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?

To truly answer that for yourself you are going to have to try it. Neither the white or the green give me any issues. My largest issue comes with too much pressure while shaving. A couple of big factors for me are pressure and good skin stretching and holding. Shave the lather not the whiskers. Try to wipe the lather clean without any pressure at all on your skin and the whiskers will come with it. Some people with sensitive skin also shave cold. Others are really effected by the different perfumes and need scent free soaps. There are a lot of reviews and threads here from different people with sensitive skin and different soaps.

Awesome! This is an amazing community, not sure how I never ran across it until just now...

My first straight was a 6/8. I liked it and still do. The best part is that you don't have to rinse the lather off as often, as the blade holds plenty.