Thread: Want to get started with straight razor shaving

Hey everyone, I have been wanting to start using a straight razor for some time now. I'm just fed up with my mach3, the blades dull far too fast and cost way too much.

I bought a De Fi blade on ebay quite a while ago but it's not sharp enough to shave and I don't have the tools or experience to do it. I think it's a 4/8 or 5/8, but I haven't measured it. I don't really like the feel of the razor though, it's too light for me. The razor is nice and tight in the scales and the blade edge does not touch them.

I have been using a brush and soap for quite a few years now and I love it. I started out with my dad's synthetic brush (thing is 48 years old now) but i've moved on to a cheap bristle brush ($5). I actually liked the other one better but the handle cracked and the stuff that holds the fibers is dried up and cracking. I use Williams Shaving Soap and had also used a tub of Truefitt & Hill at one point. I'm thinking of ordering some of the soap I've seen recommended here (Colleen's and Mama Bear). At some point I will buy a better brush, just not yet.

Oh! How do you get the stench out of those boar bristle brushes? That's another of the reasons I liked the synthetic brush better.

I wait at least 2 days between shaves because otherwise my face hurts, and if I shave the next day my neck will bleed.

So basically I'm in need of a shave ready razor and a strop at the very least. I do have some Fromm strop paste somewhere. I'm going to buy a scuttle (I currently use my empty Truefitt & Hill tub for my soap) and a better brush sometime in the future.

What would you all recommend? Any additional advice?

Here is a link for a site that sells some very nice scuttles, and from what I read (on another site) they can and will personalize it for you. Georgetown Pottery: Shaving Scuttle

Their phone number is 866-936-7687
Their email is [email protected]

Ash