What I need to get started?

I already started with DE, so I have those accouterments.

I'm thinking a Dovo High Carbon Steel Ebony, besides that I'd just need what a strop, paste, a bit of a mineral oil and an oiling rag for now?

I was going to go Vintage Blades, since the prices seem reasonable and they are honed by Lynn and 'shave ready'.

A few questions:

How long will it take before I need to have the blade re-honed? Assume 6 days a week, 2-3 passes.

How much practice does it take to be able hone a serviceable edge? Do you guys practice on old beaters or something until you get good?

Anyone know of anyone in the New England area (preferably MA), that would allow me to watch their work? (honing, not shaving)

Thanks a bunch,

Mike

Welcome to SRP, Mike,

Since your questions are typical beginners' questions, let me quote from our FAQ:

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What is the minimal setup for shaving with straight razors?
The very minimal setup will consist of a truly shave ready straight razor, shaving foam, and a leather strop. You will need the strop to maintain the edge of your razor.
Additional equipment may include, but not be limited to, the following:

• a shaving brush, preferably a badger hair one;
• shaving soap or cream to replace the shaving foam, as quality soaps or creams will provide much better lubrication, moisturising, and protection from nicks and ingrown hairs;
• some means of honing your razor once the strop does not provide a sufficiently keen edge anymore.

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What makes a good starter razor?
Size = 6/8 A wider blade is easier to keep flat on the strop, which is very important for a beginer. 6/8 is also dead center on the size chart, so you can decide which direction to go on your second razor. Finally, it has some heft for those less than confident first strokes, and is still easy to handle.
Grind = Half hollow Again dead center on the chart, so you can decide which direction to go after your first razor. A half hollow grind offers enough heft for beginner shaving, yet also has some flexibility for comfort.
Round point A round point is a little safer, anyway, not a lot but every little bit helps at first.

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How long will a razor stay sharp?There are too many variables involved to give a definite answer (quality of razor steel, stropping and shaving techniques, etc.). The general consensus seems to be that a shave ready razor will, if treated properly, stay sharp for between 15 and 50 shaves. After that, it will require touching up with a pasted strop or a finishing hone.

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As for honing, that certainly depends on your manual skills, patience, and maybe the ability to find somebody who shows you how it's done (although we do have a number of very nice honing videos in the Wiki, too).

Good luck, and keep us updated on your progress.

Regards,
Robin

Welcome to SRP. Alot of your questions may be answered in the WIKI.

+1 on the info from the FAQ. Once you begin using a str8 you will become accustom to the "feel" of each pass. Every razor is different but just like driving you can tell when something is out of wack. It's not a bad idea to get a beater or two for practice but for strop practice you may want to consider a butter knife because it wont slice the strop if (when) you mess up. A sharp razor maintains that edge quite well and even when it does dull usually a couple of passes on a Barbers hone is suffiecent. What ever you do start slow read lots here in the WIKI and ask questions in the Forum. Take your time it's worth the it to learn correctly. Again welcome and Good Luck.

Welcome to SRP +1 on the advice already given :)Be sure to check out the WIKI lot of great info as well there.

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Originally Posted by MrMike

I already started with DE, so I have those accouterments.

I'm thinking a Dovo High Carbon Steel Ebony, besides that I'd just need what a strop, paste, a bit of a mineral oil and an oiling rag for now?

I was going to go Vintage Blades, since the prices seem reasonable and they are honed by Lynn and 'shave ready'.

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Hi,
I have that razor, also got it from Vintage Blades. It is a great shaver,
-Chief

i am sure you will be happy with that razor, i have a perlex dovo i got from vintage blades and it is excellent. after you get better with a strop i would also recommend the 3" latigo strop from vintageblades.

Good advice given. I want to add that if you want to get into it without the need to strop or have a strop and want to give it a trial run and keep the cost reasonable, go with a disposable straight blade. There are a lot at reasonable prices and the blades last 4 - 6 shaves.

Thats what I did and I still use it as my travel straight so I don't have to lug around my strop or pasted paddle strop.

Good Luck,

Pabster