Thread: Intro and questions

Welcome to SRP. I am on the verge of 27 and I can say with a three pass shave I get a shadow the next morning. However, I usually do two passes each morning and do not get a shadow until 8:00. One pass, and at 5:00 there is definitely a shadow and the shave is not perfectly smooth, but it looks clean.
I used to get bumps that were both acne and contact dermatitis, if there is white substance in the bumps, its acne. Since using the AOS sandlewood shave soap (I am going to try SRD next) I do not get bumps and now that my touch is lighter, the razor burn is almost nothing. Good prep, and good soap makes a huge difference.
I agree with Robin that SRD does things well and I have bought products from them. Plus you get the advice of Lynn or Don who are probably the two best minds in the world on straight razors and shaving.
If you are on a budget though, I would start with a cheap shave ready razor from the classifieds and try the Rup Razor beginners strop because if you go buy a $80+ strop, you are very likely to nick it and hence waste extra money. SO I would start slow. I personally recommend the Jemico paddle strop because one side is pasted, it is small, and because its a paddle it help prevent a new person form rolling the edge. It costs about $30 +shipping here JEMICO STRAIGHT RAZOR SHARPENING STROP WITH CLAMP - NEW - eBay (item 360206700956 end time Jan-09-10 12:51:35 PST)
Then, you can move up as you go along. THere are also good badger brushes on eBay for $15 with a stand Badger Hair Shaving Brush w/ Wood Handle & Holder Stand - eBay (item 350289433713 end time Dec-12-09 18:59:45 PST) here and I use one and it works nicely. If you desire to spend $70 or more for the same thing, be my guest.
It takes a while to get experience, but once you get the hang of a straight razor, you won't have anything else. I even travel with mine now because to me its the best looking shave you can get.
Good Luck!