Tons of info - sort of overwhelming

Hey guys,

I just ordered Lynn's DVD before purchasing a straight, but I have to admit that there's a ton of technical info being tossed around that I see on the forums that makes the journey seem a bit daunting. My plans are to watch the DVD and then proceed to purchase my first straight and then have one of the honemeisters on here hone it. I used to shave with a Merkur Vision DE with Feather blades on with the Vision's "jaws" open to the full setting. I stopped using it when I had a hard time finding Feather blades in quantity.

I really, really do want to learn the art of the straight. However......

I suppose I'm equating delving into this with the experience of the simplicity of buying a DE and some blades and going to town. My concern isn't so much with the actual shaving procedure itself but more so with the upkeep of the edge. I already bought a hanging Dovo strop, linen/leather combo from Classic Shaving a while back. I am excited but also a bit overwhelmed by what seems to be a forest full of paperwork written on here on pasting, stropping, honing, "touching up", etc. in order to keep the edge truly "shave ready."

I suppose my question in a nutshell is: is this a forgiving endeavor for a newbie? Minus the actual razor of your choice, it seems like there can be quite a bit of accessories needed to keep up a straight and quite a bit of learned technique in order to do so. I'm a pretty technically deft person (in the engineering field), but even I feel slightly overwhelmed by all the information. I have read the FAQ and I have to say, the FAQ on this website is probably the best, most in-depth FAQ on any topic I've ever read online - including pipes & cigars - and there's no shortage of info on those :)

Anyway, looking forward to getting the DVD and starting out. I've finally had it with paying for stupid cartridge razors and/or disposables.

Thanks for the responses in advance :)

-Justin

I started a month ago. I have been using the same razor, and I just have a simple leather strip to keep my edge nice and sharp. I too switched from a DE, and I haven't had a single problem with my simple system.

Drew

Welcome to SRP from a fellow Floridian...Don't be overwhelmed. It sounds worse than it really is, and there's always someone to help you. You have a good strop, that's half the battle. I don't know what your budget is, but you can get a very good straight razor for under 100.00. There's plenty here on the classifieds, and Lynn's store, Straight Razor Designs has great deals on Dovo's, as I said, Some are under 100 dollars. For the most part, upkeep involves stropping daily before use. That will keep your edge up.
If you buy a "Barbers hone" that will help too. You normally do 3-5 passes before you shave, and that helps keep the edge up. Beyond that, if you don't want to get into honing right off the bat, you can always send it out to be honed for 15-20 bucks.

If you want to get into honing, You can always start with a Chinese 12k. They're about 20 dollars at Woodcraft, it's around 12k grit, and will help refresh your edge too...If you don't find your answers here and need help, drop me a pm....

Rich

Welcome to SRP. It is like learning anything. One thing at a time and pretty soon you've learned a whole bunch. How quick and how well depends on the individual. From what you've already figured out on your own I'd say you'll have no problem. :gl:

Thanks guys for your replies. Yeah I figured as much on the one thing at a time; there's just a lot of "things". :) Anyway, I'll post back more once I've watched the DVD and ordered my first straight. Should be within a week or so.

Thanks again for all the info

I would suggest that you practice stropping with a dull kitchen knife or even better , a dull straight razor if you have one . That way , you won't be learning to strop with a "shave ready" razor , and risk nicking or slicing your strop or dulling your razor .

All you need is a razor, a strop, a brush, and soap/cream... the only problem is there are dozens of choices for each... but that is what makes it fun.

Later you can worry about a hone. Until then, best is to send the razor in to a honemeister for sharpening.

Be sure to check out the wiki, there is a good FAQ there.

I've also found this guide quite helpful

http://www.shavemyface.com/downloads...azor-Shave.pdf


Take care,
-Chief