Thread: Beginner in need of guidance

Originally Posted by Sunshine1

Thanks for all the replies guys! I think I'm going to get the 'go-to' recommendation. It seems like the smartest move I can make. So I'm going to get a Ralf Aust - Solingen 5/8" Black

Excellent choice.

Originally Posted by Sunshine1

Thanks for all the replies guys! I think I'm going to get the 'go-to' recommendation. It seems like the smartest move I can make. So I'm going to get a Ralf Aust - Solingen 5/8" Black

Good choice, hope it's from SRD or like people who hone it for you, because you will find us scary sharp knives are not even close to a razor, we set bevels at the range most knives are sharp,, if from SRD you have a rehone coming for when you dull your razor thru improper technique or stropping, Hey it happens. Learning to shave is a little hard to get good at till you,ve had 50-100 shaves with, so good choice , good luck. Welcome. Tc

Bear in mind, SRD sells that razor as a set. So you can get a 2" strop with it for 20 bucks. Pretty good deal as those run $50 or more depending on options. So that would keep you close to your $120 budget. The DVD option (additional $14) would be a good idea, I wish I had got it when I started. I would have saved some blood...

+1 on getting it from SRD. It's the best deal around. In fact, I'm poised on the brink of getting yet another.

Alright, I just placed my order. I got this;
Ralf Aust 5/8" Black Straight Razor & Strop Set (1402) = $123.99
Front Strop Variation 2" Red Latigo Leather
Back Strop Variation Matched Webbing

I think that was a good option, and you will be very pleased with it. Great price too.

Hi and welcome. Those are good quality items that will last and if cared for properly could be passed on.

Great! I'm glad you took everyone's advice and got good, quality items that will give you the best possible introduction to this art. Good luck and great shaves!

You're all set with some good stuff now. As a last piece of advice, I would suggest that you watch some how to videos on stropping and then practice with a butter knife for a while before doing it with the razor. It may well minimize the nicks you put in the strop. If you do nick it, don't worry too much, it can be fixed pretty easily. There's some threads and information in the Library on how to repair strop nicks -- don't ask why I know that.

Originally Posted by Sunshine1

Thanks for all the replies guys! I think I'm going to get the 'go-to' recommendation. It seems like the smartest move I can make. So I'm going to get a Ralf Aust - Solingen 5/8" Black

I had my eye on that one. Good choice. Now take it nice and slowly, and read up here and on YouTube.