Thread: What do I need to get started?

Hello, I am new to this forum (first post). I've always wanted to use a straight-razer, because if nothing else it looks pretty cool, and it provides the closest possible shave.

But what supplies do I need, and what do they all do?

Originally Posted by redcannon

Hello, I am new to this forum (first post). I've always wanted to use a straight-razer, because if nothing else it looks pretty cool, and it provides the closest possible shave.

But what supplies do I need, and what do they all do?

You will need a good quality razor that has been professionally honed. This is because new razors are not shave-ready. There are good starter kits available in the classified section.

You will also need a stop. This is used to refresh the blade before every shave because the edge gets bent by your beard and small amounts of rust form on the edge overnight.

If you decide to continue, you will eventually need a hone (stone) to resharpen the edge when it gets dull.

You will also eventually want a shaving brush and soap because beard prep is important.

Those are the basics.

Welcome aboard!

thank you for the reply. If I get a new razor, where can I get it professionally sharpened? Also, if I buy a razor on eBay should I get it professionally sharpened if its pre-owned?

Welcome to the SRP!

First and foremost, many of the new razors being sold on Ebay are of very poor quality. If you are seriously considering buying one then ask here first. We will help you.

Second, read the stickies at the top of each of the forums. They have a lot of useful advice. Also read the help files.

Your absolute best bet on a razor is to buy one from one of our guys that list razors for sale in the Classified ads section. Make sure the razor is honed and shave tested. There are some starter kits available I believe. Razor, strop, brush, soap.

Welcome! Just kick back and give yourself time to make decisions. Straight shaving to get good at takes a fair amount of time and a lot of prep.


Later,
Richard

Originally Posted by redcannon

Hello, I am new to this forum (first post). I've always wanted to use a straight-razer, because if nothing else it looks pretty cool, and it provides the closest possible shave.

But what supplies do I need, and what do they all do?

Other than the options of razors and strops discussed on the Chat, you should read the relevant documents available in the Newbies Section. Preparation is key, and you might, for example, take a close look at chancecatalyst's offer: Soaps/Aftershaves/ Pastable paddle strop?? Something like that will help you immensely getting a pleasurable experience from straight shaving.

And after all, this is what this forum is about. That, and training our survival instincts when The Wife has unknowingly opened a package for us, and went through the roof. Whilst on this topic, has anyone found a way to placate our SOs other than straight jackets or a large mallet?

There are 3 absolute essentials -
1 A proper shave-ready razor
2 A strop
3 Shaving soap or cream

There are guys on this forum selling start up sets at prices that are unbelivably cheap. They are long standing and well respected fellows here and are definately offering good goods.
I seem to remember one chap offering his wares on the buy sell trade part of this forum.
Just make sure the razor you buy is really shave ready, it serves two purposes -
1 it will shave
2 you'll know what standard of sharp a razor SHOULD be.
Good Luck M

My first suggestion is get signed up on this thread... http://straightrazorpalace.com/newbi...have-pass.html


Then follow all the great advice above

Welcome to SRP!!!!!

welcome....!
ditto, ditto everything above. you have entered the world of the most annoyingly addictive, pleasureable pastime believeable.
1. don't give up
2. don't buy crap off e bay until you know what you are doing. forget CHEAP new razors, just not worth it. better to spend £15/$30 on a vintage and get it honed or learn yourself, it's not that difficult and very enjoyable, or buy one here.
3. read, digest and put into practice the advice offered here, it really is first class...! don't be afraid to ask questions, it's the only way to learn
keep posting and let us know how you do.

regards,

mark........

Welcome!

What the other guys said, if you want the smoothest transition, although if you want to do things the hard way, you can always buy off ebay and work at the hones until you get it. Which could take a long time.

Just wanted to point out that there are also members here and former members who sell on eBay, whose razors I can vouch for being shave ready. Check the ebay names thread; also a few who don't show are former members here.

If you do get an ebay razor, it's no problem to send it in, also, to one of the people who offer sharpening as a service. The founder of SRP, Lynn Abrams, hones razors for Classicshaving or you can contact him directly, and his prices are very reasonable, as are those of a few other people.

If you do this and have all the equipment listed above, I would recommend getting two vintage razors (steer clear of anything that doesn't look in good shape and *vintage*) stay away from anything marked "new" by "Master" "Kriegar" "Two Golden Men" etc. as typically the steel is questionable based on member experience here. Old razors that haven't been ground down and aren't rusted/chipped/cracked/etc made in Sheffield, Solingen, USA (old ones, such as W.R. Case, Torrey, etc) and the like are usually a safe bet if they appear in good condition.

Why two razors? Not because of the rumor one needs to "rest" a blade (although it makes a good excuse during the "addiction" phase of this hobby) but because once you send in one blade for professional honing, it is your task to read the forums for information on honing and stropping, (the old barber manuals in the files section are very helpful) and make your other razor shave exactly like or better than the professionally honed one. It isn't *that* difficult to do, it just takes awhile to get the "hang" of it.
Afterwards, you will be self sufficient.
Unless, of course, you want to send in your razor every time it gets dull. Which is also an option, of course.

Hope this helps at least some.

John P.