Thread: New Member Introduction

Hello everyone. I'm new to this forum and subject matter. I am interested in using a straight razor particularly Japanese fixed handle shavers. (Maybe it's just me but holding a rotating handle of something that could potentially slice your melon off and being by nature fumble fingered makes me leery!). Anyway I hope to learn alot of info. Thanks to Mr. Abrams for his site and I look forward to discussion.

IBX2000

Welcome, I'm sure there will be other members with loads of information to share with you.


Word of advice- Japanese razors require special honing and one sided shaving technique.


And, you don't hold onto the "handle" on a straight razor. They're their to protect the blade and add leverage to your balance.

Welcome to SRP. Being new to this read all you can especially in the beginners section of the WIKI (It helps believe me). Ask questions and watch the forum. Questions get answered I haven't even thought to ask yet. Don't sweat the scales on a str8 when held correctly they will not get in the way and you hold a razor by the tang. I haven't met anyone who has lopped off their melon yet (a cut here and there yes) don't forget the learning curve. Again welcome and good luck.

Hi and Welcome to SRP

Welcome to SRP!! As Jimmy stated, look through the WIKI. There are a lot of misconceptions about straight razors in society these days, so a walk through the WIKI will get you grounded. View some of the vids on making lather and straight shaving. You can start making lather as soon as you get the brush and soap/cream (See the WIKI) and use your current method of shaving, if it's not an electric Then you can make a better decision as to which direction you would like to go in.

Good luck in your quest and be sure to ask questions as you find them.

Does anyone make a fixed handle non japanese style razor? Thanks.

Welcome to SRP. I think the general consensus is that shaving with a Japanese style straight is more difficult than with a western style blade. Honing is certainly a different kettle of fish. I'm not schooled in either but there are some members who are and will no doubt answer any questions you may have.

There are archived threads on shaving with and honing those here (other topics mixed in but a lot on the Japanese straight) and take a look at the SRP Wiki here for all things straight razor shaving related.

Welcome and as a guy that has shaved with both. Start off with a western/traditional straight then move to an eastern straight.

You need your fundamentals before you jump in.

You gotta walk before you can run as it were.

Again welcome and I hope you enjoy yourself.

Originally Posted by singlewedge

Welcome and as a guy that has shaved with both. Start off with a western/traditional straight then move to an eastern straight.

I'm still pretty green and have never used a Japanese straight, but how much more difficult could it be? When those razors were more common in Japan, did fathers teach their sons how to shave with western blades first?

I'm sure you're right and it'll be a while before I try one, if ever. I'm just wondering if it's fundamentally more difficult or if it's just unusual in comparison. Would someone new to straights, or even shaving altogether, truly have a harder time learning on a Japanese straight than a traditional one? You nick, you learn.

Thanks for all the info. Maybe just the fixed handle appeals to me more. I agree that honing and stropping regardless of type is a skill and skills must be learned and practiced. If anyone has any pics of fixed handle razors please post them if possible.

So what DO you recommend as an intro razor? Dovo, French, Solingen made?