General Newbie Questions

Okay, I know to some of you old timers, this line of questioning may sound a little, well, silly, but as I was told numerous times as a wee young lad, the only stupid question is the one unasked (with various exceptions, of course). :rock:

I've done some basic research on straight razor shaving and have become intrigued. I watched youtube videos and maybe it's my middle age coming on, but I've gotta give it a shot. So, I have some questions, having used safety razors (currently the Mach III) since I was in high school. Questions:

1. Regarding the starter straight razors, is it recommended to purchase some relatively inexpensive razors initially, until I figure out what I like (ie, one 5/8 french point, one 5/8 spike point, one 4/8, one 6/8? Or, is it recommended to go ahead and buy a couple of higher quality (ie, wooden handled) razors with the expectation that I'll learn to love them equally over time? Either way, I'm looking at Dovo razors, and understand the need for a quality blade regardless of cost.

2. Regarding the shaving cream/soap, I normally use Edge Shaving Gel with aloe. I haven't seen any mention of that type of shaving lubricant on any forums, so I was wondering if anyone had recommendations whether or not to consider that for use with a straight razor. Also, is Barbasol or similar inexpensive soap acceptable for use, or do I really need to buy a high end ($$$) soap on the Internet on an ongoing basis (or make my own, which I will probably not have time to do)?

3. I just purchased a wooden bowl of Truefitt & Hill Luxury Shaving Soap in a wooden bowl on eBay (new, without the box). How does one go about preparing the soap for use for the first shave (ie, scoop a little on the brush into a cup with a little water and stir around until it's foamy, or put a little water on the brush and stir in the wooden bowl until slightly foamy and then apply to the face? (I've only used the gel type soap for years now and before that, it was the Barbasol type soap).

4. Considering that I may travel for work, are there any problems with my switching periodically from a straight razor back to the Mach III? (Will the straight razor cause my skin to toughen or otherwise affect the feel or ability of the Mach III to perform adequately?) Likewise, does anyone have recommendations for a small profile travel kit (with strop) that I should consider purchasing that could make it through the airport without being confiscated?

5. Has anyone seen Lynn's video in its entirety and do you recommend I purchase it for my viewing pleasure? From the snippets I've seen on the Wiki page it looks top notch, and I can appreciate the professional approach and well-rounded topics--I'm trying to keep my entry costs low, but this looks like it may be a staple item. Lynn definitely seems to be an asset to the Craft. Thoughts?

Thanks,
Mike F.

Regarding my question #3 (soap preparation), I found an excellent tutorial at Category:Lather - Straight Razor Place Wiki upon viewing the Wiki pages further.

There you go. Like I said, that wiki is full of great information.

I'm not a big fan of the whole wiki system in general, because most wikis are total garbage.

The SRP wiki however, is a gold mine.

To answer the question on blades:

I would certainly advise that you buy a razor you like the look initially, either shave ready from the classifieds or from one of the vendors that sells their razors shave ready. A lot of folks recommend 5/8 hollow round points to start out with, but that is your choice.

Personally, I was curious enough about different types of razors initially to avoid buying one that was very similar to those I already had - by doing this I've found where my preferences are.

Canned goo would not get a recommendation from me. It just doesn't contain enough water. You can buy some very cheap, very effective brushes and there are some very cheap and well respected soaps and creams on the market as well. You can, of course, keep using the canned stuff - but I assure you if you tried the proper stuff you would not want to.

Welcome to SRP . . .

Where in No. VA are you at?

I'm at the National Gathering this weekend but maybe I can help you out, send me a PM if you prefer.

Alan

Just a comment on the soap-- I use Col. Conk soap puck, which costs about $3.50 and lasts over a month. I build lather on my face, so there isn't any cost for lather bowls or scuttles (some folks really like these, however). The brush is the only real expense, but it feels great, lifts the beard better, and is core to the whole shaving experience.

You can buy nice starter kits that sell a Dovo razor, strop, brush, mug and soap. I got mine from

VintageBladesLLC::...



