Introduction for a new person looking for a nice shave

Hello everyone,
I have been thinking of getting into the straight razor shave for quite some time now. Lately, I have realized how much I dislike my Gillette shave, as it's not smooth or an enjoyable experienced.
I will admit, I think of straight shaving and I think of manliness. I also view it as more of an art and feel it could be seen as more of a zen thing than a chore (as i feel with current shaving). With those views, I have decided I should really look into purchasing a striaght razor to give it a shot.

Now, I am a firm believer in buying something that is quality and will last as opposed to a quick/cheap fix. I view my purchases as investments, and since I don't buy things often it works out quite fine. Also, I know that high price necessarily doesn't mean superiority. With that said, I am looking into the classifieds here (I don't trust my current knowledge and ebay) for the razor. The strop and everything else I figure is decent as long as its not a value one.

My question here is there any preferred brans that you absolutely love that you purchased and wouldn't change for anything? I don't know anything about brands of blades other that what I have read, but I'd figure some imput from some of the board members would persuade me a bit if I see one is definitley favored :)

Thanks

hi and welcome, i have several vintage razors and i have a new dovo perlex i purchased from vintagebladesllc (cost aprox $134) i think it is a great razor and would recommend you look at the dovo line. everyone has their own likes and dislikes. you may also want to look in the classifieds here. most important thing to remember is to get one that is shave ready. without it being shave ready you are at a disadvantage from the start. good luck and i hope you enjoy straight shaving as much as everyone here does

Welcome to the forum.
You can try the classifieds and get something cheap to learn techniques with SR. Then you can jump onto something that is higher end. Keep in mind that there are different grinds and sizes, which can make finding the right razor(S) a bit of an adventure.

Welcome to SRP. As for your question styles and types of srt8 razors are as numerous as opinions. Personally, I have only vintage razors and I have a few of them that I prefer. A Boker, a Torrey 992 (newest in the rotation) a SR Droscher "Classic", and a William Morley & Sons. These not only shave well but also catch my eye. I have other razors that shave real well but they just don't seem to get as much time as these. There's a lot to consider Blade size, point, grind,..... as you get involved with str8's you will develop a preference also. +1 on the WIKI and the classified here. Take your time find something you'll like. There are good shavers here everyday for under 50 bucks. You may want 2 just in case. Whatever your course take your time and enjoy.

I've been at it for a few months now. When learning, I definitely liked the round point blades better. Not having to worry about gouging the point into my face was one less thing to worry about. That being said, this is a smaller factor in my opinion. A deal is a deal.

The orginal posting sounded like something I would have written before I took up straight shaving.

My bottom line straight is a Dovo Tortoise, which shaves well and takes an edge well. All of my other Dovo's are top of the line and work very well. Most of these were purchased new.

This may sound strange, but don't put too much emphasis on the first straight as you will likely end up with more than one. Plus all the other variables - shave soap, brush, and face prep make a big difference in the performance of the shave.

Good Luck,

Pabster

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Originally Posted by Pabster

The orginal posting sounded like something I would have written before I took up straight shaving.

My bottom line straight is a Dovo Tortoise, which shaves well and takes an edge well. All of my other Dovo's are top of the line and work very well. Most of these were purchased new.

This may sound strange, but don't put too much emphasis on the first straight as you will likely end up with more than one. Plus all the other variables - shave soap, brush, and face prep make a big difference in the performance of the shave.

Good Luck,

Pabster

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I agree. As much fun as the razors are, I find myself buying shaving soaps, brushes, aftershaves, and EDTs more frequently and with as much excitement as my razors. The entire process is really fun and interesting.

I too agree with Pabster about probably getting more straights, and not overemphasizing the first straight razor.

Another angle on this is that if you don't somewhere along the line get a second razor, you will probably be too tentative and conservative with honing and sharpening to learn optimally.

Besides, you need backup! And, that is the truth. And, your significant other, if there is one, and your budget will just have to accept it! :)

Welcome to SRP!

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Originally Posted by LarryAndro

Another angle on this is that if you don't somewhere along the line get a second razor, you will probably be too tentative and conservative with honing and sharpening to learn optimally.

Besides, you need backup! And, that is the truth. And, your significant other, if there is one, and your budget will just have to accept it! :)

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This is pure gospel!:)

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Originally Posted by ReardenSteel

Welcome to SRP!




This is pure gospel!:)

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amen, only been at this a few weeks and allready have 4

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Originally Posted by livingontheedge

amen, only been at this a few weeks and allready have 4

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Haha, well I am a bit frugal so I will hold off (for a while). I know having a backup will be beneficial. I went ahead and took the plunge and bought a razor. I went and bought off eBay (I don't know if this is frowned upon, but I trust my eBay instincts). It seemed like a decent price considering the strop alone is pretty nice. I couldn't find that much info on the blade, but it's an antique one (which I'm trusting the craftsmen of yesteryear) and was shave-ready and tested and all that jazz. Here are some pics of my new baby:
Frank Montanaro: Meier Straight Razor and Dovo Strop

Interesting about the comments of the shaves being made by the other supplies thouhgh, and makes me a bit sad since I didn't do much research on the soap :(
I just bought an Omega silver tip brush and soap/bowl to get me started. I still haven't gone out and gotten any real aftershave lotion yet either...so any suggestions there? :P

Very nice looking "weapon", Th3sandm4n!

Wouldn't it be nice if we all shared? (I would return it after a month or two.)

Welcome Th3sandm4n, I just recently joined SRP myself and I've purchased from E-Bay too.
If I might offer a bit of advice, read the info here about first shaves, it might save you some blood, (literally), sweat and tears.
About your razor, although you purchased it "shave ready", after your first shave you will need to properly strop it before your second. Stroping, done incorrectly, might make re-honing neccessary.
Good luck with your new razor.

Yeah, I have been reading the wiki. I'm going to take it REAAAAALLY slow, because the blade is pretty sharp :)
All the suggestions I've heard regarding this is to start off with like the sideburns and cheeks, and finish the more sensitive areas with the old safety razor. I am most concerned with my adam's apple (I have a huge, protruding one) and my mustache area, as it is pretty sensitive.

But don't worry, I'm more excited than scared :beer1:

Adam's apple...

That is pretty sensitive, light skin, and is easy to cut with typical angles and motions. Stretch that thing to the right and left when shaving so the area over the AA is maybe an inch or more to the left or right. That advice always applies!

Personally, I hold my razor at a high angle when going over that spot; close to vertical. The motion is almost a scraping motion. The blade is sharp, and the hair are thin, and so this pops the hair off nicely. But, at that angle, it's pretty hard to cut yourself.

Might be totally different for you.

You'll do OK.

Hi there and welcome.

I purchased my second straight from StraightRazorDesigns. It was a Boker Edeliweisse 5/8 blade honed and ready to shave. I am of the same opinion as you; to put quality before quantity.

Just got my soap and brush in, so can't wait for the first shave tomorrow morning after a nice warm shower :)
I've been watching how-to's and reading on everything I can think of, so I think it should be alright.