The $30 shave vs the $450+ shave

[BobH]

This is for beginners to the sport of shaving with a straight razor.

I had an excellent shave this morning with a vintage straight razor from an obscure English maker, a lovely shave cream that would not break the bank to purchase and a well broke in Omega boar brush. All of which cost me about $30 to buy.

The difference in the end result, a very close and comfortable shave, was no different than when I use some of my much more expensive straight razor, shave cream and brush combinations.

My take away is that so long as your straight razor is shave ready, your shaving technique is on, your lathering technique is on and your stropping technique is on, the equipment used has little effect on the shave quality achieved.

It is probably best for a beginner to concentrate on the basics of a good shave rather than to chase the Holy Grail of razors, brushes and shave creams/soaps. Once you have put in the time to get the basics down you can chase those Holy Grails for the increased pleasure the use of such kit may bring.

Bob

[Gasman]

Agree 100%. You can get away cheap and shave with a low cost. And end the end it will save money. But when you start to buy more and more and collect, then the cost goes out the window and you might never catch up and save money. It only takes what Bob said to get a fine shave. And a bottle of Clubman!

[Porl]

I couldn't agree more. I have one or two expensive razors and recently found one in a junk shop and it shaves equally well. Also I picked up an unknown supermarket boar brush for a very small amount of cash. I bought it primarily fro travel but it has become my go to brush.

The edge is the thing that is important, I think beyond that the steel will determine how good and how long an edge may last.

It is the same with many things in life in my experience.

You pay for luxury but the experience gained is not equal to the costs incurred. That doesn't mean that we don't want the thing made from something shiny.

You are right about beginners though. Keep it simple and keep it low budget. Once you have the skill dialled in you will be in a better position to buy the right luxury items that suit your style and taste. The only two things that I think beginners need to get for sure is something shave ready and something to cover you face with that didn't come out of a supermarket can!

[RickWY]

You all are right on the money! I don't have 30$ in all my stuff together. The experience is wonderful. [emoji106]


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[RezDog]

Good post Bob. Although there are many of us here that get all caight up in the AD's. there is a whole other side to the grooming habit of wet shaving that is much more minimalist. Also there is a wide range of people and income levels here, and not everyone can go look for the next $100 jar of soap. I do like chasing the AD's but they are not required for a great shave. For a great shave you said all that is needed. I am glad you introduced me to some of the great inexpensive soaps out there.

[Hacker7]

It all depends on what you want. For most of us its a hobby. Making a usually mundane task fun and interesting. You can buy a Rolex or a Timex both will tell you the time with a great deal of accuracy.

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[sharptonn]

True, Bob.......Easier said than done around here!

[Phrank]

Absolutely Bob, couldn't agree more.

For myself, I got into this as a better, more practical way to shave, was simply fed up when I was about to purchase another pack of carts at $18.00...there had to be a better way.

Then I saw a great video about shaving with a straight that percolated in my head for awhile, then add lurking and reading here, and I was hooked, bought a starter kit from Classic Edge.

I think starting with the fundamentals as you say is key, shave ready razor, a brush, and something other than canned goo and if you enjoy yourself, take the time to learn, then if you choose, it can become a hobby.

Great post and all excellent points...

[Paul76]

One of my best shavers was part of a set of two that only paid five bucks and some elbow grease. It's an old Bismarck razor works 406 with original box. Light hone wear, and very easy to hone too.

[BobH]

It all depends on what you want. For most of us its a hobby. Making a usually mundane task fun and interesting. You can buy a Rolex or a Timex both will tell you the time with a great deal of accuracy.

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Yes, I understand that but I think you may have missed my point.

This is for beginners who are struggling to get a great shave and may possibly feel they can buy their way to a better shave. For the most part you can't. I am not saying not to fall down the rabbit hole of the various ADs. By all means fill your boots but don't delude yourself by feeling it is an absolute necessity if you are a struggling beginner or just plain don't have the cash to splash out on expensive gear because of other priorities. You can still enjoy a great far from mundane straight razor shave on a budget and be part of this forum.

Bob