Thread: Need help starting

I'm brand new to this whole straight razor thing but I really want to get started. I have extremely thick facial hair, so a disposable razor only lasts me a shave or two, and it's getting too darn expensive. Some things I wanted to ask though:

How often will I need to hone the blade? Is it worth learning to do myself?

What would be a good starter razor? I was hoping for something I could use for about a year until I got the hang of it, then I'll invest in a nice one.

I heard stainless steel is tough to hone, but stays sharper longer. For a beginning would this be good or bad?

I was thinking about getting the "Classic Black" Straight Razor set from www.vintageshavingllc.com (http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vsho...cat=142&page=1) but I wanted to see what others thought about that (I planned on paying for the first hone so I had a reference point if I tried to do it myself). I figured when it gets close to the time I need to hone it I can get the equipment and a couple $5 Zeepk blades from eBay to practice on.

Is the Lynn Abrams DVD worth it? I've heard great things about it, but will it teach me things like honing?

Also, I went to a beauty supply store, and they told me "hair shaping blades" were the exact same thing. I tried to shave with it and it felt really dull (replaceable blades), like it was just ripping my hair out. Are these actually different things, or am I just bad at this?


I'd really appreciate any help anyone could give me. I'd found some other advice around the forums, but couldn't find information on things like hair thickness affecting how often I have to hone (so I figured I might as well ask the rest of my questions). Thanks!!!!

-Robert

I think you can do a little better than that to start out. Wait for this thread to mature and I think you'll get some other ideas, perhaps a shave ready razor from someone here?

I'm sure others will disagree with me vehemently but I really think it is advisable to learn how to hone.

I think Lynns DVD would be worth the money, for sure. The most important aspect of straight shaving is the knowledge. From there any strop, razor, soap/cream combo will get you a good shave (with the exception of the zeepk)

Which brings me to my last thought. Again, perhaps against the grain but I'd rather you learn on a real razor since; you'll know when you've got it right easier, and you'll have something you can shave with when done.

Hello Robert, and welcome to SRP.

I agree with Alan (AFDavis11), but if you can afford to buy a new razor I would recommend this site. There are some nice shaving sets also. That site is run by Tony Miller who is also a member here. The best thing you can do is contact Tony via his website and work with him to choose the razor and another top quality products that are best for you.

Lynn's DVD? It is a must have.

I hope this helps.

Viktor

Hi Robert, welcome to the Forum.
You mentioned that you have really tough facial hair. Apart from the issue of the blade, are you prepping the beard properly before you start shaving? Goo from a can won't do much to soften the bristles that are wearing out your blades so quickly!

Lynn's DVD is great, it covers things like hones and honing, strops and stropping, shave prep/soaps/brushes/lathering, light restoration and an actual shave demonstration. Also lists a bunch of helpful resources. Very helpful. Get it directly from Lynn because his shipping is only something like $1, whereas the retailers will charge more. Or get it used if you can.

The replaceable blade razors are kinda different than a straight razor and i wouldn't compare the two. They offer the convenience of not having to strop, but the resulting shave isn't as comfortable as a true straight. The shave depends on the blade chosen, which can vary from good to too sharp. A true straight is usually more comfortable, closer and longer lasting (for some weird reason)

As a beginner I'd stick to a 5/8 or 6/8 blade. You can play around with bigger/smaller sizes later.

For a tough/thick beard, I'd recommend a stiffer grind (which also gives a little extra weight to get through those whiskers) Something like this:
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...013/564288.htm

At classicshaving.com you can pay an extra $20 to have any razor honed by Lynn Abrams which is a very good idea for your first razor.

I'll also direct you here:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=13575

Good quality razors, and they come honed by Lynn Abrams at no additional charge.

The set that you linked to comes with an unhoned razor. If you plan on having the razor honed, then it's actually slightly cheaper to buy all the components seperately and get the "razor of the month" in 5/8. This also gives the option of upgrading certain pieces (because the set gives the lowest end of everything)

Personally, I'd spend a little more to get some better stuff (namely a better strop and a better brush). I'd skip the shaving cup. You can buy a big latte mug for $2 at the dollar store. You may have a budget or you may not.

There is also the Wapienica razor that has a stiffer grind and is now a favourite recommendation to beginners. I think Lynn might have a few of these honed up especially for beginners which would probably be the cheapest razor you'll find. They come up for sale from time to time on the forum shave-ready for about $25. They can also be purchased non-shave-ready directly from the source at:

http://search.ebay.ca/_W0QQsassZopen_razorQQhtZ-1

(good for practicing honing) he has some other good stuff too.

Of course you can always get a shave-ready razor from one of the members (usually pretty good prices)

A good quality strop is a must. There are a few people making them and a few places to get them, but a common recommendation is from Tony Miller at thewellshavedgentleman.com. He makes a 2" travel strop, a 2.5" beginner strop, 2.5" intermediate strops, and his flagship 2.5" and 3" paragon strops. Great stuff, great service, great guy.

I wouldn't say stainess steel is harder to hone, just takes a little longer. I like it because it's a little easier to care for maintenance-wise

Definately learn to hone yourself. A thick beard probably means you'll have to hone/touch up the razor more often, and learning to hone is better than having to send it out all the time. It's also very satisfying. It'll also help if you get more razors (and mark my words, you will!)

The general recommendation for beginners, is the Norton 4000/8000 waterstone. It's easy to find, consistent and gives good results. (Blah, I don't like it...wait, did i say that aloud?) Best place to buy it is from Howard at theperfectedge.com. The belgian coticule can also be bought from Howard. It costs more than the Norton, but gives a finer edge. You'll also need a coarse stone (probably) if you go that route. For an extra $54.95 I'd want to get the DMT D8C diamond stone (coarse 325 grit) to flatten your stone(s). This is optional. There are other ways to flatten stones; like the Norton flattening stone ($25.00) or a glass lapping plate and wet/dry sandpaper (don't underestimate how fast the cost of sandpaper adds up) The diamond stone is kind pricey, but I am now madly in love with it (but i have something like 8 different stones, so YMMV)

Hum, what else? You can save money on a brush by going with a boar bristle brush. I really like my Omega boar brush ($12 on eBay - just search "omega boar brush") It's not as luxurious as a badger brush, but hey, it gets the job done. I kinda have a thick beard too and I like the feel of the stiffer bristles on my face

Originally Posted by edk442

I'll also direct you here:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=13575

Good quality razors, and they come honed by Lynn Abrams at no additional charge.

Thanks Eric for that bit. I've looked over a lot of threads but that link gave me what I needed to get started!!! (and thanks to Jim for making it possible). It really is a terrific way to get started. There is so much to learn and having one (fairly major) decision out of the way is a blessing!

Newbie Regards,

Ken

The community is always here to help

Thanks for all of the help! I got the razor of the month, and a 4 -sided paddle strop from Tony (the set that comes with the brushes and all that).

This website is great, I didn't think you guys would be nearly this helpful. Guess I was wrong!


-Robert