Thread: Newbie questions

Hello folks..newbie with some questions. I'm really considering on trying out straight razors. Being new I was wondering if it recommended to purchase an entire kit from a reputable online vendor to start out or purchase my straight razor kit piece by piece? I plan on purchasing the dvd available through this website to learn as much as I can but I still am wondering about purchasing a kit or piece by piece. Please advise. Thanks again.

Hi Cal!

It really depends on your budget and whether you will stick to straight shaving or not. Bare minimum kit you will need is -

1 x straight razor
1 x brush (either boar bristle or badger, boar being the cheapest of the two)
1 x strop
1 x shaving soap
1 x bowl for mixing your lather in (any household mixing bowl will do)

If you can find a reasonably priced starter kit that contains 3 or 4 items from your starter list you're on to a winner.

I wouldn't reccomend spending a huge ammount of cash on flash razors or a silver tip brush until you know for sure straight shaving is for you. Once you get the affliction of RAD that will follow soon enough!

Personally I have obtained my gear item by item due to cash flow issues, I've been straight shaving for 2 months and am only now investing in a silver tip brush and a scuttle. I share my Hubby's strop and I have one razor so far (with a wishlist a mile long too).

Make sure you read the red sticky's on Newbies Corner, the General and the sections on Razors, Strops and Brushes, Mugs and Stuff as these will give you a better idea of what to look for and how much they are likely to be.

Welcome to SRP, we hope you enjoy your stay with us.

The only addition to what Silver said is that a nice brush (whatever you can afford) is not necessarily a consideration only for straight razor shaving. I purchased mine long before the straight razor bug bit me. Even if you determine later that the straight razor is not for you, the brush and soap/cream are perfect for any type of razor (except electric obviously) shaving. I love the application of good lather to my face by a warm brush. I got to hate those canned things. They never gave me that feeling of a good lather.

Kenrup offers a couple of different starter sets that would be an excellent choice. In addition, he provides the blades in shave-ready condition. Prices are in the 65-75 range for a razor and strop including shipping. IMHO, this is a great way to find out whether str8 shaving is for you with a relatively small investment.