Thread: Tips for Newbies, by a Newbie

just to add to this thread, for those who might be looking for a barbers hone, a decent place to get one is from a company called lehman's, they sell an arkansas whetstone on a paddle for around 19 bucks, its in there personal care section

Originally Posted by BingoBango

Excellent post!

Just to Second one of Mr Mike's points - If you want to save money, you can just buy the "refill" of the higher end soaps. I bought a puck Truefitt and Hill soap for $10. Also, there are a few sites that sell samples of the nice soaps and creams which might be a good option if you can't shill out the big bucks on soap.

This is very true, but, at the same time, you don't have to sell your left nut to get good quality stuff. I find that most of the stuff here are pretty well priced and loved by quite a few people on this forum.

+1 on the samples. Most are pretty cheap and you get a good variety of stuff, so you can find what works for you and what doesn't.

I want to start useing a straight razor to shave. I am told this is the best place for advice. I will be 60 on the 1st. I guess it is never to late to start! I have been thinking of doing this for good wial now, but do not know where to start and what to get. I want to start on the right foot and not buy stuff I do not need. I will take all advice you are willing to give a newbie! Thank you all very much!

Richard

Originally Posted by Vnam68

I want to start useing a straight razor to shave. I am told this is the best place for advice. I will be 60 on the 1st. I guess it is never to late to start! I have been thinking of doing this for good wial now, but do not know where to start and what to get. I want to start on the right foot and not buy stuff I do not need. I will take all advice you are willing to give a newbie! Thank you all very much!

Richard

There's a newbie section in the wiki (Straight Razor Place Wiki:Books/Beginners Guide - Straight Razor Place Wiki)

There was also a budget guide, but I can't find it at the moment. Could the wiki people consider adding it to the beginner section?
Here it is: http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...et_on_a_budget

I'd consider getting razor, strop, soap, brush and stypic a starterset. You won't need hones at start, just make sure you buy a "shave ready" razor from a reputable seller (forget ebay for now). Straight razor designs and ruprazor offer lifetime honing till the end of the year, I think, which is pretty good offer.
Don't buy too fancy strop (or get one with replaceable leather/canvas), since most beginners mangle their first.
Buy quality soap/cream.
Good aftershave balm helps the skin to heal, but isn't strictly necessary.

In reference to number six on this list- did anyone OTHER than me not take his advice?
Ya gotta love'm though!!!

I'll just add one of my lessons after I learned how to shave: when you feel comfortable with the blade, be extra vigilant...I can't tell you how often people who finally get comfortable with the blade get a 3inch reminder scar on their cheek...just don't ask me how I know...

Mark

Originally Posted by ward1402

In reference to number six on this list- did anyone OTHER than me not take his advice?
Ya gotta love'm though!!!

LMAO!!!! You actually looked up BBW Shaving at work?!?! Hope you don't get reprimanded!

I bet you turned off your monitor, or hit the back button faster than you ever thought possible and had it seem like the computer took forever to respond!

Originally Posted by rcardon

LMAO!!!! You actually looked up BBW Shaving at work?!?! Hope you don't get reprimanded!

I bet you turned off your monitor, or hit the back button faster than you ever thought possible and had it seem like the computer took forever to respond!

I sure did. I've never been too swift with the abbreviations thing, but I WILL remember what BBW means!

Originally Posted by Milton Man

I'll just add one of my lessons after I learned how to shave: when you feel comfortable with the blade, be extra vigilant...I can't tell you how often people who finally get comfortable with the blade get a 3inch reminder scar on their cheek...just don't ask me how I know...

Mark

Yeah the one inch scar was pretty much my motivation for posting this. I think it was a lack of attention and a poorly maintained blade.

Welcome Richard, and oh, by the way, 60 isn't too old to start (I'm a member of THAT club!).

I would like to add a couple of things:

+1 on what Ursus says!

As a newbie, I would recommend two straight razors if you can afford it. It is inevitable that you will let the razor slip out of your fingers and have the edge bang against the drain riser (Yes, I did that!) or bang the blade on the faucet (experienced shavers have done this as well and is well documented on this forum!). If you put a chip in the edge, you will have to ship it to a honemeister and you will be glad you had that second razor!

Please feel free to ask questions. There is a plethora of fine people here all willing to help!

FWIW my brother, was "there" in 70 and have been back many times in the last three years....... Welcome home!

Originally Posted by Vnam68

I want to start useing a straight razor to shave. I am told this is the best place for advice. I will be 60 on the 1st. I guess it is never to late to start! I have been thinking of doing this for good wial now, but do not know where to start and what to get. I want to start on the right foot and not buy stuff I do not need. I will take all advice you are willing to give a newbie! Thank you all very much!

Richard