Thread: Beginner!

Hello all, like most of the straight shavers I'm tired of buying cartridges of razors constantly... I was wondering for a beginner would I be better off buying a more expensive razor compared to a cheap one? I'm willing to drop a decent amount to get started if it means less maintenance on compared to a cheap razor. I was looking at some Dovo blades just browsing around and they are beautiful but as of right now I'm solely going on looks lol. I'm open to all suggestions! Thank you

Welcome to an older but better way of shaving!

The Wiki is your friend.

Please keep in mind that 99.9% of Everything involved with using and maintaining a straight razor is 'Personal Preferences'.

I would advise that you start out with a vintage razor purchased from a reliable source such as the Classifieds here at SRP then purchase as you wish. You will need a decent strop and of course a brush and some shaving soap/the canned goop just doesn't cut it.

While it's not the best in the west the Van Hagen starter kit will get you going.

The Illinois 827 is my go to strop after honing. With that said I also finish on more expensive strops.

If you need links to find these just PM me and I'll send them along.

This age old art has a huge learning curve but once semi mastered is very rewarding.

Enjoy the journey, it's a long strange trip but well worth the time

Hello, chadkp. Welcome to Straight Razor Place!

What do you consider expensive?

Quality, new straight razors start just shy of $100 from a reputable vendor like Straight Razor Designs. The classifieds here at SRP often have quality, vintage razors in the $50-$100 range. I really don't see there being a major difference in maintenance in razors based on price. Basic care should remain the same for all straight razors: The razor should be stropped before using and dried off after the shave; don't get water on the pins; store in a dry environment; be careful around gold etching/plating.

I was looking around and I wouldn't mind $100-$200 range cause I'm not one to keep buying different lower quality items to work my way up to a higher quality, I just like to know precautions to take when it comes to maintenance and care of said item, in this case a straight razor.

Have you read any of the articles in the SRP library about starting out? If not, here is a link to the Beginners Guide.
Straight Razor Place Library:Books/Beginners Guide - Straight Razor Place Library

I really believe a Ralf Aust in 5/8 or 6/8 is the best values if you are going to buy a new razor. Also, look for something that is shave-ready. Yes, the working up from low quality to high quality isn't in your best interest since it's wasting time and money on something that just isn't going to work correctly, i.e. ebay razors for $12.

I would digress just a little in that way too many times have I seen a newbie be all excited about this age old art and drop a ton of money on really nice but expensive razors etc only to find that this art isn't for 'them', then get discouraged and give up.

Worse is when they don't listen to good counsel and instead of sending a razor that they've mess the edge up to someone who knows what they are doing go out and buy hones so they can 'fix it'.

I've offered to loan the OP a razor to let him see what this is all about. I only asked a few reasonable conditions. I do hope that he will take me up on my offer.

G'day and welcome to SRP
great stuff Lads
Cudarunner will set you straight on the path mate definitely take his offer

Hi and welcome. For a $50 vintage razor to a $400 new razor there will be little if any difference in shaves and care as most of the cost difference is bling like gold wash, scale materials etc. You will also find that you make a few newb mistakes like dinging or dropping the razor and nicking up your stropping so start moderately where you dodon't mind making these mistakes. Buy a second razor after these mistakes then your original is a spare for when you base razor is out for honing.

Do do a lot of reading. All the information is here as well as gear recommendations and you will have a much better idea of the process and what is needed. If you get stuck just ask we will always help out a new starter.

I'm glad you are not going cheap with this. The worst mistake is cheaping out on the essential tools needed for successful straight razor shaving. You don't need top of the line but decent to start out. I still don't have top of the line.. Pair a decent shave ready razor with a strop and off you go!! But don't think it will stop there. Wait till the AD's get you! Then there's a never ending list of things you NEED!