Thread: Want to get into Straight Razor Shaving

I've bought a lot of razors off Ebay. But, not one of them ever was even close to shave ready. So, until you are able to hone, if you go that direction, I'm with everyone else... avoid Ebay!

My opinion is that Walmart or CVS Pharmacy shave soap and boar bristle brush is an acceptable way to start. But, don't even consider shaving with shaving cream out of a can, or with gel like Edge. I used a straight razor for a month, using shaving cream to save money. (Didn't know if I was going to stick with straights, and wasn't willing to break my bank account getting started.) But, then I spent $7.50 at Walmart for a shave mug, bar of soap and boar bristle brush. Skipping details, waiting a month to buy even the cheap, bottom of the barrel Walmart shave soap was a big mistake by me.

Of course, upgrade as soon as you can.

I sympathize with your attempt to save money during startup. But, you need a leather strop. In addition, you will need "something" treated with, say, Chromium Oxide to freshen up your blade from time to time. Treating the linen side of a leather strop, (for they often come with a leather strip and a linen strip), with chromium oxide is one way to go. But, I don't recommend it. Save the linen for untreated stropping. Once chromium oxide is applied, its hard to remove.

You can use chromium oxide applied to balsa wood, and you can do this very cheaply. Read up on balsa wood strops in SRPs wikis. About anyone here would send you a small quantity of Chromium Oxide powder, or "crayon", for you to treat the balsa wood with. (Just send me a private message request if you decide to go this route.) You can get by with balsa wood from a hobby store (Michaels, etc) for $3.50, treated with Chromium Oxide powder.

(For a few months, you can easily get by with balsa alone. When you know more what type abrasive you will use - many like diamond spray in addition to, or with chromium oxide, you can put in more money on a good balsa strop that is properly backed by a paddle.)