Greetings to the forum and newbie question

[xman]

Choices A & B have been made by some, but they both require learning skills which are somewhat different than a traditional straight razor. If you want to learn to shave with a straight razor, then do it. I did.

C1 is the best first step you can make. You'll get introduced to a proper edge. Don't worry too much about the cost. If you decide in future not to stick to it, you'll be able to sell the gear again for nearly what you paid for it.

Check the vendors Links for all the options, but many guys will recommend Tony Miller for his strops and kits. I'd be one of them. He's also a great guy to deal with and a regular contributor to this site. I think he's on a bit of a vacation right now so be patient for his reply.

You can do it. it's easy.

X

[jaegerhund]

I'm with X ---- Tony's kits are great --can't go wrong.

Justin

[JMS]

I'm with X ---- Tony's kits are great --can't go wrong.

Justin

..Dittos!!

[rhever]

i guess i'm jumping *straight* in!
something about option c makes me think 100 usd is a very conservative estimate


anyways, will keep checking the forum for used razors for sale...
thanks for the nfo


cheers,


rob

[junkinduck]

If you are serious then spend the twenty on Lynns DVD. If I could start over I wouldn't change a thing. Jim at vintage blades for a razor with a shave ready sharpen job (in stock). Hit Tony up for a strop, well worth the money even the cheep ones, I still use the practice I am afraid of scuffing the heirloom 3". See if Colleen will send you some soap this makes shaving more of a treet then a dread. I used a boar brush for years with a DE then I bought a badger I will be using my boar in the gun room for dusting from here on out.

[rhever]

Is the reason you guys suggest going with tonys strops moreso because there is an option to buy one get a 2nd practice one for free?

Or is the quality of his strops far better than the ones available through classicshaving.com, specifically, the 39.99 illi one?

I am asking because I was thinking of purchasing the dvd/cream/styptic off classic anyways and could save on shipping.... and my guess the order will run me 90 usd
whereas the 2 strops from tony would cost 80 usd by the time it reaches my door.

[junkinduck]

Is the reason you guys suggest going with tonys strops moreso because there is an option to buy one get a 2nd practice one for free?

Made by a true American craftsman. This is an endangered species. I do what I can to support such people. The small shop hand made item with such a strict attention to detail will not be found in Wal Mart. Aside form the quality I nicked my strop a couple of times learning the rhythm. Sure glad it was the practice and not my beautiful red heirloom #1 3”. I still don’t feel worthy to strop on it. Maybe in a couple of weeks.

[Ron A]

I favor option C for you.
If you buy cheap or old and used equipment, the best you can get is a shave that is "cheap". I think it would be difficult to not only become an accomplished st8 shaver with old and used, but it would be more difficult to enjoy the process. If you do buy used, buy a high-quality, shave-ready razor from someone who knows the business. Give yourself the best opportunity to learn correctly and enjoy the experience.
Good luck!