Thread: Is This Good to Start With?

Hello,

I'm interested in getting started with shaving with a straight razor and I've been reading through all the FAQs and such here. I think I want to get this set and spend the $20 on having it honed by the professional:

http://vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xc...cat=142&page=1

I want to get something that's worth it, but I'm a college student so I don't have a ton of extra cash to spend on things like this. So is this a good place to blow my next paycheck on, or should I look elsewhere?

I'm a newb college student myself and I would say it's a good set (although you'll need a strop). If you're comfortable in paying the money to have it all in one then you could go this route but I know there are a few tricks I've found in getting a "starter kit" for cheaper. I will admit some of the equipment is more no-frills, but this is the setup I might suggest:

- Keep your eyes peeled on the B/S/T forum for a $40 pre-honed razor. Your chances of finding one (assuming you'll have the time) are pretty good.
- Get a wide bowl from a local store. I found a decent sized bowl (probably 32-48oz bowl) at a Big Lots for $1 that satisfies my lather needs.
-Get a beginner strop (the forums have plenty of links and suggestions so you don't end up nicking a great strop).
-Buy a puck of Williams Soap at any grocery or pharmacy store (or spend just a bit more for mama bear or colleens while supporting great entrepreneurs).
-Hunt around for a decent boar brush ($10 at thegentlemensquarter.com).

This will save you at least half of what you'd spend on the bundle. However, it's not always going to be as nice and new and you don't get it all at once.

Anyways, this was sort of my $.02. I hope that answers what you were looking for.

Thanks for the advice. I'm a bit of a snob in that I like nice things and I don't really trust myself to go find quality but cheap things at this point, so I think I'll start with this. Thanks again

That is the set that I got started with. I would highly recomend it and Jim at Vintage Blades is the best.
P.S. The set does come with a strop.

Ok, I'm glad I chose wisely then; I can't wait for it to get here .

You know straight razors have a corner on cool. Anyone can shave with a cartridge razor. A double edge takes a bit more skill then the cartridge does, but the straight, now that's cool.

Sorry about this being off topic. I just needed to blast my mouth off a little bit.

You could do a search for "Newby kits". Chris (The Topher)
was offering kits for newbies for about $150. You could
PM him to find the specifics behind it, such as what's included,
but it's a pretty good deal.

John

I would add the extra $5 for the 6/8 razor, but that's just me. Perhaps you should give Jim a call and he can help you determine whether the 5/8 or the 6/8 is better for you.

Even a 4/8 will shave well as long as the edge is right. Some people say that 6/8 are easier to handle, but I found'em no easier than 5/8.

Well, it's too late now regardless since I've already ordered, but thanks for the advice. BTW, does anyone know about how long it should take to get to me?