New Member, Advice Please (first post be kind)

I have read the FAQ's, looked over the forum and some of the associated links. Lots of info and tho I process it well I still have areas where I'm uncertain or just plainly ignorant:shrug: Some advice or answers to questions are appreciated

I have been giving this a thought for a while. I have plenty of funds available
I need, razor, brush, cup, soap, a strop. Not necessarily past for the strop yet?

What is the benefit of wider, vs thinner razors. IE 7/8 vs 5/8

Damascus looks very cool, but is very expensive. Any real benefit from this direction than regular carbon steel except looks.

Any benefit in Hollow Ground razors?

Does anyone shave their scalp with a straight razor? I have been shaving my head for several years but with a disposable.

Is a hanging strop or paddle type best, how wide is necessary, how wide is optimal.
Cant say I'm extravagant or frugal. I want to buy quality but don't want to throw away money either. Suggestions for brands, of dealers is appreciated.

I like the looks of this Dovo http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...940/190260.htm

also a fair number of the razors I really like on Classicshaving.com are listed as out of stock. Does anyone know if this website is kept current or should a call be made?

Thanks to all who read and offer suggestions. Dennis

Boy you don't want much do you. :)

First, welcome you've come to right place for advice and I'll give it a shot but I'm sure others will chip in.

First, to your equipment list I would add either a pasted strop, coticule or spyderco ultrafine hone. This will allow you to maintain an edge longer between honings.

The difference between a 7/8 and 5/8 is largely in the eyes of the beholder. There are some, including myself, that think the wider is a bit easier for a beginner to master. Personally I have both 5/8 and 6/8 and tend to pick up the 6/8 a bit more often but my favorite is a 5/8.

The optimum grind for you will also be a matter of preference. Some, with really tough beards, prefer a wedge (no holllow) but there are also quarter hollow, half hollow, etc. In the beginning your biggest problem will most likely be technique.

To my knowledge damascus just looks cool with no performance edge. I don't own one but I believe they may be a little more difficult to maintain if only to not mar the appearance.

Hanging vs. paddle strop? I use both, the paddle has the advantage of having one or more sides treated with paste. I also find it easier to use on my boat where space is at a premium. I prefer the wide widths, around 3". Your best source of info is Tony at "the well shaved gentleman". His strops are primo and he also sells starter sets that you might like to look at. The sets include everything you need.

Finally, I can't help you on the Classic Shaving website but I would recommend adding to your shopping list Lynn Abrahms DVD on straight razors. The info in there will be a major jump start into straight razor shaving.

Hope this helps, and have fun. :nj

+1 for Lynns DVD I know you're thinking there's plenty of youtube videos and info here so it's not needed, I know I did, but it's an invaluable resource.

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Originally Posted by sleepsafe

I have read the FAQ's, looked over the forum and some of the associated links. Lots of info and tho I process it well I still have areas where I'm uncertain or just plainly ignorant:shrug: Some advice or answers to questions are appreciated

I have been giving this a thought for a while. I have plenty of funds available
I need, razor, brush, cup, soap, a strop. Not necessarily past for the strop yet?

What is the benefit of wider, vs thinner razors. IE 7/8 vs 5/8

Damascus looks very cool, but is very expensive. Any real benefit from this direction than regular carbon steel except looks.

Any benefit in Hollow Ground razors?

Does anyone shave their scalp with a straight razor? I have been shaving my head for several years but with a disposable.

Is a hanging strop or paddle type best, how wide is necessary, how wide is optimal.
Cant say I'm extravagant or frugal. I want to buy quality but don't want to throw away money either. Suggestions for brands, of dealers is appreciated.

I like the looks of this Dovo http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...940/190260.htm

also a fair number of the razors I really like on Classicshaving.com are listed as out of stock. Does anyone know if this website is kept current or should a call be made?

Thanks to all who read and offer suggestions. Dennis

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First of all Welcome to SRP! You have started in the right place and you have asked very good questions.

5/8 razors are easier for some folks to start with as they are normally easier to handle and give good feedback when you are shaving. Heavier 6/8, 7/8, 8/8 blades will glide easier if you are adept at shaving. They are harder to maneuver around tight areas. Learning to shave I think should be your first step. I can bet you that you won't just stop at one razor. :roflmao Getting a moderately priced starter razor in the B/S/T forum is a great place to start. Once you feel confident with a 5/8 razor then step up to a larger razor if you want to. There is a reason that the 5/8 is the most common size for str8s.

Grinds can make a difference. If you have a very heavy wire beard some folks think a 1/2 ground 1/4 stand up better. Some think a hollow ground gives them more comfort. The super thin extra hollow or double hollow, AKA singing blades I think are for lighter beards. But this one thing you will have to experiment with to find your favorite grind. I have all grinds but I tend to go with hollow ground. I have 1/4 that are great too.

I shaved my head for many years. I found shaving my head with a straight easier then my face.

Strops, both have their advantages. I think at first a paddle is easier as you do not have to worry about tension. Here again, starting with an expensive strop is risky. It is very common to nick it when first learning. Tony Miller offers a practice strop with his top end hanging strop models. Regardless of which one you get start slow. Learn the technique first let the speed come naturally, if you rush you will nick the strop.

As far as getting the brush, mug and soap there are a number of vendors in the vendors form that offer what you and they are all good.

Welcome again. SRP is a blast!

Not much advise to offer except to tell that you are in the right place and welcome to SRP!

Chief