Thread: Beyond Newbie

I have been using a DE safety razor for a few months and want to take "the plunge" into straight edge shaving. I am so new, I haven't even purchased a razor or strop as of yet. I thought I would join this forum to learn a little more before diving into grooming with a straight edge. Be gentle but I am open to recommendations and advice. Thank you in advance.

Tell us some more...are you using brush and real soap or cream and doing face prep? What gear are you using (razor and blades)? What would you say your comfort level has been? It'll help us give better guidance and advice based on our own experiences.

Thanks Harlodg...my apologies in just throwing my original submission out there without any background. I have a Razorock DE safety razor, a synergy open comb razor, and a 1970 Gillette Black Beauty TTO razor (birth year). I alternate between an Omega boar and a Whipped Dog silvertip badger brush. As for soaps, I have been trying anything I can get my hands on (I have probably tried about 25 soaps, my favorite of which is Stroppe Shop Baker Street with tallow). Blades, I have tried about 10 different blades but my favorite are PolSilver, Feather, and Astra SP (in that order probably). I am feeling very comfortable with the DE razors and am now VERY intrigued/fascinated by the straight edge. Seeing that Christmas is rapidly approaching, I thought it might be something nice to ask for from the wife. Thanks for getting back to me so quickly; I do appreciate your help.

it would all depend upon your budget, you can either go new or vintage. there are some nice vintage blades for sale in the classifieds or you can go with a starter set from SRD and their razors come shave ready with a free honing( make sure wherever you get it that it is truly shave ready). you'll also need a strop to keep the blade sharp. there's alot to learn about shaving with a straight but you've come to the right place. Welcome!

I'm with Tintin on this one. Either go with SRD, Vintage Blades, LLC or one of the other vendors who sells really shave ready razors OR go to the classifieds or Whipped Dog or some member who sells and get a good shave ready Razor that you'll know is sharp.

With you experience with face prep and lathering, having a real shave ready blade eliminates one more variable from the SR equation.

Welcome to SRP!
Harold and tintin pretty much sum up the best places to get a straight.

Make sure you check the Beginner's section in the Library. It has a lot of information about how to shave with a straight.
And of course, ask any questions that you have.

There is also the mentors that can be of great help one on one. Look for member and mentors in your area. They are often very well equipped and happy to help. US is a little vague for anyone to step up so you may want to be a little more specific with your location.

Hi and welcome. One of the strops with replacement materials is always a good idea for beginners as you can get a decent strop and just replace the leather after your finished nicking it up as a beginner. As long as the razor is pro honed and decent quality you will be fine. With your current experience with the DE it will make the transition easier. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask.

Another great starting resource would be whipped dog razors. Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment Give it look over. Lots of guys here have used hm.

Welcome to SRP. When I began straight shaving, I'd been DE shaving for a couple of years, and thought that experience would enable me to quickly become an expert straight shaver. In terms of beard prep and knowing how to build a good lather, it did. But the actual hands on technique of a straight is something that will take you -wisome time to master. Indeed, I thought my first razor was dull, and it was honed by none other than Lynn ( it was me that was dull, not the razor!). Anyhow, before I get long-winded, have patience and enjoy the ride.