

Starting with a known, well prepped razor is the key to success. Won't get that on eBay.

Enjoy!

Yes its worth the investment. Yes its cheaper over time. Yes it will give you a better shave. No stay the heck away from ebay until you know what your doing.
Buy from one of our sponsored sites and save yourself in the long run. Try not to become a collectir if you can.

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

Well welcome anyway from an old guy. Stay away from eBay, and either go to the Classifieds here, to Larry at Whipped Dog or to SRD and bite the bullet on a $100 quality razor. The key is to get a shave ready razor which all three of those sources reliably have, and a strop...same true of those three sources, although Larry is likely the cheapest of the three.

Starting with a known, well prepped razor is the key to success. Won't get that on eBay.

Enjoy!

+1 on Larry at Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment . Buy the "sight unseen" and get a good serviceable shave ready razor at a great price. You can also get a strop, soap and a brush with the razor for around $50. Unless you are extremely knowledgeable, stay away from the Bay for now. Stick around here long enough reading everything in the library and hanging on every word that flows from the most wise and sage mentors here and you will be able to spot a good deal from the real dogs in no time.

Welcome to SRP!
Harold pretty much says it all. Forget ebay for now and go with the recommended suppliers.

Read the Beginner's Section in the Library, ask questions when you need help, and enjoy the shaves.

Also, you might want to fill out your location in your profile so a local member can help you get started.

Welcome to SRP! This site will teach you the right way with members all over the world helping you out, you cannot go wrong. Just think 2 straight razors will last you alifetime,with proper mx they will last forever!

Originally Posted by guitstik

+1 on Larry at Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment . Buy the "sight unseen" and get a good serviceable shave ready razor at a great price. You can also get a strop, soap and a brush with the razor for around $50. Unless you are extremely knowledgeable, stay away from the Bay for now. Stick around here long enough reading everything in the library and hanging on every word that flows from the most wise and sage mentors here and you will be able to spot a good deal from the real dogs in no time.

Is the soap and brush something I need, or could I just get the strop to go with the razor with a splash of water to the face? $48 seems reasonable for international shipping of a flawed Unseen and flawed poor man's strop. I'm all about prioritising functionality over cosmetics when it comes to things I buy, so I'm never bothered about imperfections solely in the aesthetics department.

I haven't read up to the part about brushes...What exactly do you use one for, and why?

Originally Posted by criswilson10

Welcome to SRP!
Harold pretty much says it all. Forget ebay for now and go with the recommended suppliers.

Read the Beginner's Section in the Library, ask questions when you need help, and enjoy the shaves.

Also, you might want to fill out your location in your profile so a local member can help you get started.

I just recently moved to Dubai for work. Probably safe to assume nobody else here is in Dubai, but given the prices I've seen so far, I probably won't find anything significantly better than what has already been suggested by you folks.

welcome! a brush and some good soap or cream is important for a good smooth and comfortable shave. I suppose some of the canned goo would work in a pinch. one member uses a brush and some left over bath soap. shaving soap isn't that expensive and really does last along time. Oh, to answer your question about brushes, they are use to lather the soap and apply it to ones face (they also feel good to and are fun to use JMO)

hiigaran,

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

Please remember that "cheap" is not always the answer. You ask for "cheap" and you'll receive "cheap." That's not the way to start your experience in this art form. There is always some expense when you start in something, including straight razor shaving. Please do your research here at SRP before purchasing your starter shaving equipment. Not only that, but see before you buy, because then you will know what you're buying. As suggested, please avoid eBay for now, because until you know your way around the straight razor world, you might end up with junk. And ask questions.

Soap really is necessary, Dove soap will work, but the glide and longevity of the lather won't be as long as the real thing