Thread: 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

There are lots of great vendors listed on this site, classic shaving, vintage blades, straight razor designs, all carry good razors you can get pre honed. I am new to this world but in a month have gotten my self 3 razors and will have a few more soon I started with a dovo and love it I am about to buy another. Many members love there dovos as well you can't go wrong there. I have a carbon since I want to learn to hone and many agree they are easier to hone. The norton 4k 8k is considered by most a great stone, for most they consider it the work horse and there is tons of info on SRP about that hone. one thing is has your hone been lapped look here Hone Lapping 101 - Straight Razor Place Wiki Now with your strop I can't help much there sorry. I am glad to see you found your way back to straights I hope this time it works out better for you welcome to SRP Someone will be along soon to help with the strop issue

Welcome Dustin,

Originally Posted by DustinNielsen

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.

I would guess the strop could be fine. I think you will have more success if you put it on flat surface under something flat and some weigh on it. You're right, you don't want the crease to mess up the edge. So when you're done fixing it, when you pull it tight if the crease is still protruding above the surface you may want to sand that area using a pumice stone, then apply a bit of the strop dressing

Secondly, I already own a Norton 4K/8K waterstone. Would it be recommended to buy a different stone??
No, that is a fine hone. Lap the surface to be flat and you should be done. Remember they need soaking before use.

Third, I do not own a straight razor.
The usual advice is to not spend too much money initially and try few razors before you find out what you like. What is too much money - it is really up to you. Normally you'd pay premium for a brand new razor, or one of sought after brand in excellent condition. Which way to go is really up to you. Note that the cheapest new razors that would still shave you are the DoubleArrow and Wapienica, then come the Dovos, then Thiers-Issard, Boker, and various custom made razors.
I would also point out that you don't need to end up with multiple razors if you don't want to. You can always resell the one(s) you don't want and recoup significant fraction of what you've paid.

I was planning on buying the high carbon, based on past advice that it is easier to hone. Is this true??

You should get somebody else to hone your razor. Having a hone doesn't mean you know how to use it. It takes time to get the hang of it, and having no reference point of what to aim for wold only make it harder.

You can sometimes remove wrinkles from a strop by filling a thick glass jar or bottle with hot water and rolling it over the crease, with the strop on a flat surface of course.

The Norton 4/8K is probably fine, but lapping will make certain it is flat and clean. A DMT D8C diamond stone is good for the job, but do the lapping under running water. Round off the edges and corners of the Norton once you are done.

If you never plan to restore old razors you can go for the DMT D8X instead of the D8C.

Welcome to SRP, Dustin,

You've received good advice already. There's a lot to learn with str8s - making lather, stropping, and just shaving with a str8. Get a shave ready str8 and put off honing for a bit. When you have a question, the members here will try to sort out if it's the lather, the stropping, the honing, or the technique. If you have a shave ready razor from a honemeister, it's just one less variable.

Take your time, go slowly, no pressure on the blade, and, most of all, enjoy. Shaving with a str8 is great. Have you ever looked forward to your next shave with a disposable?

Welcome Dustin,

as the other guys have said the Norton 4K/8K si a good hone, and there's no nedd to buy another one before you have gotten the "basic" honing rigt, infact you might find that you'll be able to get great shaves from a 4K/8K followed by a chromox pasted strop.


For your first "good/nice" straight, get it honed by somebody who knows how to hone, it'll save you a lot of trouble and frustrations, and pick up a razor you won't regret messing up as your "learn to hone" razor, a Double Arrow or Wapiencia are the cheapest razors who'll still be able to shave you.

Take your time and don't forget to get your self a good brush and some nice soap or cream as the right lather will make a difference!

Dustin,

As you have already discovered, it is quite overwhelming for someone new to straights. What with hones, razors, brushes, strops, pastes, soaps, creams, etc., etc., etc... You have a couple of good options when it comes to razors. Before addressing sources and types, I highly recommend a 5/8 or 6/8. A round point can be a little more forgiving. But a spike point will work too. Just be a little more diligent.

The source. My best recommendation would be to get one from the classifieds. You will be getting a good razor at a very attractive price. It will also be shave ready. Check on that in the ad. It will state so. Our members have reputations to protect so they are not dumping junk razors. Another source is Kenrup. He sells great starter sets a good prices. You can also contact Don or Lynn at Straight Razor Designs, or Vintage Blades, or any of the others listed in the Vendors Corner forum here. All are good people who will work with you. Don't get hung up on carbon versus stainless steel, the sexy looks of a razor, the name brand, type of point, etc... You don't need a hone at first, but will eventually. You've got time to consider one. You do, however, need a quality strop. Any of the above (including Tony Miller) will help you with one.

One further recommendation is to get a copy of Lynn's CD. It contains well over 3 hours of important information about most aspects of straight razors, including shaving. It's an investment that is worth its weight in gold.

Last, but not least, welcome to SRP!! The only dumb question is the one not asked...

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

Originally Posted by newstraight

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

Dovos are well regarded among members here. Provided that you get no accidents with your razor, it should last you a lifetime, maybe two... ;-) You can also buy a vintage razor in the classified section, some members ship worldwide. Whatever razor you end up buying, make sure that you get it in shave ready condition.

Al raz.

Originally Posted by newstraight

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

Dovos are great blades. I have 2 and love them. However, the blade you are looking at is a 4/8. For your first str8 you should stick with a 5/8 or 6/8. Check out the Classifieds for some good deals, especially if you're on a budget. Make sure your str8 is shave ready by a recognized hone meister.