Thread: Noob in Costa Rica

Hello. I am currently a three blade cartridge shaver. I'm 100% Gringo, but I live in Costa Rica, and I've only been back to the USA once in the last two years. Costa Rica provides some special challenges to becoming a straight razor shaver.

Shipping is challenging. It's not impossible, but it can be expensive, and customs can be jerks. Muling-in is the best option, but it's time consuming, and mostly one way. In other words, what I buy needs to be the right thing when it arrives.

Here's where I need help. I will need to learn to hone on the fly–no choice–so I want to get a blade that holds it's honed edge as long as possible. In a perfect world it would arrive honed.

1. Are there specific brands or metals I should be considering to narrow my search?
   
2. In life I have been able to pick things up quickly. Am I crazy to think I can learn to hone from videos online?
   

I've considered that buying two blades up front might be the smart move. I imagine the second blade is only shortly behind the first anyway. And then the third, the fourth, and around the fifth my wife will start asking the tough questions...

I am leaning towards 5/8-full-hollow, vintage, but could go new if the price was right. I am hoping to stay near the $100 mark for the first few blades (each). When I grow up I will spend more. I have been to Whipped Dog, but just browsed. I am also aware of the classified option on SRP. Are there other places I should consider looking?

Thank you in advance for any advice. Being the new guy is always fun. I am willing to kick down any knowledge I have on Costa Rica for anyone who wants to know more about the Happiest Country on the planet. Kidding, but dead serious. I've learned a lot in 26-months.

Cheers,
Damon

If shipping is expensive it would be best to buy it all in one bundle or have it all shipped to one location, then bundled and shipped. There are companies that do this, but I don't use one, perhaps one of the guys from EU or Australia can recommend one. As far as buying shave ready gear the best option is usually the classifieds, and a nice strop can be had from many locations. I'd like to stop by and help you out as it is on my must see list. I don't see it happening this year though because I am very busy.

I would first go talk to some local barbers, I am sure they are probably still shaving customers with straights.

They have a in country source and you could probably pick up a local mentor to teach you how to shave and maintain your razor.

My experience with barbers is, once you break the ice and start talking blades and honing, the doors open up, especially with the older guys.

That is how it was here 40 years ago.

Give that a try first.

As far as purchases, for $100 you should be able to buy a nice Vintage shave ready 5/8 or 6/8 razor. A 4/8 Norton, ($65) a Diamond plate, ($50) decent strop,(30-$50) and some quality Chrome Oxide (10-$15) and you are set. About $180 plus your razors, say $300 for the lot.

Welcome aboard

Hi and welcome. Honing can be learned by watching you tube but I would use a razor I wasn't overly concerned with as you will put excess wear on it and it is going to take a while to get it right. If you do buy 2 shave ready and just do touch ups with crox you should have a while before needing to hone any way and then it should only be a touch up with a finishing stone not a complete hone. Harder steels can hold an edge for longer but dont think in the end it will be an appreciable amout of difference. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

Welcome Damon. Stay in touch with this forum for help along your path to shaving with a straight. Good advice on checking with the classifieds here. The razors will usually be shave ready and you should be able to pick up some proper honing equipment. Good luck on your new adventure. bj

Thanks. I'll try this. There aren't any around where I live, but when we go to the city I can probably find some. Gotta get that wet-shave Spanish/English dictionary out. Anybody know the Spanish word for "hone?" How do I say "scales?"