Thread: Need advice on the "meantime"

Originally Posted by cubed1

Also, your forearm may make a good strop, as I've heard.

Considering that newbies are known to nick/cut/butcher their first strops, I think this practice is ... inadvisable.

Originally Posted by ursus

Considering that newbies are known to nick/cut/butcher their first strops, I think this practice is ... inadvisable.

Sound advice; however, can you think of a better incentive to strop slowly, methodically, and correctly?

I got that same brush from CVS and finally gave it to the Cats! At least they are having a good time with it. Compared to my best pure badger brusher, the CVS brush feels like the cheap brush that it is.

Shavette - It will still come in handy when you travel or become protective of your fixed straight razor. I have a few disposable straight razors and I still use them in the rotation. I love taking a break from stropping. No knock on these razors. Even my el cheapo Diane 21 blade gives a good shave and last for about 4 big shaves and 6 light shaves.

It does take an intial investment to get the tools you will be happy using. I am guessing about $200 - $250. There are cheaper ways to get started if you buy from the classifieds on SRP.

Welcome to Straight Shaving!

Pabster

Thanks again for everyone's responses!

I'm really leaning toward the DE option for now. I think I may check out some antique shops in town or maybe the swap meet.

I am still open to suggestions though, so keep em' coming.

Originally Posted by cubed1

Sound advice; however, can you think of a better incentive to strop slowly, methodically, and correctly?

Yes. I think I could think of worse place to cut than arms, but not many. Chance of wasting your edge should be enough. I've read here somewhere that slow stropping might be more ineffectual than speedy, though.

Originally Posted by ursus

Yes. I think I could think of worse place to cut than arms, but not many. Chance of wasting your edge should be enough. I've read here somewhere that slow stropping might be more ineffectual than speedy, though.

The point of slow stropping by a would be beginner is to develop the muscle memory and coordination so that one would be able to strop at a decent pace without ruining the cutting edge of the razor nor strop.

Originally Posted by cubed1

The point of slow stropping by a would be beginner is to develop the muscle memory and coordination so that one would be able to strop at a decent pace without ruining the cutting edge of the razor nor strop.

I can see what you're trying to say and I absolutely agree with you: "start slowly" is a good advice. Just do in on a real strop.

Using your own arm as a practice strop is reckless and should be discouraged, especially for newbies.