Thread: What do we really need to start?

http://www.thewellshavedgentleman.com is where you should find him.

Also, you don't NEED to use a cream/gel with a brush. But a cream/soap with brush just gives the best results. There's also people that shave with water only. So it's not compulsory.

^^^


Thanks for the info guys, keep it coming. Is 1 blade really enough??? I'm worried that I strop the blade incorrectly and have to get it rehoned, which would put me out of commission. I'm not sure though...if you guys suggest 1 is enough then I'll go with that..more opinions please....



I understand that straight blade shaving is an art, but I'm going to need some practicality. I just want to know how particle it is to shave...with the blade..

Oh one more thing, how much better is a straight blade shave compared to the multi blade shavers out there, in terms of comfort and closeness? I know this is a straight blade site, but please try to be as unbiased as possible. hahah

Originally Posted by looking

^^^


Thanks for the info guys, keep it coming. Is 1 blade really enough??? I'm worried that I strop the blade incorrectly and have to get it rehoned, which would put me out of commission. I'm not sure though...if you guys suggest 1 is enough then I'll go with that..more opinions please....



I understand that straight blade shaving is an art, but I'm going to need some practicality. I just want to know how particle it is to shave...with the blade..

Oh one more thing, how much better is a straight blade shave compared to the multi blade shavers out there, in terms of comfort and closeness? I know this is a straight blade site, but please try to be as unbiased as possible. hahah

Okay, another recommendation I will make is tracking down the PDF titled "the art of the straight razor shave" By Christopher Moss (is this available somewhere on the site?) and Also getting Lynn's DVD (it is set as a sticky in the BST forum). As far as practicality is concerned, you can eventually get pretty good with a str8 and shave fairly quick, however; most folks do this so that they can enjoy the ritual. Your first few shaves will take longer and be a little worse than you are used to but it will improve. Stropping seems to be the biggest hurdle for folks starting out. I haven't had a problem but I am very meticulous and anal about keeping the strop tight and going nice and easy so that my technique is good. In the end, if you can do three passes with the blade (with the grain, across the grain, and against the grain) your shave will be closer than ever before. I do the WTG and XTG passes and I am usually much closer than the old mach 3 ever got. You may look into Double Edge shaving as an interim step if straight shaving takes to long. You can get really good results with a DE razor and it was easier for me to learn than straight shaving. Hope this helps. Keep in mind: everyone is different. Good Luck!

Originally Posted by sicboater

Okay, another recommendation I will make is tracking down the PDF titled "the art of the straight razor shave" By Christopher Moss (is this available somewhere on the site?) ...

Yes sir, right here: http://straightrazorpalace.com/compo...,146/Itemid,3/

And if you go to the Straight Razor Place home page (http://straightrazorpalace.com/) and look for the "Library" tab up top, the first link under that is "Help Files & Documents." You'll find Christopher Moss's PDF and much other useful information.

Rich

Man you guys are quick to reply, great forum!

Please keep the input coming!

You need one decent, pre-honed razor and that's it. Everything else is an indulgence.
Stropping must be carried out but does not require an expensive strop; you can make your own out of paper and it'll work. I strop my razors on the legs of my jeans and that works too.

Originally Posted by Timeo Danaos

You need one decent, pre-honed razor and that's it. Everything else is an indulgence.
Stropping must be carried out but does not require an expensive strop; you can make your own out of paper and it'll work. I strop my razors on the legs of my jeans and that works too.

Given the number of nicks I've seen in old strops, I think is apparent that some people occasionally accidentally strop in the wrong direction. If you think you might do this, make sure you're not wearing the jeans!