Thread: Advice/Test of my knowlage

Hello all,
I am starting to sniff around for my first straight razor. My skin is moderately sensitive, but my neck hair is akin to 30awg copper wire... Would a 6/8 wedge grind be the way to go? If not what would be a solid choice?
PS... I'm really digging some of the cheaper vintage stuff on the bst...

A 6/8 razor is a good stating size and will get the job done nicely. Personally, I do not think the grind matters much as far as whacking whiskers goes so long as the edge is shave ready. As far as getting irritation free shaves go that is a product of proper shaving technique with a shave ready razor as much as anything else. Also throw in a good proper lather to boot. Yea, there has been some nice vintage razors in the BST lately. I just purchased one from there.

Bob

I really don't know how to advise you on razor choices. Can tell you that my skin is easily irritated, yet I use about every grind there is from near- wedge to extra-hollow. The key, for me at least, to a smooth shave is a well honed blade and a great lather.

Your favorite grind may be an ever moving target, at least for the first few years. Happy Hunting.

To start with I began with a 5/8 half hollow, shave ready, round point.
I agree with some of the points made, shave ready is super important. Good, effective stropping will be the only way you can keep it shaving. In the beginning you may find you need it touched up before long, but that will stretch out into longer time frames as you get better at using the straight.
The favorite grind being a moving target is an accurate way to describe it for me too.
I too have a tough beard and sensitive skin, that is how I got here. I came seeking the gold standard since 1876.

Thanks guys! would something of this variety http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...l-concave.html be a good pick, not that i can grab it now due to the whole starving artist/college student thing...

That would likely make a good starter.

Thank you all for the advice! Side question, does provoso green soap lend itself to irritation or not?

Originally Posted by MordecaiRoth

Hello all,
I am starting to sniff around for my first straight razor. My skin is moderately sensitive, but my neck hair is akin to 30awg copper wire... Would a 6/8 wedge grind be the way to go? If not what would be a solid choice?
PS... I'm really digging some of the cheaper vintage stuff on the bst...

Wedges do not cut whiskers any better for me than a fully ground singing razor.
They do seem to be easier to hone for a beginner (my experience) where touch and pressure on
the face, hone and strop is uneven. Full wedge razors are uncommon, heavy grinds not are uncommon.

I would look for something in the middle. Perhaps a half hollow 5/8" or 6/8" razor.
Well honed (shave ready) to your door. Google for "PROFESSIONALLY SHARPENED
DOVO BEST QUALITY BLACK 5/8" 1/2 HOLLOW" to see what I suspect is a good
starter razor for you. There are other brands and multiple sellers out there.

Your 30awg whiskers are common and the shave quickly reduces to steel vs. your whiskers.
To that end I would have you focus on face and whisker preparation as much or more
than the blade.

You can postpone the purchase of the razor expense with a DR razor or
even the plastic Yellow Handle BIC Single Blade Shaver for Sensitive skin.
A DE or the BiC both have a single blade and the BIC will not shave so close that
it gives me a rash. With good face and whisker prep they do shave.

If you have heavy whiskers that are curly or lay very flat you are likely to be
in the group of faces that multiple blade razors are just irritating as all
get out. Same for a too sharp single blade like Feather brand that requires good
face and whisker prep. I cuss and swear at the Yellow Handle BiC razors but
use them for travel (airline rules).

A good strop is necessary and will cost half to as much as an entry razor. You need
both a quality strop and a quality razor at the same time.

Start lathering and have fun.