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Thread: Total Noob / Advice Needed / Razor recommendations

  1. #1
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    Smile 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

    Thanks in advance for your help it is much appreciated.

    All the best

    Mathew.
    DeObfuscate likes this.

  2. #2
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    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!

  3. #3
    Senior Member jnats's Avatar
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    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.
    Last edited by jnats; 11-28-2015 at 04:18 PM.

  4. #4
    Boker Fan wayne394's Avatar
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    Welcome to the forum Mathew. Firstly, I think you may have made an error with your username... you won't be a novice forever!

    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.

  5. #5
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    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

  6. #6
    Senior Member DeObfuscate's Avatar
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    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
    Last edited by DeObfuscate; 11-28-2015 at 07:02 PM. Reason: add link
    To deobfuscate is to convert something that is difficult to un͝d̡͝e҉͞r̴͝st̨̕a͘͢n̢̛d̕̕ ̧͝
    into one that is simple, understandable and straightforward.

  7. #7
    Senior Member blabbermouth
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    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
    celticcrusader and eddy79 like this.
    Life is a terminal illness in the end

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    Senior Member blabbermouth eddy79's Avatar
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    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
    My wife calls me......... Can you just use Ed

  9. #9
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    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

  10. #10
    Senior Member blabbermouth eddy79's Avatar
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    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.
    My wife calls me......... Can you just use Ed

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