Thread: First shave this weekend?

I just got a Double Arrow that is shave ready

I still need to get a strop and oil for the blade .

Also how do you clean a blade before the shave and after and can I try it with out a strop

Also where is the best place to keep your razor

This will be my first time been using a gem single edge razor at the moment

Thanks for your time

Hi Pizzaguy, welcome to SRP. If the blade has oil on it, you can just wipe it clean with a tissue, just be careful not to put pressure on the edge. Since the razor is shave ready, you shouldn't need to strop it for the first time and it's best you don't. That way you'll know what a truly shave ready razor feels like. To clean afterwords I rinse the blade with hot water under a tap, make sure to be careful not to chip the blade on the tap. I wipe the blade with a tissue, and then use a stropping motion on a towel to clean the blade some more. The last thing I do is strop the blade on a cloth strop. The important thing is to make sure the blade is dry. If safety isn't an issue you should leave the razor open to air dry. Everyone has their own routines, you will find your own.

If you haven't yet, take a look at the Beginners Guide, it's got a lot of useful information that will help you before your first shave.

Straight Razor Place Wiki:Books/Beginners Guide - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

I did it

I did my cheeks and part of my neck and finished off with my Gem 1912

Talk about having respect for what is in your hand and the best part is slowing down and being in the shave

No blood but I have a problem I'm hooked this could be bad

Nice picture!

I personally use just plain mineral oil (from any grocery store) for my razor.
Note that a lot of people don't use any oil (esp. if not in a humid environment). Just keep the razor out of any steaming bathrooms...

-Chief