Thread: Last resort.

Hi, I've been looking for an answer to my problems and I think straight razor shaving will at least help, if not cure the problem.

I'm 16, and my facial hair is just starting to get thick and grow fast this past 6 months (aside from my sideburns, which have been going full bore for a couple years).

Anyway, the problem is every time I shave I get bad razor bumps and acne due to ingrown hairs,probably from bad shaving technique or something.

I've tried showering first, which helps quite a bit. I've tried different razors etc' and the first shave on a new razor always gives me bumps, the second turns out alright, same the next 2 or 3, then the razor needs replaced.

It's really getting on my nerves. I finally get past the teenage acne thing, but now that I shave it's like it's starting all over again. I'm actually just fine if I let it grow out, no acne, no soreness, etc', but since my facial hair isn't fully matured, I end up looking scruffy and like I'm trying to act more mature or look older or something and totally failing at it, which is worse then the acne.

So...do you think straight shaving is the thing for me? I'm not adverse to risk. I'm the kind of person who enjoys an adventure, especially when it's competitive and there's a high chance of injury. So maybe if I get into it I'll have to make some of my friend or brother start so I have some drive to get better at it.I'm an avid dirtbiker, hunter, amateur gunsmith, so I'm definitely used to cut fingers, papers cuts, broken bones, horribly mutilated limbs, spraying blood, you know, that sort of thing.

Ok, maybe not the last two, but you get the point.

Anyways, Any thoughts?

Unfortunately here in Idaho (I guess like the rest of the country) I can't get a decent job, so my budget will probably be about $50-60 for a whole kit, and looking around, it just doesn't seem like enough. I've checked the thrift store and the only pawn shop around, and they have nadda. So any ideas on the economical route would be great too.

On a side note, I have plenty of time and patience to learn. I'm home schooled, so I have plenty of time in the morning before I go to seminary and shop/sports at the high school. My morning are usually boring and I find my self with a lot of spare time that needs to be used before I get too bored and do something I'll regret (yeah, it's happened in the past).

I'm really looking forward to starting this. I've read a lot on it and watched some videos. I think it'd be a great confidence booster and conversation topic, plus it'd make me feel and look better.


Thanks so much for your help!

Josh H.

Welcome to SRP!

Of course straights are for you! I had/have the same issues when using a disposable, especially if I went against the grain. My entire face would be covered in really nasty and painful zits, and I couldn't even touch my face for a few days.

I'm pleased to say that straights have cured that. It took a lot of fine tuning for my sensitive skin, but once I got it all figured out, I'm good. No burn, no zits, smooth face.

As far as whether you can do it on your budget, you definitely can. You've got two options: you can go for a strop and razor on the cheap or get a Shavette. It'll be harder for you to get a hold of a good strop and a good, honed razor, but it's definitely possible. Shavettes can be had for $25-$30, and blades are cheap.

Having been in your exact position, you might consider a Shavette for now. When I first got into it, I was looking to save money, but ended up having to really go cheap, but it cost me more in the long run. Between being new, buying lower quality, and having to send out my razor for honing, I spent more time waiting on the mail than I did shaving. The cost wasn't cheap either. Figure $20/hone job, and you'll nick the blade at least once, so now you're at around $50 just for the razor and honing. It's honestly not a cheap hobby to get into at first.

If I had it to do over again, I would use the Shavette for a while to learn technique and stay well within budget. Once my technique got good and my budget allowed, I would move into "real" straights simply because it's more satisfying to me.

Josh, it sounds like straight shaving is right up your alley! I'm 21 now, and spent 3 years shaving with electric and got sick of the stubble, 2 years with a Fusion with awful ingrown hairs and acne....

...and then, curious about straights because I love old things, I read that they can eliminate those problems. I bought soap and brush with some birthday money, and a razor a month later. I've been clear-skinned ever since.


And we will be overjoyed to help you shop, learn, etc. Welcome to the SRP!

Thanks for the great advice.

I have a couple of questions.

