Thread: Hello from New Guy

Hey everyone! Been lurking around for a little while and decided to introduce myself. I've been wetshaving with a DE for a few months now and for some have this strong attraction to straight razors. In fact, it was the search for a barber straight shave that led me to DE shaving in the first place.

I've ordered Lynn's DVD and can't wait for it's arrival. Also, I've looked through the Newbie info on purchasing a straight razor and have tons of questons. First and foremost, the benefits of stainless steel vs carbon and vice versa. What's good for a newbie?

Anyway, enough rambling. Looking forward to learning from the many wise members of the forum.

Take care.

Jeff

You've come to the right place. The guys here are great, and you can get lots of wonderful information. Read the help files (as though you don't hear that enough around here), and read, read, READ!

We'll be glad to answer questions as we are able.

You're in great hands!

Peace and joy,
Harry

Welcome Jeff, glad to have you here. As Harry stated, you are most certainly in good hands.

As for your question about stainless vs. carbon, that is really a matter of preference. I would say the majority prefer carbon. Easier to hone and generally the better known brands produced carbon, so most of your vintage razors will be high carbon steel. Still, many love their stainless steal razors. They are harder to sharpen, but hold the edge longer. Dovo makes some great SS blades, and if you can get your hands on a Henckels Friodur then go for it. I have yet to acquire one of these my self, but I anxiously await the day when I do get one.

If you have yet to acquire a razor, I highly recommend you pay Tony Miller's online shop a visit. thewellshavedgentleman.com. He sells starter kits which can be found here. Tony is held in high regards around here and is an active member. The kits come with everything you need to start off as well as a shave ready razor. Most new razors do not come shave ready. Stay away from the zeepk and most other new razors on ebay. They are only suited for opening letters or spreading butter. Let us know if you have more questions.

Matt

Welcome aboard Jeff. You've already received some great info from Matt and Harry. Use it, learn, enjoy, contribute

Welcome Jeff, and great to see you making the move. Like Matt said, a lot (though by no means all) of the members here seem to prefer a carbon steel blade for the reasons previously explained. After that, it starts to come down to personal preference and aesthetics. Enjoy learning and have a great time.

Welcome!

I do prefer crabon but not for the reasons explained - it just seems that SS is scratchier and harsher on my face. Having said this - try both and decide for yourself.

Cheers
Ivo

All, thank you for the encouraging words; it is much appreciated. The carbon vs. stainless is still perplexing to me. I have a tough beard and since the stainless purportedly holds an edge longer I was thinking this would be better for my face. However, if it is harsher, then maybe that is a reason to go carbon.

Thanks again.

Jeff