Total Noob / Advice Needed / Razor recommendations

Hi everyone, I just thought I would introduce myself before asking you all for your advice my name is Mathew.

I have recently discovered the world of straight razor shaving prior to this I just used to shave once a week with my head trimmers and call it a day, however recently I started shaving with my Gillete razor and really enjoyed the close shave it gave me.

Since then I have been watching many videos on YouTube, and I have come to the realisation that nothing quite compares to a straight razor shave.

I am interested in purchasing a razor with a fixed blade non disposable brand new.


So here's what I need your advice on.


1. What razor do you recommend I buy and from where? (I live in the UK)

2. Do you recommend I purchase anything else to go with the razor?

3.Any tips or tricks you feel that are relevant that I should know before I get started in order for me not to cut my face off http://straightrazorpalace.com/images/icons/icon7.png

Thanks in advance for your help it is much appreciated.

All the best

Mathew.

Welcome. First, you will need a strop and good brush to go with your razor. I would recommend doing a bit of research, as there's too much to answer your third question in 1 post. Try browsing around & looking in the SRP library for useful tips. There's also many good video's here too. As well, you can look up other members in your area to help you find suitable gear. Good luck, you're gonna' love it!

Welcome.

#1 A Dovo 5/8 stay away from the bismarck.

#2 A badger brush. pure or best badger. Don't need silvertip. If getting a strop- the SRD paddle strop with replaceable leathers is the best decision you can make imo.

#3 shower first. face prep. enjoy.

Welcome to the forum Mathew. Firstly, I think you may have made an error with your username... you won't be a novice forever! :gl:

Where in South Wales are you? I'm in Brecon and celticcrusader is in Merthyr. I'm sure he'll be along soon...

Before spending any money, read everything you can on here about SRs, strops, creams and brushes. They will be the very basics you need. There are so many to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming if you're not absolutely certain what you want. Obviously, it also depends how much you want to spend. The Invisible Edge have some nice items. There are countless places to buy creams or soaps and brushes.

A Boker King Cutter would make a great first razor and they're very reasonably priced.

It's a steep and long learning curve Mathew, but once on it, you'll love it. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Good luck mate.

Hi Wayne I am not far from Merthyr I live in Nelson, Brecon is not to far from me either just up the a470.

I have been doing some research and it does not appear to be that hard to master, I think you just have to get the technique that is right for you.

The trouble is I have been discussing this in passing with friends and family, and they are almost positive that as soon as the blade touches my skin I am going to slice through my face.

What would be your best advice on getting started because as far as I can see you just put the razor at a slight angle to your face, stretch the skin and slowly and with a light touch move the razor down your face?

thanks again

Mathew

No such thing as a dumb question. Plenty of volunteers to supply their opinions. While I've been in the Wet Shave Community for only 4-5 months, I do see several basic question asked many times. Find the search box, make it your tool for any question. When you don't get a satisfactory answer, start a thread!
As to your location, and info I've gathered above, there are members in Wales. My family name as I've been told, is of Welsh origin. A variation of Maduc, meaning "mad dog"? I wish I knew more about where the family name originated. I'm gonna go use my Google...

EDIT; link to a conversation containing a map for your possible enjoyment.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...00-shaves.html

Yes, it does not appear to be hard to master shaving with a straight razor but it is deceptively simple. Getting the technique down can be harder than you think with some frustration thrown in for good measure.

Here is a good reference on starting out from the site's library First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Library .

Just go slow and don't push/force things.

You have a couple of members close by so one of the best things you can do is get some one on one personal mentoring if possible.

Bob

Hi and welcome.

1) Dovo, Boker, Revisor or Thiers Issard. Only UK site I have heard good things about is the invisible edge.

2)if you don't already soap and brush and of coarse a strop

3) go slow and start with the sideburns and check area and finish as normal. Work in the sr more and more. Only do with the grain to start with and once comfortable with that then across the grain and finally against the grain.

Any questions ask we are more than willing to help. Good luck

Hi eddy thanks for the advice, any idea what size I should get the thinner the better im guessing to start

Also are the blades prone to rusting?

Thanks

Standard recommendation to start is a 5/8 or 6/8 razor with round toe.

All razors can rust if not looked after properly. Cleaning and drying after use should see you without any problems.

Without a budget, there is little one can recommend. I would try to find a Ralf Aust or a Revisor you like, and a decent strop (budget plays an important role if you order from a European manufacturer). Ralf Aust is here, Revisor are here.

I would definitely steer clear of most, if not all, so called starter kits. Unless you can modify them, like at Straight Razor Designs. Otherwise, you will end up with mediocre products thrown in.

And then there is this: Shopping list for beginners - Straight Razor Place Library. I wrote that six years ago, on a BlackBerry. I think it is still quite accurate. The trick is to do proper research first, and understand the significance of independent reviews. You might find that a local forum sees certain things differently, and they are the guys who will be closer to you to offer hands-on support.

Hi Mathew welcome to the SRP you've definitely stopped off in the right place for advice from the number one straight razor forum in the universe, I'm just up the road from you in Merthyr Tydfil regarding a first straight razor may I give you a little point in the right direction get yourself a Revisor full hollow 5/8 round point I'll leave you the link and If you wan't to arrange a meet up call on me I'll show you how to maintain strop and look after your straight, and If you bring your new Revisor with you I will give you a little honing lesson.
5/8" : 5-0000, 3 - teiliges Starter-Set

Mathew, most definitely take Jamie up on his offer and go see him! He is a star!! An hour or two with him will save you months of messing up and learning the hard way. Good luck mate.