Thread: a little piece of advice from shaving masters

LeNoun: I think you are on the right track, I never advise purchasing cheap shaving gear, here are a few things I have learned along the way that I wish I would have known in the beginning.
First purchase two good quality razors- why two because we as new shavers are very hard on our edges, shaving with poor angle control and poor stropping technique will likely take it's toll sooner rather than latter and we need to have an extra razor to shave with while the other is out for honing.
Speaking of razors make sure that the razors you get are shave ready- what does that mean? Honed by someone that KNOWS how to hone. Many new razors come from the manufacture and claim to be sharp but are not and this is not a good way to start.
Get a descent strop to go with your razors as this tool and the skill set that goes with it are very important, good stropping can keep your razors shaving sharp for a good long while between honings.
Just because you are only shaving your neck doesn't mean you can skimp on face prep, the neck is my most challenging area and excellent prep is the precursor to an excellent shave.
Use a high quality soap, there are many, pick one and learn how to use it. A great lather is a necessity.

Don't let all this stuff put you off, it's a fun process and you will find a wonderful community here that are willing to help you along the way.

Oh and by the way WELCOME!

Welcome to SRP LeNoun: As others have suggested be sure your first razor has a "True Shave Ready Edge". If you want to purchase a new razor, be sure it comes from a vendor who will re-hone the factory edge. New razors from large manufactures do not have a "true shave ready edge". If you decide to purchase from a vendor like Straight Razor Designs, rest assured you will receive impeccable customer serve. Your razor will have a "true shave ready edge" an you get one free re-honing when it becomes necessary. Trying to shave with a dull razor will spoil your enthusiasm quickly.

Please feel free to ask questions regarding straight razor shaving. SRP has a large group of experienced members who enjoy helping out new shavers. The SRP library has a wealth of materials to help you get started. Also search for the Lynn Abrams Introduction to Straight Razor Shaving on Youtube. Lots of great visual information to help you begin your SR shaving journey. Good Luck

Will you shave your whole neck or just trim the beard there ?

If you shave the whole neck you can use the biggest razor you can handle. Trimming is another story.
Strictly for trimming you could use a small 3/8 or 4/8 razor. They are more challenging of correct angle but for accuracy they can't be beaten.

Your price range would maybe allow 2 razors or you could compromise on 5/8 or maybe 4/8.

+1 from the Oz. Very true. I have several 3/8's that I use when it is a special occasion shave to trim around my Van Dyke.

Onimaru55: I would be doing the whole neck with it with the contour of the beard under the jaw and a little bit on the upper part of the cheeks.

How do you find a good sharpener?
The one I went too was recommended by the barber next door. They do mostly knives apparently but definitely had a few SR in the store as well and seemed like they had some good recommendations.
Definitely planning on stroping but not on honing as of yet. Down the line probably.

Thanks for the recommendation on how to find members of this forum in my area. I'll take a look at it when I get home.

Thanks everyone! Keep the suggestions coming!

Before I learned how to hone I sent my razors out to be honed by a professional, if you look here on the classifieds under member services you will find a list of them.

Are you in San Jose area or SFO?

I live in san Francisco.

Your description reminded me of a place in San Jose. I travel here a lot for work.

Originally Posted by LeNoun

Onimaru55: I would be doing the whole neck with it with the contour of the beard under the jaw and a little bit on the upper part of the cheeks.

How do you find a good sharpener?
The one I went too was recommended by the barber next door. They do mostly knives apparently but definitely had a few SR in the store as well and seemed like they had some good recommendations.
Definitely planning on stroping but not on honing as of yet. Down the line probably.

Thanks for the recommendation on how to find members of this forum in my area. I'll take a look at it when I get home.

Thanks everyone! Keep the suggestions coming!

For what you want I think 4/8, 9/16 would work. Just a little trickier to use than 5/8 so slightly hesitant to advise it as a best answer. I still think 2 razors is ideal.
For honing. http://straightrazorpalace.com/class...wcat.php?cat=4