Thread: I'm New - Help!

Hello, all - total newbie here. And I need help. I've decided that I want to switch from scraping with a cheese-grater (M3) to shaving with a straight. And that's as far as I've got. I've lurked for a while, read around, watched videos on YouTube - and I'm stuck. I don't know what I need to do first. I don't know what to learn, what to buy, or what to do.

Help! Please! There are too many options and things to do. What do I need to do first?

Sorry that I'm being so non-specific, but that's my problem. Specific things I can deal with. I can look up, say, how to strop. Individual issues are no problem. I just don't know where to start...

Hey,

I am new also but maybe go into the store out there in Ottawa ( name escapes me at the moment) look at some stuff (do not buy anything yet , I suggest that you investigate first) see what you like and hopefully the staff are helpful and you get a hands on feel for stuff etc. That would give you a start on pricing and prepare you for the capital investment to start. Then some of the other Ottawa members might also chime in and help you out too.

Then when you know what type of razor you like look on buy/sell/trade forum for items that match you likes etc. Then look for a starter kit of item from one of the vendors or a package deal on buy/ sell/trade. Overall patience is better on the pocket book sometimes so you do not have too much too fast. All of this is just MHO.

Best of luck

All Hail The Supreme Canuck

First, Welcome aboard

Next: Suggest you purchase Lynn's DVD

http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=7412

It has a great amount of information for a new guy. You'll learn about razors, strops, hones, etc. Get it first and watch it. You'll probably end up with some ideas of what you might like after watching it.

Also, I might suggest you look at Tony Miller's site www.thewellshavedgentleman.com He has good starter kits for very fair prices.

Alternately, you can check the Buy/Sell/Trade forum for razors. Joshearl has a fantastic reputation for selling great starter razors at excellent prices.

Spend some time in the SRP library, and use the search feature of this forum and look for different keywords to get a lot of information that might help you decide what you would like.

And don't forget to ask questions. We don't bite

Happy hunting!!

Hi,
I'd suggest buying a new razor and strop. Give yourself a chance to do well with good equipment that is ready to go. Classicshaving.com has a few new Dovo's priced reasonably low (4/8 for under $50). I'd also invest in Lynn's DVD. When it arrives, watch the sections on stropping and shaving. The other sections (honing, restoration, etc) can wait 'till later.
I went into this "blind" and took some nasty cuts.
So, based on what I DIDN"T do, I'd suggest you begin by shaving just your cheeks on both sides--with the grain only. When you have better control of the blade, move on to you neck and then, finally, upper lip and chin. Take your time. Be patient. (For awhile, you can finish up the early shaves with whatever you are using now.) In time, you'll be doing your entire face with a straight with minimal damage throughout the learning process. I'd also suggest not trying across the grain (xtg) or against the grain (agt) until you have mastered with the grain (wtg) over your entire face.
Hope that helps a little.
Good luck!
Ron

Tony is a great way to start and he's flexible. If you don't get one of his starter kits make sure you at least get a starter strop. Best value for $. Consider picking up a pasted paddle in a few weeks or months for maintenance.

Colleen has some great soaps. Try the Leatherneck for muskiness and the Highlander for freshness. Lots of guys like the Cavendish Black as well. She even sells some starter kits too which include a basic brush. You can upgrade that later. Don't get me started on how wonderful her creams are.

Alternately you can post a WTB thread in the BST forum for a starter razor. Quote your price range and preferred shape and size, etc. As a start I'd recommend a 5/8 or 6/8 and a half hollow, full hollow or double hollow would be fine. Point shape is immaterial, only a matter of preference, IMHO.

That should get you started right.

X

I'd suggest if you buy a new razor you send it to Lynn to have it honed. That way you know what a properly sharp razor is like to begin with. Just be careful stropping it. Someone I know promptly dulled his fresh Lynn-honed Heljestrand the first trip to the strop.

J.

[quote= I don't know what I need to do first. I don't know what to learn, what to buy, or what to do.

Help! Please! There are too many options and things to do. What do I need to do first?

quote]

As a minimum, if you haven't done so as yet, I would suggest you read this post:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=6759

There is plenty of good common sense info in this post.

Welcome to the journey!

Well, first off, thanks to all of you for the kind welcome!

Thanks for the advice as well - I've already read through The Well-Shaved Gentleman (and a lot of other stuff, as well), so I have a pretty good idea of what to do. I will pick up a copy of the DVD, though, I think. Now, from what I'm seeing from a couple of you (Ron A, especially) is that once I have the information on the "how" - and I more or less do - I should just jump in and buy a razor, strop, etc.? Seems like I'm missing a step there.

That's where my real hang-up is. I've got the information, I just don't know the next step.

Hi,
That's the way I see it. If you have the information and know what to do, I think the next step is to purchase the following (either in a starter kit, or individually):
1. Razor (I'd recommend a new one in order to give yourself a chance for a good start.)
2. Badger hair brush. The smaller, pure badger brushes are not really expensive.
3. A quality soap. Classicshaving.com might be a good place to start.
4. Two-sided strop: linen/leather.

Once the equipment arrives, have at it!!-- (but slowly, as I suggested in my previous post).
Best wishes and sorry if I confused you earlier!!
Ron A.

No, there's no confusion. It just seems like I'm missing an intermediate step. If not, I'm going to order that DVD and everything you've listed.

Anyway, we may as well talk razors, then. (C'mon, you know you want to)

I have my eye on the DOVO Bergischer Lowe 5/8 from Classic Shaving. I know it's more expensive than some razors available, but I've fallen in love with the thing. Good bet or bad bet?

I'm also looking at the DOVO Classic Special 5/8 as a cheaper option.

Thoughts?