Hi Everyone.........newbie here.

Whilst I have been a wet shaver for many years, including many with a DE,I am now at a stage in my life where I am looking to try a straight or open blade.

Where I love the convienience of just changing blades once a week, I am unsure the path that straight shaving may take me. I have done some research on various forums and there seems to be a lot of prep required just for the razor itself.

So as a newcomer to this form of shaving what do you guy's suggest as a beginner. I thought about buying a used razor as its cheaper, just in case its not for me, but is this the best way to go.

So everybody, any suggestions would be welcome

Regards


John

Welcome, you'll have lots of replies.

I am also happy to report that I often shave with a straight for the simplicity and convience. I find ordering/buying DE blades a huge unnecessary hassle.

It does take a while before you reach that point though.

You could buy a "shave-ready" razor from the classifieds here. That way you get a sharp blade without having to hone it yourself. And if you eventually find you don't enjoy straight razors you can probably sell the razor for almost as much as you paid for it.

You won't need to strop before the first shave, but ideally you should do so before the second or other shaves.

Learning to use a straight takes longer than a DE. Be prepared for the first shaves to be slow and maybe not very good. Consider using the straight just on the area under the sideburns at first and use a DE for the rest. As you get used to how a smooth cutting action feels you can move on to other areas.
:gl:

Hi John, welcome to SRP ! Coming from a couple of years of DE shaving with brush, soap and cream I had some reluctance in tackling the learning curve of straight razor shaving. What I found was that already having the preparation and knowledge of multiple pass shaving learned I had a big head start.

Here is a good starter for where you have to go and here are videos on various parts of how it is done. The SRP Wiki in the toolbar above has invaluable tutorials in all aspects of straight razor shaving. :gl:

An inexpensive shave ready razor is the way to go . You will also need some type of strop . Although I've nrver tried it , some say a folded piece of news paper laid on a flat surface works well a a makeshift strop . If you find that straight shaving isn't for you , you can resell the razor without losing much money .

welcome to srp

There's a member called Kenrup who sometimes does starter kits. It'd be worth pm'ing him to see if he can help.
Don't be put off by the razor prep. With a bit of practise you can pick up a razor, a minute or less on the strop & it's ready. That's the only difference between using the straight & a DE. The prep is pretty much the same.
Give it a go. You can always put the stuff back in the classifieds if it's not for you & you may love it!

Your razor prep becomes natural in no time. You will need a strop and there is several you can get. Kenrup has a starter strop and some good cheaper razors. As mentioned the classifieds is a good place to look you can get a good shave ready razor from a member. If you do find your self ordering a new razor get it pre honed that way you have a bench mark of what a shave ready razor is. Don't be put off by the prep it is not bad at all and when you start to get a better feel for the whole process it becomes a great time to spend by yourself. I have found a new love for shaving where it used to be just a normal morning routine. And welcome to SRP this is a great place and the people on this site are full of knowledge and willing to help in anyway possible. I hope you enjoy your new experience.:gl:

Thanks to all

I now have a few ideas, think I'll be hanging around here now for a while.

Seems a real nice place.

All the best

John:tu

Getting a razor here at SRP is your best bet. It'll come actually shave ready and you'll only need to keep the edge sharp rather than learn to hone as well as shave. Check the classifieds and the vendors here for all your shaving needs. Great deals can be had.

X

Hi John,

I started with a Shavette.. it uses DE blades that you can snap in half.. it has the advantage that you dont have to strop and dont have to worry if your razor is sharp enough.. The down side is that it is very unforgiving.. if you make a mistake with angle or pressure you will cut yourself..the feel of the blade is also a bit different..

For me it was a great start and I still use the shavette if I just want a fast shave without stropping or to finish a shave if I find that my razor needs an appointment with a hone.. I'm also planning to use it on vacation..

When I'm not in a hurry (most of the time) I prefer a real straight because its more comfortable.
If you start with a real straight you are best of with a used one from the classifieds that is shaveready.. and off course you should buy a good strop..

whatever you do have fun!

Maarten

Thanks again to everyone who replied, I now have some good ideas to work from.

Cheers

John