-Chief

welcome to srp

1. Depends on your values and priorities.

2&3. T&H soap is rather nice in my opinion and you've found the wiki on lather already.

4. nothing wrong with using mach3, you'll probably have much better results with it after using straight because you'll learn the importance of good lather, light touch and sharp blade

5. I think I watched almost all of the DVD. It's good.

Your best option is to get together with Alan - he'll help you much more than anything you can read or watch online. Do your best to meet with him.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EdgeWorks

Okay, I know to some of you old timers, this line of questioning may sound a little, well, silly, but as I was told numerous times as a wee young lad, the only stupid question is the one unasked (with various exceptions, of course). :rock:

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I think I ask the stupidest questions here. And I post way too often.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EdgeWorks

I've done some basic research on straight razor shaving and have become intrigued. I watched youtube videos and maybe it's my middle age coming on, but I've gotta give it a shot. So, I have some questions, having used safety razors (currently the Mach III) since I was in high school. Questions:

---

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EdgeWorks

1. Regarding the starter straight razors, is it recommended to purchase some relatively inexpensive razors initially, until I figure out what I like (ie, one 5/8 french point, one 5/8 spike point, one 4/8, one 6/8? Or, is it recommended to go ahead and buy a couple of higher quality (ie, wooden handled) razors with the expectation that I'll learn to love them equally over time? Either way, I'm looking at Dovo razors, and understand the need for a quality blade regardless of cost.

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Buy something you think you'll like. Whether you like the look, or after reading about what other people like for various reasons, or anything really. I bought something because it was a Solingen less than $10 and only needed a hone. If it's something that appeals to you you'll be more likely to like the shaves/not blame the razor (mental placebo effect?) which is really important. A bad workman blames his tools. It's harder to blame something you like than something you dislike.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EdgeWorks

2. Regarding the shaving cream/soap, I normally use Edge Shaving Gel with aloe. I haven't seen any mention of that type of shaving lubricant on any forums, so I was wondering if anyone had recommendations whether or not to consider that for use with a straight razor. Also, is Barbasol or similar inexpensive soap acceptable for use, or do I really need to buy a high end ($$$) soap on the Internet on an ongoing basis (or make my own, which I will probably not have time to do)?

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I bought the Van de Hagen set. Costs $10. Has a bowl (actually really nice, glazed clay, real big, I'll actually use it forever) a boar brush and generic pleasant smelling soap. I've never used anything else. The sentiment seems to be though if you learn to lather with that you can lather with anything lol. I don't think its that hard.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EdgeWorks

3. I just purchased a wooden bowl of Truefitt & Hill Luxury Shaving Soap in a wooden bowl on eBay (new, without the box). How does one go about preparing the soap for use for the first shave (ie, scoop a little on the brush into a cup with a little water and stir around until it's foamy, or put a little water on the brush and stir in the wooden bowl until slightly foamy and then apply to the face? (I've only used the gel type soap for years now and before that, it was the Barbasol type soap).

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Whatever you want. Personal preference. Experiment. Do stuff til it works.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EdgeWorks

4. Considering that I may travel for work, are there any problems with my switching periodically from a straight razor back to the Mach III? (Will the straight razor cause my skin to toughen or otherwise affect the feel or ability of the Mach III to perform adequately?) Likewise, does anyone have recommendations for a small profile travel kit (with strop) that I should consider purchasing that could make it through the airport without being confiscated?

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Here's something I'm ashamed of... I still use my Mach3 or Fusion if I only have two mins. However, I always use the brush and soap (works ten times better than canned stuff I promise) and I use the same principles, I do a WTG, XTG and ATG pass, and I pay attention to the grain. I can now get almost perfect shaves with disposables too. I think the mach3 is a little closer (fewer blades) but the Fusion I can be basically BBS in literally 30 secs (more surface area=less pressure so more speed lol)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EdgeWorks

5. Has anyone seen Lynn's video in its entirety and do you recommend I purchase it for my viewing pleasure? From the snippets I've seen on the Wiki page it looks top notch, and I can appreciate the professional approach and well-rounded topics--I'm trying to keep my entry costs low, but this looks like it may be a staple item. Lynn definitely seems to be an asset to the Craft. Thoughts?

