Thread: Newbie intro...

Hello all!!

Firstly, I do not yet own a straight razor, but I intend (once I get my next pay check) to try to get into this art. I have been wanting to try straight razor shaving for years and I recently decided I would start. I have found that for me I have that 5 o'clock shadow, or a considerable stubble, 4 hours after I shave (using the fusion power: 5 blades that vibrate; works "well enough" and since I have thick facial hair most safety, and all electric, razors fail or hurt to use on my face) so since I have done some research I think that this course is my best bet for a smoother longer lasting and more enjoyable shave than what I am hacking my face with at the moment.

Secondly, I live action role-play, or LARP, and for those that don't know what that is, its a bunch of people (men and women where I go, ranging from 16 to 40+) going into the woods and playing/acting out a fantasy/DnD style game (we rent a boy scout camp for the weekend). There is no dice involved (unless you are in the tavern playing a game of chance while in character) and we don't use really weapons (pipe foam wrapped around pvc pipes held together and decorated with duct tape are the materials we use to make our "boffer weapons"). We take on a different personality, or become a character, for the entire weekend, and this is even as we sleep, and shave as it were (so we can be "killed" in our sleep if we are not carefully of our choices of roommates. we use the cabins/bring tents at the camp and try to lock doors).

It is needless to say that I cant just whip out my crappy-disposable-half-plastic-razor and aerosol can of shaving cream to shave, but I can't just not shave because I have tried to keep my character with a shaved head and only a goatee. I definitely like the idea of using a straight razor as a "prop" in game but I also want it for everyday use, so before I bring it into the game I need to get proficient with it in real life so I don't kill myself while in the woods (as per safety rules if I get attacked by enemies while shaving I would shout caution and put the razor down safely then we call game on or what not and I proceed to defend myself/get beaten to death).

I have read this[PDF] so I know a little about straight razors, but I was wondering if (since I am strapped for cash) this disposable razor be an acceptable beginning razor? if not, then I know that I would want a half-hollow round, or semi-round, pointed blade with a wooden or wood-look handle, but I don't know where to get this sort of thing on a limited budget of around $50 and no more than $100. I am going to look at ebay/amazon and such, but I just don't know which brands/models to stay away from as a beginner (I am ok with learning to hone the blade before I use it).

Thank you for all of your help!

~opakedragon

Classifieds is the way to go. Stay off of ebay until you know what you're doing. Too easy to get burned like a kobold eating Magic Missile.

Looks like I need to figure out how do place a WTB ad then. Thanks!

Yeah, the classifieds is definately your best bed. Keep in mind too, though, that you'll be needing a strop.

If you watch the Classifieds it's not usually too hard to catch a razor for fourty bucks or so.

+1 with the other guys and Welcome to the forum. You'll find everyone here to be helpful. The classifieds are an excellent source for razors and other materials. The WIKI here is a great source for everything, from which blades are bad, which are good, shaving demos, how to hone, types of hones, even making lather, etc...
Check it out.
An excellent first razor would be a Dovo. You have websites, like vintagebladesllc, or classicshaving, and straightrazordesigns. If your not too picky as to what type of scales, (handles) you want, you can probably pick one up for under 80 bucks. Always opt to have it Honed before they ship it. Some blades will say "Shave Ready" but there not. That's why if a Honing service is available, you take it. Then you'll know how sharp it's supposed to be. As the other guys stated, you'll need a strop, you can also read on the WIKI on how to use it. You'll need to strop prior to every shave.
Rich

Welcome to SRP,

Nice introduction.
Looks like a vintage razor would work really nice. It shouldn't be too hard to place an ad in the classifieds, just follow the 'Place Ad' link there.
For the type of razor you're looking, you may also find horn scales attractive. I personally prefer it to wood. I am waiting to hear back on one of my razors, but if it doesn't get picked up from the person I'll PM you before posting it in the classifieds.
You would also need a strop.

Hey OpakeDraGon, WElcome to SRP!

I started out with a shavette (I think I'll write something about that on the Wiki soon)
They are very unforgiving .. but come in quite handy as you dont need to strop or hone.. and you will learn quickly how to shave because every mistake makes you bleed..

http://straightrazorpalace.com/newbi...-me-trade.html

But a razor from the classifieds will probably look a lot nicer in your role.Dont forget a good strop and make sure its honed properly.. learning how to hone your own razor is best done when you know how to shave with a straight..

Maarten

Originally Posted by gugi

Welcome to SRP,

Nice introduction.
Looks like a vintage razor would work really nice. It shouldn't be too hard to place an ad in the classifieds, just follow the 'Place Ad' link there.
For the type of razor you're looking, you may also find horn scales attractive. I personally prefer it to wood. I am waiting to hear back on one of my razors, but if it doesn't get picked up from the person I'll PM you before posting it in the classifieds.
You would also need a strop.

Thank you! I am looking forward to your PM if they don't and I will try to keep my eye out for the horn scales too. I assume that one is able to buy a scale separately if the one on their razor is not to their liking?

Originally Posted by zib

+1 with the other guys and Welcome to the forum. You'll find everyone here to be helpful. The classifieds are an excellent source for razors and other materials. The WIKI here is a great source for everything, from which blades are bad, which are good, shaving demos, how to hone, types of hones, even making lather, etc...
Check it out.
An excellent first razor would be a Dovo. You have websites, like vintagebladesllc, or classicshaving, and straightrazordesigns. If your not too picky as to what type of scales, (handles) you want, you can probably pick one up for under 80 bucks. Always opt to have it Honed before they ship it. Some blades will say "Shave Ready" but there not. That's why if a Honing service is available, you take it. Then you'll know how sharp it's supposed to be. As the other guys stated, you'll need a strop, you can also read on the WIKI on how to use it. You'll need to strop prior to every shave.
Rich

Thank you too!! (I had forgotten the term scales while I was posting) I actually intend to get a strop, a brush and some shave cream but I figured that the razor would be the most expensive.

Welcome to SRP and to straight razor shaving! There is a learning curve with this that is more substantial then popping a replacement cartridge in one of those mach thingies but it is well worth it to persevere and get through it.

As Zib pointed out the SRP Wiki is a great resource for info to get on the right track. Accessed on the toolbar above to the left. Here is a great post on breaking into the actual mechanics of shaving for beginners and here are some videos to go along with it.

Here is a recent thread on the on getting the first razor with a lot of resources in the replies and here is another. Forum member Kenrup was selling some starter kits. You might PM him and see what he has available.