Thread: Newbie in Nashville

This is my first post on here, but I've been lurking for quite a while. I've been interestested in learing how to shave with a straight for quite a while and now want to take the plunge. So here goes with the questions. From what i'm reading, I need to start with a 5/8 or 6/8 with a rounded tip? Is stroping & honing easly learned? What should I look for in a strop & hone? Are there any members on here in Nashville that could give advice on stroping and honing? I'm sure I'll have more questions in the future so thanks in asvance.

Ken

Welcome! You are good on your blade sizes and stropping is easy, honing is a whole 'nuther thing.

Welcome boxerken! Tons of info here for those questions, but I think you're trying to take on too much all at once. Get a good razor, strop, brush and soap FIRST - don't worry about a hone or pasted strop yet. Concentrate on your shaving and stropping technique, and once you get that down, and your razor starts to pull, then worry about how to get it back to it's former glory. The learning curve for shaving is steep enough without having to worry about learning to hone as well.

About the razor, 5/8 or 6/8 is recommended for a newb. About the tip style.... many members will tell you to start with a round point. I'm in the camp that thinks it's fine to learn with a spike/square point, just watch the toe of the blade and you'll be fine. You can either get a new razor from one of the vendors or check out the vintage models in the classifieds.... either way be sure it is shave ready. I hope this helps.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Welcome boxerken! Tons of info here for those questions, but I think you're trying to take on too much all at once. Get a good razor, strop, brush and soap FIRST - don't worry about a hone or pasted strop yet. Concentrate on your shaving and stropping technique, and once you get that down, and your razor starts to pull, then worry about how to get it back to it's former glory. The learning curve for shaving is steep enough without having to worry about learning to hone as well.

+1. This is not a race, but a time to enjoy the shave. Take your time. I also recommend getting a copy of Lynn's CD. Over 3 hours of great information on how to do things. It's worth its weight in gold!

You can learn from a spike point, many of our members have. A round point tends to be a little more forgiving. Also, concur you don't need pastes or hones right away, but you ill need them eventually.

Look through the classifieds for a razor. You will find some great bargains. Those razors are not junk being unloaded because our members have reputations to protect. Look for a razor that is truly shave ready (it will state so in the ad). Kenrup, a member here, sells excellent starter sets. Remember, there is no such thing as a starter razor. Either it's a straight razor or it isn't.

Welcome aboard boxerken,
Great advice so far. I too concur that you can learn on any type of razor, round point being the least forgiving. I would also recommend buying a straight from the classifieds on this site as they are usually "very" shave ready with no surprises as folks selling on this site need and require their respective reputations to stay intact. A good leather strop and a fine soap should get you started with the least expense and the least frustration. Not delving too deep into honing/sharpening will assure you an easier transition into the art of the straight razor. Enjoy, relax and take your time.

while I am NOT an expert, still learning myself. I would be glad to help you all I can. I am in Hendersonville btw.
Photoguy67 (Billy)

Nashville! Yeah! I love Nashville! Man I wish I was shaving in Nashville. Nashville is the place to make lather! Aftershave lotion smells better in Nashville.! Nashville is one rockin' place!
Dannyr

Originally Posted by dannyr

Nashville! Yeah! I love Nashville! Man I wish I was shaving in Nashville. Nashville is the place to make lather! Aftershave lotion smells better in Nashville.! Nashville is one rockin' place!
Dannyr

'

good one danny>>>>>LOL

Thanks for the info guys. I've been using shaving soap and a brush for a long time, now i just need to switch from a gillette to a real razor so I'll be watching the ads.