---

I don't have it (too poor), so you can make do without it. BUT! if you can afford it BUY IT! and a styptic pencil. DEFINiTELY a styptic pencil. I bet though they don't admit it, even pros nick themselves when in a hurry.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by khaos

I don't have it (too poor), so you can make do without it. BUT! if you can afford it BUY IT! and a styptic pencil. DEFINiTELY a styptic pencil. I bet though they don't admit it, even pros nick themselves when in a hurry.

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Yeah, I second the styptic...its just so much fun to use

I'm a newb, much like yourself (just had my first straight shave two days ago) but what I did to find a starter razor(s) was to go to the classifieds here, find a cheap one I liked the look of, and get it. I asked the seller to give them a quick hone for me so I could forget about honing and focus on the basic mechanics of it for the first few shaves. I read up a little on the forums before doing it, enough to learn that a hollow grind is best to learn with, as you have better feedback from it (in terms of sound - you can hear better when it's cutting, compared to the silence of a wedge). Point style is a matter of opinion, I have two round points, two square points, and a barber's notch square point, simply because I liked the look of those. Some shavers prefer a point style, and TBH there's various thing to be said for each type, but for me it all boils down to personal taste.

Regarding travel, if you're travelling, you can do one of three things.
1. You can take a cheap disposable razor (ew) in your checked luggage.
2. You can take a shavette in your carry-on and check the blades - they're not that hard to find.
3. You can take a straight in your checked luggage. I'd recommend if you pick this option that you make said straight a cheap one that shaves well (again, check out the classifieds here) that you can afford to lose and aren't too attached to.

I second the styptic, and if you're after a cheap strop and brush, I'd recommend you buy the Tweezerman brush from Amazon.com, and the Fromm strop from the same place (made by the Illinois Strop Co - a reputable company, and only thirty-odd bucks)

Hope this helps! Happy newb-ing with me!

Tweezerman is the cheapest badger no doubt, but you could go with the VDH brush/bowl/soap kit for $10 bucks too.

Thanks to all who posted responses and sage words of wisdom. After further online research, I made my initial purchase yesterday on Straight Razor Designs (after comparing prices with other online merchants):

Dovo Black Micarta Inox 5/8" Straight Razor Set; for $349.98 it includes:
- 3" black latigo leather strop
- Simpson Beaufort B4 Pure Badger Shaving Brush
- Black onyx marble covered soap dish
- Sandalwood soap
- World of Straight Razor DVD
Pinaud-Clubman Styptic Pencil (1 oz.) for $2.49
Camellia Oil (8 oz) for $13.49
For a total of $365.95 (shipping free)

From eBay I purchased Truefitt & Hill luxury shaving soap in a wooden bowl for $29.99.

I figured this was the best compromise between cost and nice to have and your advice and info in the wiki saved me from a few potential mistakes on eBay. I'm watching other potentials on eBay and being very selective, but this way I got a great starter razor and the initial setup which should last me a while and can go from there. This was a little more than I'd intended to jump off with, but i figure it's worth it to get a good running start with high quality gear.

Thanks again to all who replied, and fair lathering and following strokes. :gl:

--Mike F. (EdgeWorks)

Making me drool here!:y
I think you're going to really love that inox blade. I got my first SS blade (a Dovo Renaissance 6/8) just a month ago and it's a marvelous shaver, even though some of the 25 or so carbon steel ones I have are very fine blades.

Congrats on all your gear! Yeah, I think we all spent a little more than what we originally intended to starting out, but I'm sure you'll think it's worth it.

Good luck, keep us posted

Yeah... thats not just a great starter kit. I bet that will serve you well for a long time, even after you buy more blades...