Hello from a beginner

Well, I've finally gotten sick of the terrible shaves that a MachIII and canned foam give me. Been using those for a few years (I'm 24), and before that I used an electric that was even worse on my face. Never close enough, and always irritation on my neck. I've been lurking at the various shave forums for a week now, and I think I'm ready to jump in to the world of the straight razor.

I've browsed enough to have chosen out a medium quality kit for myself. Just put an email out to Superior Brushes for a 20mm Super badger hair brush with a custom sherwood green, Persian jar shaped handle. Going to follow that up with an order with Mama Bear soaps, probably lime, rosemary and mint, and hydrogen, and maybe some cream or shampoo as well. Cheap Asian lacquerware easily available in Vancouver will suffice for a lather bowl I think. I also have a store in the city that sells the Truefitt and Hill line,

Would it be a good idea to get the hang of lathering before seeking out a razor and strop? I've read the warnings on the forum and will seek out a used razor and a strop from one of the forum members.

One of my other hobbies is fountain pens, and like pens I'm attracted to the notion that the old ways of doing things are quite often better. I enjoy spending the time to get these things right, and they usually reward you with a much more luxurious experience. It's only recently that we've become obsessed with speed and disposability, or men with using luxury scented skin care products.

~Ryan

Hi Ryan and welcome :)

I'm not sure there's a lot to learn in terms of lathering - working out the ratio of water to soap/cream to get a lather that suits you is essentially what it boils down to (at least for me). My advice would be to purchase a razor and strop as well and start in.

As you've mentioned, there's plenty of opportunity to get a good sharp starter razor from members here. And, although I don't have one of his strops, Tony Miller has a towering reputation in the area of stroppage - check out his web site when considering strops.

Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress. :tu

James.

Welcom Ryan, with respect to your questions, what James said. Have fun!

Jordan

Just wanted to add, if any of the veterans or restorers on the board have a used shave ready razor sitting around, and/or a strop, I would be interested in a purchase.

I have to say, the shave forums I've seen are if anything even more polite than fountain pen forums. I guess gentelmanly pursuits bring out the best in people!

They certainly do Ryan.

Check out the Buy Sell Trade forum, there is usually a decent razor lurking in there somewhere, but you often have to move fast. Make sure you are getting a finished one rather then a restoration project razor though...

As for strops, Tony Miller certainly is the man with the reputation. You will not go wrong with one of his strops, but I would recommend using the starter strop to learn on for a while before diving onto the big one. You will hate yourself if you put a slice in it - which is all too easy to do.

Good luck - stay patient. It doesn't all happen at once, but then judging from your post that is why you are getting into this.

Si

Well I am new too. I got a new dovo red bone straight. Found this place and saw it should have been honed better than factory before using. So I got a DE for now and some DE blades and bought stuff on ebay
120119610042 King Cutter straight razor with case
120119611533 King Cutter straight razor with case
120119614051 ORSTRHOFF Manganese steel straight razor with case
120119664181 Razor blade sharpening bar or hone
120119666071 Razor blade sharpening bar or hone
120119667189 Razor blade sharpening bar or hone
These were/are for me to practice my honing on before I hone my Dovo.
They are due to arrive tommorrow and if you are interested I can send you one of the King cutters and you can send it away to be honed. I live in Victoria, BC so I will even cover shipping of the king cutter to you. You just have to decide if this helps you and then you can get a strop on your own at house of knives or momentum etc. PM if you are interested.