Thread: Basic questions.

You're about to get some super great shaves if that blade really is shave ready and by that I mean hand honed by a straight razor shaver who knows the difference and not what the box claims off the assembly line.

Stones and soaps. pastes and paddles, there really are a lot of choices and they're almost all good ones. You have to find what will work best for you, but don't sweat it. Those great shaves are just a stropping away.

X

Kev,
Welcome !
That is a good combo to start with - I started with the Dovo Best 1/2 hollow, and the Dovo hanging strop, both from InvisibleEdge (DovoRazors UK). Steves' service is superb, as are his honing skills. That razor is still one of my favourites. If you need a hone to just touch up the edge, I would suggest a Naniwa 12k instead of the 8k

best regards

Russ

Originally Posted by KCurry

Thanks Danny, I'm one of these guys that shaves in the bath after a 10min soak and always use a Badger and bristle brush with simple soap to work up a lather.

Not sure what you mean by simple soap, but it would be a crime not to try some Taylors of Old Bond Street shaving cream.
Taylors of Old Bond Street - shaving, straight edge razor, aftershave, mens gifts, luxury gifts, skin products
Look for the Shaving cream in a bowl (150g).
They last forever so they work out cheap. I bought 3 to make postage worthwhile. The avocado one seems to have a fraction more glide, but the almond and rose types smell great (almond smells like marzipan!) I've heard the others smell great too.

I bought a razor from The Invisible Edge, sister site to Dovo Razors UK, and it was a good shaver, so no worries there.

They also do the Naniwa stones you mentioned. If all you want to do is maintain the edges you could go straight for the 12K hone. The downsides are it is a bit more expensive, and isn't really suitable for repairing chips or dings.

Dovo Special Tortoise
Best Badger Brush
3" Latigo Leather/Canvass Strop
Added a 4 sided strop with pastes - This is key in keeping my Dovo Special sharp.

The only extra items I have today.... another higher end Dovo and a disposable straight blade razor.

I am very happy with this set up. Good Luck with yours.

Pabster

Thanks for the info guys thats great. I'm just ready to pull the trigger and get started.
Rajagra, I've mostly used the brand 'Simple Soap' or 'Dove' because its creamy.
You've got me thinking about those soaps from Taylor's...they sound like must have little luxuries...btw I'm not usually a luxury soap kind of dude you know;-) And you guys think the 12k to be more suitable for my needs...I'll grab one.
Pabster, I'll have a look at the 3" Latigo.

kev