Thread: >Insert newbie sounding topic name!<

Draekalovich,
A smaller blade like a 5/8 is easier to control and strop for someone starting out. A thumb notch makes stropping more difficult but if the tang has jimps that's a plus for you . A round point would be a good starting shape to buy in the beginning. I like the advice from Leatherstockings; look at the classifieds here on the forum. Good luck!

Thanks all for the advice!

@RezDog; to clarify I'm one of the 'Murricans. It's been decidedly hard to get away from 'mainstream' as a result; with the exception of a few out of the way places (which I have yet to actually find) buying 'local' is...pretty much impossible. I'm sure if I put the research into it I'd find *something*, but that something is likely several hours away; lol.

@SwampRat: I'll consider it! What did you do for a brush and strop to start with though?

@MisterClean: Yeah, from what I've been reading I've been looking (almost exclusively) for that magic number 5/8. How does the size change the strop?

Draekalovich, it would be good, very, very good if you would list where in 'Murrica you are located. That would allow us to see who might be closest to you and willing to sit down with you and go over the necessities and procedures of getting going in this craft. We have a goodly number of Mentors and Senior Members that are always up for a sit down mentoring session. Believe me, it can cut a bunch of time off the learning curve. Many Mentors and Members are also happy to mentor via eMail if necessary.

Glad that you being critical, at this point, in doubting of the validity of some suggestions.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Draekalovich, it would be good, very, very good if you would list where in 'Murrica you are located. That would allow us to see who might be closest to you and willing to sit down with you and go over the necessities and procedures of getting going in this craft. We have a goodly number of Mentors and Senior Members that are always up for a sit down mentoring session. Believe me, it can cut a bunch of time off the learning curve. Many Mentors and Members are also happy to mentor via eMail if necessary.

Glad that you being critical, at this point, in doubting of the validity of some suggestions.

Pennsylvania; I added it to my location after RezDog pointed that bit out Or at least made it plain to me that location in this regard is kind of important.

Here is a member in PA. Not sure if he is near you: avatar1999 (SC PA, Chambersburg area) (Hagerstown, MD area). Wouldn't hurt to send him a PM at any rate and see if he can be of assistance either, or both, in person or by eMail.

Good luck.

Thank you!

For 50 dollars you can find a shave ready good quality and good condition vintage razor in theclassifieds here. Buying in good condition means it won't have geometry or hone wear issues that will make it easier to maintain. Whipped dog has a good reputation for shave ready razors but you won't know what you get and it will likely have hone wear and or geometry issues. For a 100ish SRD and a Ralf Aust razor would be hard to beat.

If you let us know your budget we can help maybe more. I have used SRD before as has many members and the package deals that they do are hard to beat for price and quality.

Hey,

Thanks for the responses but, could you guys give a price range for the SRs your recommending, where we could find them (online or at a real store) and how difficult they are to acquire?

-Tom

Originally Posted by Draekalovich

@SwampRat: I'll consider it! What did you do for a brush and strop to start with though?

For $95 I bought the sight-unseen shave-ready razor, poor man's strop kit, and a pure badger brush. Delivered.
The brush was better than expected. It has never shed. I went back and bought a larger super later with good results.

How much are you looking to spend?