Few questions on buying equipment

I have been looking at getting into this for some time. Esp since electric razors have never been able to do a good job. I use a Norelco but its just barley acceptable.

I have a few questions first on a specific razor and then a strop

Anyways the massive amounts of available razors and the discussion of the quality of the razor seems to be of the greatest importance.

I found this thread in the auctions subsection for this ebay auction and am considering ordering. Is this a solid buy for a newbie ? And would one use that brush in the auction or buy one later and ignore this brush ?
I was looking into getting a much more expensive razor but I think I may want to practice with something like this for now.

And as per a strop, Is there anything I should watch out for specifically in buying my first strop ?

I tried the wiki but its a little empty right now :)

Wecome to SRP, Charon. You have come to the right place for advice.

First, I'd forget about all those sexy, shiney razors that are for sale at the shops. At least for awhile. You will eventually buy one. First, you should get a razor from either the classifieds or a starter kit from someone like Kenrup (a member here). The razors you will buy from the classifieds will be truly shave ready (it will be marked as so in the ad). You will not be getting a piece of junk. The sellers have reputations at stake here in SRP. They don't want to jeopardize that reputation. Kenrup sells great starter kits. Again, good quality at a reasonable price.

You will need, at a minimum, a razor (start with something like a 5/8 or 6/8 round point), a strop, a shaving brush and some shave soap or cream. With Kenrup kits you will get your razor and a strop. If you buy a razor from the classifieds you will need to also buy a strop. Check the Vendors Corner forum here in SRP for that.

There are almost equal numbers of people who prefer shave soaps and shave creams. I'd recommend getting one of each and see what you like the best. You can pick up a decent badger brush for $30 or less. Do a google search on shaving brushes. You can also check the advertisement on this site (for a strop too). A hanging strop is a good start on those.

After that type of start you can begin to look for hones, paste type strops, and, yes, you will have probably picked up a few more razors. After that you can begin to look for a new razor that truly meets your wants and needs. You will have the knowledge to make that decision.

To start learning how to hone you pick up an inexpensive one on ebay (or antique shop/fair) and practice your technique. Since you will already own a shave ready razor you will have something to compare your edge to.

That's an awesome deal for that price. Wade and Butcher is one of the absolute A-brands of razors. Muhle is a wellknown manufacturer of very decent shaving brushes. The price is a bargain.
The only downside is that the razor is presently not shaveready. The seller offers this for a "small fee", but I don't know anything about the sellers reputation on honing razors.
Newbies having to question blade sharpness, is one of the most frenquently seen sources of frustration on this forum. It's best to have it honed by someone with a flawless reputation, if it's your first razor and you have nothing to compare it against. (The seller may perfectly have such a reputation, maybe someone elso knowing him can confirm this)
About the strop:
I'd buy a new one. Dovo sells very fine entry level strops and the practice strops that Tony Miller sells at The Well Shaved Gentleman, Heirloom Razor Strop Company, Straight Razor Shaving Supplier also come highly recommended.

Good Luck,
and welcome to SRP,
Bart.

I would personally look to buy something from the classifieds here on SRP. As stated, most of us have a reputation we wish to keep blemish free. You are likely to get more quality for your money buying from someone one this site.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bart

I'd buy a new one. Dovo sells very fine entry level strops and the practice strops that Tony Miller sells at The Well Shaved Gentleman, Heirloom Razor Strop Company, Straight Razor Shaving Supplier also come highly recommended.

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[sorry to butt in]

What would be different about a "practice" strop? Would that be to practice so that you don't ruin a regular strop? or is it different so you have less chance of ruining the razor you're stropping?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Quick

[sorry to butt in]

What would be different about a "practice" strop? Would that be to practice so that you don't ruin a regular strop? or is it different so you have less chance of ruining the razor you're stropping?

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you guessed right the first time the practice strop is so that you can learn the motion and proper blade handling without running the risk of slices up your good strop.

Tony's practice and entry level strops are as well made as his regular ones they differ mainly in the accessories and the leather might not be a uniform color...

Tony, will probably stop by soon and explain the true differences the above is just my observation of having handle several of his strops... i think i only own 4 of them now :p