Hey all,
First off ill introduce myself.My names Ian, and im a 25 year old Londoner, who is now looking in to the noble art of straight shaving.I have ordered my equipment perhaps a little hastily, only really going on my own vague knowledge and had not yet discovered places such as this fora.
My first question is , have i ordered wisely? Im beginning with a Dovo Bismarck that i have purchased and am awaiting delivery of from
King Barber (Luke Leadbitter trading as) > Cutthroat razors, shaving cream, after shave and accessories.
The prices on that site for this particular razor were more than competitive, so along with a basic strop, shaving foam and entry level brush i have taken a risk.
To simplify my questions into a coherent, easy to reply to manner ill put them below concisely.
Ian,
Welcome to the community. There is a vast array of information here, in the forums and the Wikis. Use as much of it as you can and don't be afraid to ask questions.
1.Is the bismarck a decent starter blade?
I have honed several Bismarck's and they seem to take an edge very well. This should work just fine as your first razor. It is important, as others have pointed out, that you get this razor professionally honed to start out.
2.For a strong beard resistant to mach 3, is 6/8 enough?
6/8 will work for your tough beard. I would, however, advise you to be on the lookout for a wedge, as your next aquisition. The wedge seems to be more adept to tough beards.
3.I have purchased a cyril r salter narrow hanging strop.I understand how to strop it, but is this strop good enough to start? Will a careful pair of hands (im very steady handed) and a calm approach allow me to pick up stropping quickly? Or is it fairly routine to dull your first blade in the learning process.
Although I am not familiure with this strop, I would think it should be ok to start out. Just remember to take your time and go slowly at first. This is not a race. Speed will come as you get better. No one cares how fast you are. Stropping is, as you have implied, the area where most beginners dull their freshley honed razor. Sometimes before they even get to use it.
4. Ive ordered a cheap brush until i establish my shaving routines and feel i have the techniques down.Will i notice a big difference physically?
Cheap brush will work just fine to start out. Better brushes do feel better and work differently. Boar brushes seem to work the lather into a tough beard very well, and soft badger seem to be smoother on the face and work the lather in the beard but mostly in the base of the brush. There is everything in between so do your homwork before putting out the Euro's for one.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read, as a Londoner i have access to some fantastic barbers, and very much look forward to becoming involved in this very specific community.