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Thread: Dumb Newb

  1. #1
    slice and dice
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    Default Dumb Newb

    Hello all

    I am very new to the straight razor scene and so far i am enjoying it. I figured i might as well introduce myself to this group since this group has provided me with so much useful information. I'm a 19 (gonna turn 20 in June) pre-med student who has been shaving since 5th grade.

    I stumbled upon this site hours after i purchased my first straight razor that a friend suggested (strictly due to the price). It was a cheap, made in pakistan <$10 razor. It was very dull and even after becoming sharp, only stayed sharp for a few strokes (i do have a thick beard but i am betting on the cheap quality). I realize that it is a terrible buy but i was wondering if i should even attempt to try an put a good edge on it or just buy a quality razor.

    I do own a decent strop now, and am looking to purchase a better razor. I was looking at the DOVO 5/8 ebony spike point and the bismarck. Any suggestions?

    Sorry to be so long winded but i have one more question. Does anyone have any tips for shaving around a protrusive adam's apple? I haven't been able to get a good shave there with the straight due to the fear of slicing myself since its a crappy blade. I usually just clean that area up with my mach3.

    Thanks for all the information already up on the site, it has been very useful.

  2. #2
    Member AFDavis11's Avatar
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    Toss the Pakistani razor. All attempts at honing are futile.

  3. #3
    Blood-faced volleyball
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    Welcome from a fellow newb!

    I have the 5/8" DOVO ebony spike point that you mention, and I'm very satisfied with it so far. (That's two shaves. I'm learning.) You feel the spike, but in my opinion it just teaches you to be careful.

    I can't help you about the Adam's apple, as I don't let my razor anywhere near there yet. I'm sure someone will chime in soon, though. Good luck!

  4. #4
    Senior Member freebird's Avatar
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    Welcome aboard! You're correct about the Pakistani razor. I would look for a better quality razor. I haven't picked up a Dovo but have heard good things about them. Watch the buy sell trade thread here and you can find some good deals on vintage razors that are shave ready. Stay far away from zeepk...they aren't worth the money imho.
    As far as the adams apple, I'm not sure, but there is probably some of the other members that can help you there.
    Tony

  5. #5
    Dapper Dandy Quick Orange's Avatar
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    Don't toss the Pakistani just yet- they make great pieces when your friends want to hold it, and they save your fingers when you need to open blister packs. That being said, don't let it near your face ever again! Hit up the Buy/Sell/Trade forum for a shave ready razor. There are a good amount of fantastic starter razors for little money to be found there.

    Define decent strop- just to make sure

    With the Adam's Apple, wait until you're comfortable using both hands and shaving without looking. You'll still be able to see, but you need to be to that level of comfort. Once there, tilt your head as far back as possible and jut out your chin so that the skin is as tight as possible. This should push your Adam's Apple in so that only a little is sticking out. From there, it depends on your razor. A spike would probably be your best bet, but there's more than one way to shave a cat (or neck). Get creative, and don't feel bad if you have to touch up with your M3 for a while

  6. #6
    slice and dice
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    a used Illinois #127 given to me by a relative

    thanks for the advice

    -mike

  7. #7
    Dapper Dandy Quick Orange's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mgtricker View Post
    a used Illinois #127 given to me by a relative

    thanks for the advice

    -mike

    Good deal!

  8. #8
    what Dad calls me nun2sharp's Avatar
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    I love dovo's, I have three, as far as the protruding Adam's apple goes, this is how I handle it. With non shaving hand pull the skin left of center and shave, then right of center and shave, dont be afraid to stretch it. Enjoy!

  9. #9
    Newbie Str8 Shaver cwrighta70's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by nun2sharp View Post
    I love dovo's, I have three, as far as the protruding Adam's apple goes, this is how I handle it. With non shaving hand pull the skin left of center and shave, then right of center and shave, dont be afraid to stretch it. Enjoy!
    +1 on stretching to the side.

    When I shave my the hair on my Adam's Apple, I pull the skin to each side, instead on shaving directly over it. Much easier this way, and definitely less likely to slice yourself

    (I actually learned that from the Barber's Manual posted in the library.)

  10. #10
    Dapper Dandy Quick Orange's Avatar
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    +1 on stretching to the side as well- it's one of those things I do without thinking and forgot to put it down

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