Help getting set up

Hey guys,

I'm new here and have never used a straight razor before, I actually don't even have anything to begin with which is why I am posting. I was wondering if someone could direct to a razor and the rest of the accessories to help me get set up. I'm not looking t break the bank here to kick off with but I want something of quality and don't mind spending the money a good equipment. I believe you get what you pay for in the long run.

Couple quick questions to start off with,

How long does it typically take to shave using a straight once you become familiar with everything.

How often can shave using a straight or does it depend on the individual probably? Is once each day too often typically?

Are soaps, shaving cremes, or gels better?

Thanks,

Josh

Hi Josh, welcome to SRP! There is some reading with links to get you going here. Some videos that will help you out here.

As far as what to get I will let others make those suggestions except to say that whatever razor you get order it pre-honed.

How long it takes varies with the individual but not much more then shaving with a DE if longer at all. I shave daily and look forward to it.

I prefer a quality soap or cream and a shaving brush.

:gl:

Thanks for the start I really appreciate it.

I'm pawing through various sites and reading up as much as I can and am finding such a huge range as to the razors that are available. Prices are ranging anywhere from around 70.00 up above 300.00! I had no idea there were such "high end" razors out there. What really separates a 70.00 razor from say a 200.00 razor?

Also what about brushes? What is the benefit to using a brush as opposed to the old shaving creme on the finger tips and working it into the face? Is there a benefit or is it more just part of the "cool" factor of using a straight? :shrug:

Oh and carbon vs stainless steel?

Thanks,

Josh

You may want to check the classified section as well for some used examples. Sometimes it hard to tell what makes the difference in price: brand, materials (scales, steel), size (width) determine its price. I assume that you are talking new. In vintage many other factors drive the price of straights. And, $300 is not the limit of what people pay for a straight... ;-). The other night somebody asked this question and I said that SS is harder to hone. Lynn said that there is not much difference other than rust prevention.

A badger brush is highly recommended, although not essential. You will need a strop though. Let us know how it goes.

Al raz.

The difference between the 70$ and the 200$ razor is usually bling(etches, gold wash, scalematerial), your best bet is to use the SRP classifieds to find a shave ready razor, good stuff at a fair price. Soaps and creams are a personal preference item, ask around and you'll get hundreds of varying opinions as to what is best and why. The primary difference between carbon and stainless steel is corrosion resistance, if you take care of your razor it wont matter which you use.

Thanks guys for the quick responses. New questions haha.

I keep hearing and reading about "scales"... what is meant by this?

Also does anyone know of someplace that does maybe a sort of beginners set... razor, strop, hone, brush etc?

As far as strops I keep hearing great things about Tony's Strops? Can someone direct me to a site?

Finally the age old question... does size matter? :)

Thanks,

Josh

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TJoshX

Thanks guys for the quick responses. New questions haha.

I keep hearing and reading about "scales"... what is meant by this?

Also does anyone know of someplace that does maybe a sort of beginners set... razor, strop, hone, brush etc?

As far as strops I keep hearing great things about Tony's Strops? Can someone direct me to a site?

Finally the age old question... does size matter? :)

Thanks,

Josh

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Scales are the handles.These are made from virtually anythin from plastic(cheap) to mamoth ivory(expensive).Their are so many materials it's cant be gone through and list them all. As far as sets you should check out classicshaving.com . They will have everything you need to get started.According to others here you wiil have a pretty hard time finding a better strop than tonys'. Size matters.How big is your face? I mean is your face small med or large? pick a brush that accomidates this. Is your beard thick or thin is it coarse or soft?Thin soft beards would probably benefit more from a smaller blade 4/8 or 5/8. IF it is coarse you might want to go with something wider like 6/8 to 8/8. All of this is open for debate. The important part is what feels good to your skin. welcome to srp and best of luck.

ask kenrup if he still has starter kits avaliable you will be ready to go from the start:gl:
Member Profile - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Quote:

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Originally Posted by spanx

Size matters.How big is your face? I mean is your face small med or large? Pick a brush that accomidates this. Is your beard thick or thin is it coarse or soft? Thin soft beards would probably benefit more from a smaller blade 4/8 or 5/8. IF it is coarse you might want to go with something wider like 6/8 to 8/8. All of this is open for debate. The important part is what feels good to your skin. welcome to srp and best of luck.

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Uhmm, I think I have a small face, maybe medium. As far as a beard goes, I don't have one at all, I'm clean shaven. I grew a beard once last winter for the first time ever (I'm 26) came in about 3-4 weeks pretty nice, but I ended up shaving it.

Is it uncommon for people that use Straights to fully shave? I used to get a straight shave once in a while while in college, there was a local Barber in town that used to do them.

Josh

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TJoshX

Uhmm, I think I have a small face, maybe medium. As far as a beard goes, I don't have one at all, I'm clean shaven. I grew a beard once last winter for the first time ever (I'm 26) came in about 3-4 weeks pretty nice, but I ended up shaving it.

Is it uncommon for people that use Straights to fully shave? I used to get a straight shave once in a while while in college, there was a local Barber in town that used to do them.

Josh

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First, Welcome to SRP!!!
No, it is not uncommon for folks that have straights to shave the entire face.
As far as a previous question, Kenrup has some great starter sets.

5/8 seems to be a good place to begin you can always go bigger or smaller