Jimps for newbies?

A question that gets asked a lot here is what does a newbie look for in a first razor. We talk about brand, making sure it is shave ready, size, grind etc. I recently had someone ask if one of my razors would be good for a newbie (one that has no jimps). I was going to tell him no and direct him to a razor with jimps, but I decided to ask the collective.

I have never seen the question of jimps addressed. It so happens my first few razors had them - mainly because I thought they looked cool. I have thought they might be good for a new shaver to have the additional traction, but with the death grip I had on the razor it probably didn't make a difference.

I still like how they look. Thumb notches are cool, too. French points and barbers notches... but I digress.

How should we advise new SR shavers?

Personally, I like jimps for new straight shavers. It allows for a solid grasp wwithout the death grip. It allows that firm-but-gentle grip to be more confidence inspiring. I remember being scared the first few shaves that the ravor was going to slip desipite my grip or twist because of it. The razors I have with jimps (and the Robert williams that could arrive as early as tomorrow...yippeee) alleviate that. Oh, and they look cool as hell.

The audience says:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razors/20722-jimps-who-needs-em.html

Jimps! Gotta have 'em!

I love jimps and razors with thumb notches. I still can't get over the fact that the legendary dubl ducks don't have them. I shave with razors with or without them but they would all have them if it was up to me.

Dry hands preclude the necessity of jimps IMO, they do look good and add reassurance to the novice. BTW why a "death grip"? Please read Jimmys sig line next chance you get.;)

I do like jimps, &, since Jimmy mentioned them, thumb notches! I don't think they're essential for a newcomer. I had razors with them, & without when it was new to me, & never had a slipping issue with any. Keep the lather off the shaving hand & it'll be ok!

Why have jimps when you can have big rubber grips!?

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...as-duras-1.jpg
http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...puma-222-1.jpg

Unless it was stainless i'd be paranoid about water getting in there. I get razors wet.

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Originally Posted by ben.mid

Unless it was stainless i'd be paranoid about water getting in there. I get razors wet.

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I haven't had any problems so far [crosses fingers].

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Originally Posted by Oglethorpe

Why have jimps when you can have big rubber grips!?

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Yes kids, practice safe shex!

I think jimps for a newbie is one of these nice, but not critical things.

Being a newbie - I think thumb notches should be out until you learn to strop well - it is a fast way to either drop your blade on the floor while stropping or cut your strop as there is a bit less to hold.

I think jimps are nice but not necessary - any standard straight that has a good neck (if that is the right termininology) will work well and allow for a balanced hold.

I also think shoulderd blades versus shoulderless are best when beginning and learning to hold a straight proper.

This is strictly speaking from my own experience and each person has learned differently on different blades with or without success. thats my disclaimer :)

andy

I don't have a ton of shaving experience, but I started with an unjimped, shoulderless Wosty. It worked out fine, but at first I had trouble with sliding down the shoulder grind... even with dry hands, I think jimps would be a big help...and a shoulder.

I'd say I wouldn't advise them as a must, but they certainly might be a deciding factor between two equally priced decent razors.

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Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Dry hands preclude the necessity of jimps IMO, they do look good and add reassurance to the novice. BTW why a "death grip"? Please read Jimmys sig line next chance you get.;)

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There was a lot of adrenaline that first shave. Things are more relaxed now so I still like jimps, but not having them hasn't been an obstacle either.

for instance with this purchase I made just moments ago!http://rurl.org/1sko

Beautiful new razor you've got there!

I've yet to slip while shaving. I have 2 razors that have jimps while the others don't. The jimps definately provide the extra "grip", a peace of mind that you're less likely to slip for the new straight shaver.

Not having them isn't a big deal to me. Inspite of my being new to it I'm glad I was able to adapt quickly.