Advice on what gear to buy, for a first timer
Hi,
I am essentially new to straight razor shaving. I tried to get into it a few years ago, but lost interest for bad reasons. Anyways, I am looking to try again, but I need to buy some things and really need some advice on what to buy.
First off, I already own a DOVO russian leather strop, BUT it sat on a shelf folded over for quite a while, and now it has sort of a wrinkle perpendicular to the stropping direction. I put some strop dressing on it, and hung a weight from it to try to straighten it out. It worked to a small degree, but it still doesnt look new. My question is, is this strop completely shot, and do I need to buy a new one, or can I fix it, or is it even a problem?? I am worried about blade being messed up when it runs over this "wrinkle" in the leather.
If I do need to buy a new strop, any recommendations for a first timer?? I was looking at the "American Made Xtra Wide Mountain Strop " from classic shaving, and sort of liked the idea, of a nice big strop.
Secondly, I already own a Norton 4K/8K waterstone. Would it be recommended to buy a different stone?? I originally practiced with mine probably a total of 5 times. Is there any way to damage these stones with careful, but uneducated practice honing? What would be signs of a damaged hone. For the record, it does not seem to have any damage to my eye, even though it is not that of a master!
Third, I do not own a straight razor. This is where I feel I need the most advice. I am confused on what brand, carbon or stainless, new or used, expensive or cheap etc.
At the moment, I feel like one I get a good razor and strop etc, and some solid advice, I feel I will be ready to commit to straight razor shaving for quite a while, so I am not ruling out buying an expensive new razor. I am confused though as to if I should spend a lot now and get an awesome razor that will last a long time, or if I should buy a cheap new razor, to practice shaving, stropping, and honing with, with the idea that I might damage it with my inexperience. Then later, buy the expensive nice razor. The second option is more expensive though, since I have to eventually buy two razors.
Ive been looking at the DOVO high carbon razors at the moment. What are your opinion on razors for beginners?
I was planning on buying the high carbon, based on past advice that it is easier to hone. Is this true??
Thanks to anyone that will read this post, I know it is long. I am really wanting to get into the straight razor shaving lifestyle, but I feel it would be a bad move to buy anything, before getting some quality advice from people with experience.
Thanks!
Dustin
Wanting to buy my first cut throat razor
Looking to buy my first straight... is this a good razor to start with dovo solingen straight edge cut throat razor as i don't have much money to spend. If i treat it well ho long should this one razor last??
Thanks