Thread: Two questions

Hey guys,

I'm new to straight razor shaving (done it 5 times now with my Dovo ). I have Lynn's video and have done a lot of research. However, because no-one that I know in person shaves with a straight, I can't seem to find what would be two simple answers.

1. With shaving soap, do I put the entire bar into the dish and wet it? If so, do i just rub off the cream when done and put it somewhere to dry?

2. Some people claim that you need two razors instead of just one. Why is this so and how important is it for me to really get a second razor?

Thanks for all the help and I'm really glad that I found this forum, which helped me to muster up the courage to get that cut-throat!

Jon

Welcome!

Originally Posted by JonD

1. With shaving soap, do I put the entire bar into the dish and wet it? If so, do i just rub off the cream when done and put it somewhere to dry?

What kind of dish? Is it a circular puck of soap?
I use creams mostly, someone else can advise better than me.

2. Some people claim that you need two razors instead of just one. Why is this so and how important is it for me to really get a second razor?

You can manage with only one razor.
The (real) benefit of having more is you have a spare in case the first gets damaged or has to be sent off for honing.
The myth is that you should allow a razor to rest for 48 hours between uses to allow the blade edge to straighten itself. Not many people believe that. Many people use the same razor daily without noticing any problems.

Originally Posted by Rajagra

What kind of dish? Is it a circular puck of soap?
I use creams mostly, someone else can advise better than me.

I believe that it's a circular puck. I also ordered a wooden bowl. Both are from Colleen over at The Gentleman's Quarter.

Originally Posted by Rajagra

You can manage with only one razor.
The (real) benefit of having more is you have a spare in case the first gets damaged or has to be sent off for honing.
The myth is that you should allow a razor to rest for 48 hours between uses to allow the blade edge to straighten itself. Not many people believe that. Many people use the same razor daily without noticing any problems.

Thanks Raj! That helps to clear it up. I'll hopefully be able to get a new one soon. I just also need to get a new strop and paste for honing or a paddle, and just splurged on my blade, strop, and Lynn's DVD as it is.

I appreciate the quick and helpful response! Now just to figure out that soap concern.

Jon

Making basic soap lather - Straight Razor Place Wiki

check out this link in the wiki. Actually read alot of the wiki...it can help answer alot of questions before you need to ask on the forums.

and as what ray said above. you can use just one razor...i am currently but its nice to have a back up in case one is too dull to shave or you need to send one out for honing or you ding one on the faucet and need to finish the shave...that said I do plan to buy a second and final razor in a month or two.

Originally Posted by erictski

Making basic soap lather - Straight Razor Place Wiki

check out this link in the wiki. Actually read alot of the wiki...it can help answer alot of questions before you need to ask on the forums.

and as what ray said above. you can use just one razor...i am currently but its nice to have a back up in case one is too dull to shave or you need to send one out for honing or you ding one on the faucet and need to finish the shave...that said I do plan to buy a second and final razor in a month or two.

Awesome, that helped a ton. I just need to get a nice bowl for mixing it in and I'm good to go! Thanks to both of you guys for the fast and helpful responses.

Jon

I love Colleens soaps from The Gentlemans Quarter. I get my brush thoroughly wet and then flick it to get rid of excess moisture, swirl the brush on top of the soap until its good and creamy, then swirl it onto your face. Its great stuff.
As for the single razor....good luck with that.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

I love Colleens soaps from The Gentlemans Quarter. I get my brush thoroughly wet and then flick it to get rid of excess moisture, swirl the brush on top of the soap until its good and creamy, then swirl it onto your face. Its great stuff.
As for the single razor....good luck with that.

LOL, I'm looking for a second now. I'm glad to hear that you like it, I found out about it on the reviews here. Everyone raves about it and it (just like almost everything) it's cheaper than my current Art of Shaving cream.

Originally Posted by JonD

Some people claim that you need two razors instead of just one. Why is this so and how important is it for me to really get a second razor?

It's not mandated that you have more than one razor (I just looked in the straight razor rule book). It does make it better if you damage your edge on the sink (or some other way) and you do not have the necessary hones or honing skills to fix that damage. Many people have a few, or several, razors in a rotation. I currently have 5 razors in mine. However, that is not required. You will have to do touch ups to your edge more often with just one razor.

I do, however, feel compelled to warn you about RAD. It's a rather insidious disorder. And once caught, it's nearly impossible to cure!!

[QUOTE=dward;383785]It's not mandated that you have more than one razor (I just looked in the straight razor rule book). It does make it better if you damage your edge on the sink (or some other way) and you do not have the necessary hones or honing skills to fix that damage. Many people have a few, or several, razors in a rotation. I currently have 5 razors in mine. However, that is not required. You will have to do touch ups to your edge more often with just one razor.

I do, however, feel compelled to warn you about RAD. It's a rather insidious disorder. And once caught, it's nearly impossible to cure!! [/QUOTE]

Tell me about it in just 9 months went from 1 shave ready to, 6 shave ready, 3 that need touch ups, 1 a good honing, and 2 to restore.

Colleen's soap is one of my next purchases once I finish up with Col Conk's soap. I soak the badger brush for about two minutes in hot water, shake out the excess water, then swirl it around the Col. Conk's plastic soap container for about 30 seconds, then my face for another 30 seconds. This process is repeated as needed and I am always pleased with the results. The Col Conk soap stays in its plastic container and seems to go a long way in lasting. I always shake out any little water on the soap when I finish shaving.

I have a shave mug, but I find it best used to soak my badger brush in prepping for the shave. Creams will utilize the Mug better.

The SRP Wiki has good info on Lathering as well as one Youtube video.

Additional straight? Variety appreciation is good not to mention diversity. I enjoy having three straights and using all three - two straights and one disposable straight blade and I rotate them around. I only buy new for now.

Pabster