Thread: Oh ok, this is were I need to be...

Hello everyone! New to the straight razor scene and have begun my collection. I have tons of stuff on order, why? Its just the way I start new hobbies. Basically why I'm really here is to get the very low down on preparing and using these straight razors I'll have coming in next week. I have everything I need except, if even needed, stones past 12k.

Wouldn't hurt to have a razor honed by a pro so you know what a shave ready razor is, otherwise you might never know. Second learn the strop, most f your work is done n it after the razor is shave ready. Third take your time and go slow, read up in the beginners section about first shaves, then just be patient, n a few months you will be a happy straight shaver. Good luck. Tc

Also, meet with a mentor if you can. I recently did, and learned so much! Read about it here.

There are more mentors in SoCal than NoCal, so a local mentor may be a challenge. There may be a meetup in your area.

If in person is not gonna happen, lots of videos here as well as many posts. Go slow. Learn well. Get a razor honed by a pro so you know the standard to work for.

And have fun!

When you get your strop set up ONLY use a butter knife on it. Work slowly and learn how to properly strop with that blunt knife. Believe it or not it WILL take a month or so to learn how to reform this simple task. Do not rush
Everything you must learn is predicated on this simple skill. Take time doing this and have fun. Good luck.

Hi and welcome. You might want to slow it down to learn quicker. Use 1 razor, 1 brush, 1 soap etc and just get stropping and shaving down. Each time you change adds a little bit more learning time.

Do try and find a mentor especially if you are looking to start honing. Start shave ready and look at just maintaining the edge to start. That should keep you going a few months and by then you will have a better idea of what you really need and have shaving itself sorted out. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

I would echo what eddy79 said....slow down. There is a LOT to learn as a newbie, and the more variables you throw in ("I have tons of stuff on order"), the harder it will be. Are the razors you have on order shave ready? If not, you'll have to send them to an experienced honer. Unless you're an experienced wet-shaver, you'll have to learn to make a good lather and to prep your face for the shave. Enjoy the trip.

Just my opinion, I would worry about anything past a 12k stone.

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You go Boy!!! If nothing else, you certainly have drive. Please send me pictures of your 1st cut. I'll bet it'll be a good one!

Good Luck!

Sounds like you have it all under control, in fact i wonder why you bothered asking us anything.