I'd invest in Lynn's DVD. That'll be the best money you'll ever spend concerning ALL aspects of straight razor shaving. This DVD will answer all your questions and tell you a few things you didn't even know to think about.
Good luck my friend.
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I'd invest in Lynn's DVD. That'll be the best money you'll ever spend concerning ALL aspects of straight razor shaving. This DVD will answer all your questions and tell you a few things you didn't even know to think about.
Good luck my friend.
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Thank you to everyone who answered and helped me out.
I'm thinking of purchasing the Classic Black straight razor set from vintagebladesllc.com for $129.99 (a GREAT deal):
A complete wet shaving, straight razor set for those on a limited budget, who still want the quality of a Dovo razor and a 100% Badger Hair brush.
The set includes a Dovo "Classic Black" 5/8"straight razor, or as an option 6/8", a Dovo 1-3/4" wide razor strop, a Vulfix 1000A Pure Badger Brush, a FREE acrylic drip stand, either of ceramic shaving mugs, and a FREE 2-1/4 oz. bar of Col Conk Shaving Soap in the fragrance of your choice.*
Is this good?
Give it a month or two and go nice and easy just like the way you've been describing your going. You sound like you got the right idea...as for the soap, there is nothing wrong with a puck of William's (still one of my favorites). Your brush and mug sound better than what I started with many years ago, so your good on that front.
Now the razor, that's a different story. There is nothing wrong with a shavette/disposable but, in my experience that and a straight are two different animals all together. Believe it or not, I find a straight to be way more forgiving in terms of cuts and nicks and leaving a rash or razor burn. If you don't want to order off of the internet, check for local barber supply stores, knife shops and even some cigar/pipe stores carry them.
Glean as much information as you can from this place and don't be afraid to ask questions when you need help. Your here and you've found the right place...
Good luck,
-Pary
Sounds great...if you can get the razor honed before it's shipped to you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gags1892
-Pary
My thoughts:
You say you've already purchased a badger brush. Even if it's a cheap one, I would say work with that for awhile before buying another. If it's badger, it's a big step up in comfort from an even cheaper bristle brush. I started with a scritchy bristle brush and then bought a $15 Tweezerman Pure Badger made by/for Henkels and it works just fine for me (I don't have BAD-Brush Acquisition Disorder). Maybe buy two less expensive razors and skip the new brush/stand and that way you have a small rotation. You don't need a stand for your brush. Many of us have no problems whatsoever with standing our "flicked dry" brushes on the end of the handle with the bristles up.
Blade angle and pressure are your most important allies and your worst enemies depending on how you use them. Too steep of an angle and you're prone to razor burn. I would say even more so, too much pressure and you're definitely in for razor burn. I visualize using the blade like I would a small artist's brush; I try to just brush the razor across my skin (very light pressure). Do I always stick to this? No but it's what I try for.
After shaving, for me what has worked amazingly well and I recommend it to everyone is a high quality alum block. I can't believe how much that has helped any irritation or razor burn. After the alum block, I've been using Thayer's Witch Hazel with Aloe alcohol free which also works great.
Good luck.
Chris L
Thank you rusty and chrisl.
I wouldn't be buying that set for the brush or stand, but for the sole fact it's a great deal for what seems to be (based on feedback) a solid straight razor and strop.
Since I've been using a disposable straight razor, if I purchase this set, do I ever need to change any blades at all? How do I properly clean the razor?
I think I just need to continue to practice technique and pressure, and hopefully I'll be able to be on the right path before I know it.
Also, chrisl: I have been using anti-perspirant for minor nicks that bleed a lot -- I dab a cue tip across the top of the stick, and dab it on the nick. The aluminum sulfide is the key ingredient to clot blood in the skin. It's cheap, and works wonders!
The razor in that $130 set Jim sells for $60, the strop for $35. You already have a badger brush, mug, and soap. I would upgrade from the 5/8 to the 6/8 razor (+$5) and to the Russian strop which also has a canvas side (+$15). You would then be spending $115 for a slightly better razor and strop. Put the extra $15 toward the $20 to have the razor honed to shave-ready. Later on, you'll probably buy other brushes, mugs, soaps, etc. But what you have now will work. What you really need most is a real straight razor, ready to shave, and a strop.
I say the 6/8 razor is better, but that's mostly personal preference. I would get the 6/8, and then sometime in the future get a Wapi (which is 5/8) and you'd have one of each. Wapis are pretty cheap, but good. One SRP member has been selling new honed Wapis for about $40. See this thread.
And Jim at Vintage Blades will take your order over the phone, if you don't want to order over the internet.
Gags
Great to see you embracing straight shaving, my first six months will be up this week. No matter what else I try, there is nothing, nothing, that is as kind to my skin as a proper straight. I honestly don't think you are doing yourself any favours with the disposable. It is unfortunate that the set up costs are a little high, but consider this, if in the long term you decide it's not for you, somebody, probably another newbie will benefit as you will be able to sell your gear for not much less than you paid for it. Pick up the phone to Tony Miller or someone else who does a good quality starter kit and I bet you won't look back.
Paul.
Fritz: You're definitely right -- I really only need a new straight and strop. I've heard a strop becomes in-effective after a few months, is this true? Do you recommend just getting a honing stone instead? Regardless, I think I'm going to take the option you mentioned as soon as I am fiscally prepared for it haha. Thanks fritz.
and Barbelus: Thank you for your feedback. I definitely will purchase these things ASAP, as I've been reading many people feel the disposable straight's do more havoc to my skin then a legitimate straight would! I might just not shave until I get mine in! haha
Also: When I do order/receive my straight, do I ever need to change the blade? Or do I just continually sharpen it?
No, a good strop will last you a life time and I'd hold off on the honing just yet unless you feel that your ready. I've been using the same strop for the last two years (when I started) and I'm sure others here have had their's longer than me. A strop is an essential tool and will need to be used everyday.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gags1892
-Pary