Thread: First purchase advice

I plan on purchasing a first straight razor. I have sensitive skin and a tough beard, I have tried virtually everything else, but by Friday my facial skin is a mess. Can someone advise as to a suggested first purchase. I would like to make a quality purchase that I can use in the future. Secondly, any suggested preferred retailers would be welcome. Last, any particular shave products (cream etc.) that will make my chances of success greater. My apologies for my ignorance on the subject. THANKS

First of all, welcome to SRP. In time, you will find this arguably the best resource for straight shaving on the internet.

Now then. I would suggest that you read the information available in the newbies corner, especially the Critical Info. Yes, there is a lot. But you will find, in your own time, that there is a treasure trove of knowledge, paid for in blood.

As I have sensitive skin and a wire brush beard, too, some of my - albeit limited, i.e. 8 months - experiences may apply:

1. Preparation is everything. Get high quality soaps, and, if your beard is really tough, pre shaves. Personally, I have found Castle Forbes (aka CF) to be a superior, if expensive, product range.
2. You might find a stiffer grind and a larger razor easier to use. At the time of writing (20080727), there are some really nice razors up for grabs in the Classifieds section. Look for 5/8ths or 6/8ths, and maybe a round point (wouldn't want to cut off your earlobes now, would you?). Razors sold by SRP in my experience always come shave ready and will give you more joy than a new factory razor or some fancily priced piece from a famous online auctioning site.
3. Patience is key. Take some time perusing Thebigspendurs axioms of shaving. Expect to spend weeks, or rather, months, learning the art of shaving.

Those should help you getting started. More info is available via the search function. And, of course, in the Chat.

Good luck!

Thanks for sending me in the right direction.

Any thought as to the "Featherman" no sharpen razor. I am wondering is this a better way to start into the straight razor world of shaving.

Originally Posted by jumanji

Any thought as to the "Featherman" no sharpen razor. I am wondering is this a better way to start into the straight razor world of shaving.

No way. The experts over in another forum might tell you all about its qualities as a leg shaver, though. In your shoes, I had much rather use a safety razor (or dual edge, aka DE) than that. The most prominent reason for using a straight razor (other than the added six inches you need to reach John Holmes's dimensions, of course) is its ability to deliver a smooth, and close, shave. Accept no substitutes. Yes, it will hurt in the beginning, both in terms of money spent, and blood shed. But it will pay out, eventually. As has been said by men far more knowledgeable than I here before: Straight shaving is an art. It has to be learnt. It comes at a cost. But its ultimate results are unparallalled.

Well then if that is the considered opinion, then I guess I am ready to give straight razors a try. Again, thanks for the advice. I think will find something to my liking at one of the web sites suggested in the newby section.

welcome aboard

I have one razor with a big etching across the blade 'for tough beards and sensitive skin' (in french), and I've seen it on few other razors. May be just a marketing trick though - certainly no current production razor that I've seen has that etched on the blade.

Pick up a kit from one of the guys here. I would not spend a lot on a first straight. Maybe you'll decide its not for you and also when beginning mishaps do happen. if you drop or hit some high dollar razor and really damage it thats a major pain. if you do it to a razor you paid forty bucks for its no big deal. Also remember that a forty dollar razor can shave just a good as a custom costing a grand.

I agree with the suggestion to buy from one of our guys who list razors in the SRP Classifieds section. Beyond that when you do start shaving think in terms of beard reduction with each pass, not total beard elimination with a single stroke. It is far less irritating to the skin.

Originally Posted by jumanji

I plan on purchasing a first straight razor. I have sensitive skin and a tough beard, I have tried virtually everything else, but by Friday my facial skin is a mess.

Welcome to the club. I have the same problems with my face.


First, what are you using at the moment?

If you're using canned goo, the first step might be to switch to a nice cream/soap with a brush: this simple step made a difference for me.

Skin preparation and moisturizing lotion can't hurt either.