Total Newbie

Greetings! I just joined this fine forum tonight after a couple of days of reading, and I have some questions - as if you didn't see THAT one coming....

I posted the following over on another forum a few days ago, trying to decide whether to try a DE or a straight. It pretty much sums up why I'm really excited to get into wetshaving. I keep hearing about how much better and more comfortable the shave is!

" My typical shaving routine is very atypical - about once a week, I use clippers to trim down the stubble that's grown, and maybe once a month I do an actual razor shave, usually the day after I trim. The reason for this is that shaving is very hard on my neck. I had surgery about 12 years ago, and ever since, shaving pretty much irritates the crap out of my neck - lots of burn, bumps, and depending on how close I shave, ingrowns on my neck. If I try to use a razor more than about once a week, my neck looks, and feels, like hamburger. It's not nearly as hard on the rest of my face.

I should also note that I have a 'stache and goatee that are not connected. I trim out the hair between them."

Based on that, most guys thought that I wasn't insane for wanting to go right to a straight, and in fact said it was often easier to transition from a cartridge right to a straight rather than getting there via DE, especially if you don't shave all of the hair from your face.

I've pretty much decided to go with a straight. I don't yet have a razor or strop. I'm looking at a TI Super Gnome from Classic (along with the sharpening service, of course!), Trumper's Violet shave cream, and a horse-hide strop from Tony, since everyone here raves about his work so much! Based on what I've been reading, it'd be a good start, but you guys are the experts. I'm totally new to this type of shaving! Oh, I already have a bristle brush. I know, I know...

Then I read a post earlier today from a week or so ago in which Tony said he planned to thin the herd a bit. Suffice to say, it would be very convenient if I could get the strop and razor/sharpening from the same guy! As of yet, nothing's listed in the classifieds though. Is there another way that stuff gets sold here typically? I've been checking the 'bay, and a couple of razors caught my eye, so we'll see.

I'm leaving town in a few days, and I'll be gone for a bit, so I won't be doing any buying until after I get back unless something hits on the 'bay. I'm hoping to get as much info as I can before then! Thanks!

Joe

Jo,

Welcome to SRP. First off go to Tony's website as he sells complete beginner sets that include a razor, strop (choice between paddle or hanging), mug, brush, and I think some soap. Basically everything you need to get started right away - plus the razor is already honed up for you. www.thewellshavedgentleman.com

I started with a DE a few months ago and loved it, still loving it. Always knew that I would arrive at a straight, so I decided to speed up the process. I have to say that everything that I have learned so far from DE shaving (prep, beard mapping, how not to apply pressure) has served me extrememly well while including a straight into my ritual. Now, you don't have to start with a DE to learn any of this, it all can be done with a straight. However, the DEs are more forgiving and gentler to the face for beginners. Just something to consider. YMMV.

Good luck, and enjoy your shave.

Welcome Joe.
You cant go wrong with Tony's stuff. I have using a straight for 6 months now and wont ever go back to the commercial stuff. You'll find out the guys here are very willing to help ya out with any questions or problems that might arise. Theres a ton of info here to read on.







David

Welcome aboard Jo. Tony carries everything you need to get started. Going straight is the easiest method on your skin, as long as the blade is sharp enough. You'll experience less redness, fewer weepers and a way better skin sensation than with any other shaving method.
My routine used to be similar to yours. I used an electric shaver's trimmer to trim my beard to a reasonable length and give it a quick pass with the regular shaving head every 2-3 days. Any more often than that and my skin would get irritated from shaving. Any less and it would get irritated from beard growth. Disposables would irritate the living **** out of my face/neck.
Now I shave daily with straights and the occasional (once every week or two) DE. Straight shaves are easier on my skin and more enjoyable, but DE's easy enough not to bother me and a nice change of pace. Also if you combine the two (2 passes with a straight, a finishing pass with a DE), you'll get the closest shave possible, without irritating your skin.

Hello Joe, and welcome to SRP.

For buying straight, strop, etc. I recommend one place only and that is www.thewellshevedgentleman.com :tu

Regards,
Viktor

Thanks for the responses!

I did notice Tony's starter kit, and am considering the one that doesn't include the razor. The razor that's included in the kit is hollow-ground, and, based on what I've been reading here, I'm thinking I'd like to go with a half-hollow. The impression that I get is that a thicker grind seems to be more forgiving of bad/newbie technique, especially if you have a thick beard (like me). I don't know if that's true or not, but it's the impression I get. The only wedge I could find on Classic was the 4/8 Dovo with the French point, although I didn't look at anything over $80. That one's stainless, and it seems that most prefer the carbon steel. I know that any strop I get will come from Tony though!

DE is still a possibility, I'm not ruling that out yet, but I am very much inclined to just go with a straight!

I'm at wit's end when it comes to shaving. I don't like being scruffy all the time. I can get away with it here in Az since business casual is about as formal as it gets out here, but I plan to make a move back to the Midwest in a year or so, and they are MUCH more professional there. Stubble just isn't going to fly. Besides, I like having a smooth face! :nj

Thanks again!

Joe

I was in your shoes in regards to choosing a razor. My beard is also tough and I was considering a half-hollow blade as well for that reason. However, after much consideration and reading I didn't buy new. All 4 of my razors have come from SRP members pre-honed, and only one is a half-hollow the others are full hollow blades. Let me tell you that I don't think it matters too much as long as the blade is sharp and honed properly. Don't agonize over which blade to buy, I would recommend purchasing from one of our reputable members and giving it a go.

It's a tough decision getting started, trying to figure out what blade you want to put to your own throat! :p I'm looking at a couple of new razors, but mostly I'm watching the classifieds here and keeping an eye on a few auctions on eBay right now.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jfala

I would recommend purchasing from one of our reputable members and giving it a go.

---

I think the advice here rings true, and if I can find a razor from a member here, or a good one on eBay that catches my fancy, I'll go that route rather than a new one. This is why I'm hoping that if Tony is going to be selling some of his razors, they'll be posted soon!

Jo,

I've seen some of Tony's razors posted already, and they are the higher end ones. Personally, I would contact JoshEarl directly. He's a great member of SRP who hones up some nice razors for people. I am buying one from him currently. He may be able to get you started inexpensively without the wait.

Doh!!! I just found the Buy/Sell/Trade forum. I've been looking at the classifieds section! :cen

Thanks for the tip on JoshEarl. I'll have to get in touch with him!

Jo,

Good deal. See, you indeed learn something new everyday.

Correction, the razors with Tony's set are carbon steel, NOT stainless!

Those Dovo wedges at Classic are stainless steel and I'd recommend you get an old Sheffield blade for the most comfortable sensation, but I'm probably splitting hairs. I don't know what the situation is with your skin, but I'd be willing to bet that proper wet shaving prep and a straight razor are the best way for you to get a close shave with minimal irritation. It does take a few shaves to get used to it though so hang in there for the first few weeks shaving every other day.

X

Thanks for the encouragement, X. I need it after a day like today.

Yeah, the whole stainless steel thing was a concern of mine about that wedge. Odds are pretty good that if I go for a straight like I want to, rather than a DE, I'll be getting a starter kit from Tony. You guys endorse him so highly, it just doesn't seem to make sense to go any other way.

My skin's pretty sensitive, but I'll probably only shave a few times a week until I get the hang of it, then try to up the ante a bit. I'm thinking about trying some Castle Forbes Lavender to start with after reading the favorite soap/cream thread! Thanks again!

Joe