Thread: New Interest in Shaving

On a budget I wouldn't get too concerned on a specific maker of razors. Look through the classifieds and find one within your budget. You will find that it is a quality razor, and one that you can safely shave with. I decided on a round point because I was (and still am) so new. A spike point may be a bit more than you are prepared to deal with. It was for me because that point could definitely cut into an ear or any part very easily. The round point is a bit more forgiving when new to the straights. Start with just shaving from the end of the sideburns down to the jawline, and in one direction only. Do this until you are comfortable manipulating the blade and getting the blade angles right. (Hey, I've been shaving with a straight for only 2 weeks and just started doing my neck areas. I'm not BBS yet, but getting closer. And absolutely no nicks or cuts today!) This is what Lynn recommends in his CD. And it's not just a 10 minute, here you go, video. Rather it's over 3 hours long and is a great primer. Not just for the act of shaving itself, but for most all topics related to straight razors. Even if you can't afford it now, you should put it on your list for a future purchase. He even says in the video that you will develop you own personal methods as you gain experience. But it's a great place to start.

Thanks for the information, Dan.
I am definately going to get one after my next pay check.

Well, everyone. I found a straight razor on ebay and I got it. I'm not sure if it's ready to shave or not, but with the money I saved I could send it off to be sharpened.

I'm looking for a strop right now.

David

Very good David,

I would say chances are your razor doesn't shave and may be in need of more serious restoration than just honing it. If it does you'll most likely be able to do it yourself and trade (lots of) time for money. Hopefully there are no major issues with it.

The description said that it was brand new, so I'm hoping it's in perfect condition.

I just got a new strop from ebay, also. I wasn't expecting to buy any of this until next week.


David

Hmm, could you give us links to the ebay auctions? The only cheap new razors worth having are the double arrow and wapienica... hope you didn't get one of the pakistani ones.

Barber Straight Razor Shaving Knife Pocket Folder - eBay (item 200252680377 end time Sep-13-08 19:14:22 PDT)

Hopefully it's a decent razor, but even if it isn't, I didn't have to pay much for it. I could always resale it.

hmm, I would say you just bought a $11 letter opener and I wouldn't advice to resell it - you're just perpetuating a useless piece of steel. May be the scales could be reused...

You didn't read the stickies in this section did you? Don't worry, you're not the first one to make the mistake and won't be the last, but don't hesitate to ask for advice - people here have a lot of experience and are more than willing to help.

Well, ****.

I could go ahead and back out of the sale. I think it said something about that somewhere.
I've asked what brand you would suggest, though, and no one said anything.

I've been at work all weekend, and have only been able to get online to make a few posts, so no. I did not read the stickies like I usually do when I join a site.

Yeah, as I said, you won't be the first or the last person to make this mistake. As far as brands go I can list over 100 and not come even close to an extensive list of good brands, but a brand name is not a guarantee that the razor is worth while.
Hence the recommendation to get a razor that is already honed and tested by somebody with experience and the classifieds here is pretty much the only place where you can reliably find such razors at the cheapest prices.
I could've recommend you a Double Arrow ($10) or Wapienica ($20) which are new, but the reports are that often they have functional problems (warping) so buying one and sending it out for honing is still a gamble.

I just looked at their return policy - after paying their shipping charges and your return shipping you'll probably recover $2-$3, not sure if it's worth. I can't suggest not paying for the razor either - I believe everybody should follow through to what they commit to. You can most certainly email the seller and see if you can work out anything.