I Use shaving cream out of a can, and I have like, absolutely no idea what shaving soap is or where I can get it. Plus, I've never used after shave before which probably doesn't help my situation any.

Can I get any of this stuff at chain stores? We only have one mall near me and it's about 80 miles away so I may end up buying online which also present it's own problems.
I'm pretty much clueless, until I started googling a couple weeks ago I thought shaving was pretty much electric or cheap 2 blade disposable and Gillette shaving cream.

So if you (or anyone else!) could give me a little list of products, as far as soap/after shave styptic's etc' I could buy (on my budget) that would be great!

I'm thinking you're right about a shavette also. It would be great to buy one of those and start now and keep an eye out for a second hand straight with a hone and strop with the brush and everything. Maybe by the time I find the right deal I'll have some of the technique down.

A Walmart or most drugstores should have of be able to order for you a kit from "Van der Hagen" that is a brush, bowl, and soap for about $14 I think. It is a darn good soap for the price, IME, especially if you later it with just a touch of aloe vera gel... mmmm.

It's a good hypoallergenic, gentle, affordable soap that I find easy to use and quite satisfactory, if not luxuriously scented.

As far as second-hand razors go, look in the classifieds here. A lot of darn good vintage blades that are honed and ready to go sell in the 20-60 dollar range...and the guys here are honorable folk.

Originally Posted by BKratchmer

Josh, it sounds like straight shaving is right up your alley! I'm 21 now, and spent 3 years shaving with electric and got sick of the stubble, 2 years with a Fusion with awful ingrown hairs and acne....

...and then, curious about straights because I love old things, I read that they can eliminate those problems. I bought soap and brush with some birthday money, and a razor a month later. I've been clear-skinned ever since.


And we will be overjoyed to help you shop, learn, etc. Welcome to the SRP!

Wow, I didn't realize this was such a common problem! Sounds like you guys had the exact same problem as I.

I hope to get started towards the end of next week. I think it will be a great experience.
the only drawback is the cost and availability of materials in my area. It's a little disappointing but hopefully I can figure something out.

If you have a Walmart near you, they sell a brush/soap/mug package by Van Der Hagen which should be ok for starting. After a while you may want to upgrade though, as it's pretty basic stuff. A styptic pencil is pretty cheap, most barber's stores will have them, and quite a few pharmacies.

Alright.

I think I'm going to buy a Dovo Shavette.

It looks to be about $35 shipped on ebay.

That's what you're talking about right?
I'll also check wal-mart for that kit.

Also, about the shavette, Should I buy extra razors online, or are they something wal-mart or a mall store would carry? I may talk to the local barber here also and see if she has anything. It seems that the blades are only 1.5" long and you break them in half, is that what I'm looking for, or do I need to get the 3" or 2 1/2" blades?

And how long do the blades last?

Thanks for your time patience and input,

Josh.

I think i saw a cheap $20 razor in the classifieds earlier - yeah here it is
cheap ugly shaver or good starter 4/8 barbers notch German wedgy - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

don't worry about looks, they have nothing to do with shaving, all that matters is the steel and the honing.

the illinois 827 strop will run you around 30 and that leaves you with about $10 to get a brush ($5) and a soap such as the vanderhagen or williams ($.99-$2) - check your local drugstores, they may have shaving soap and brush.

even if you don't start with a razor right away start with the soap and the brush that's better for the skin than the stuff in the can. furthermore instead of the current cartridge razors you will probably have better results with the single blade bic disposables, or a 'safety' or double-edge razor which takes razor blades similar to the shavetter but you don't break them in two. such a razor in usable condition would probably run you $5-$10.

also enter the monthly give-away, i think it's a sticky thread in the general section.

btw where in idaho are you located?

I was thinking the same thing. I use the cheap single and double blade disposables, and I'm gonna put off shaving until I can get some soap and a brush, cause I think the shaving cream is a large part of the problem.

I live in Teton Valley Driggs.

Right under neath the Tetons.