Chick takes the plunge. Help? Advice?

Howdy, all. New here, finally deciding to de-lurk.

I'm a traveler, and I'm thinking of trying out a straight. Disposables just blow, and they cost me money that I just don't have. Disposable stuff just takes of space, and in my experience, typically doesn't work as well pretty much across the board.

I'm a chick, so I'm thinking I might be looking for a smaller straight, handy for curvy bits like underarms and *cough* below the belt. I'm pretty articulate, and pretty small girl, so I figure something small and light will suit me. And yes, I will practice extensively on the easier parts first.

But, as mentioned, I'm also broke despite working like a kid in a sweat shop. I have a xenophobic government to thank for that.

I'm so broke, in fact, that I can't even remember the last time I got a new blade for my piece of crap Venus razor. I get such a crappy shave out of it even brand new that I can just never justify spending precious food money on more crappy blades. I've been known to borrow men's blades when the circumstances arises. They work marginally better.

From reading around, I reckon I can fashion one of my leather belts into a strop for the time being. I have pretty good luck shaving using thick lubricant, and was wondering if this will work well with a straight as well? I don't see why it wouldn't, but I could be wrong.

And then, there's the razor itself. Like I said, small and light would suit, but what are some good brands for me to look at? Preferably on the cheap. I don't reckon I'll get the money together for a while - Christmas has hit me pretty hard and I'm scrambling. But I guess all good things take time.

Anyway, nice to be here, and thanks in advance.

Hi and welcome. Might be worth posting this in the Ladies corner. There's a thread in there that may well be informative, "Project Coochie Razor", if memory serves. Good luck.

Well, I figured since at the moment I'm just trying to get a general feel for what a decent blade might be for me, I might try the general public. I'm sure where I actually dive in and take the thing to my skin I may wander over to Ladie's Corner.

And I did see Project Coochie Razor! God, what an utterly hilarious thread. I was very comforted to see that people have in fact attempted this without cutting anything off. I'm sure I'll manage it.

Welcome to SRP! A belt should work fine for a strop, just so long as there are no metal bits anywhere poking out to catch the blade--just plain leather. Yeah, the PCR thread is bloody hilarious--might be worth a re-read!:rofl2:

Thanks! Good to be here.

Yeah, I reckon my studded belt may not be the best for this purpose, heh. I'm sure I have a plain leather one kickin' around somewhere. I'm good at making due.

But do you know what sort of blade I'd go for? Obviously I'd rather save a little longer and get decent quality than just wind up with a crap blade. I did take a look at the brand-to-avoid thingie.

From surfing around here, I'm thinking probably 5/8 or 6/8 and 2 to 2 1/2 long? I looked at the Feather ones, but having to replace the blade just kinda... I dunno. Defeats the point of why I'd be trying out a straight.

And is lube ok to shave with? Works fine with my disposables, and I imagine it wouldn't do anything but good things for the blade, but maybe I'm wrong.

Welcome.

To answer your question about using lubricant, I assume you mean of the "personal" kind. Yes you can use that - some prefer it on their legs over using soap/cream.

Just be 1000% sure not to get even the tiniest bit on the hand that is wielding the razor, or it will be like trying to hold a fish, and great experiences will NOT be had by all.:cry:

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Originally Posted by MistressNomad

And is lube ok to shave with? Works fine with my disposables, and I imagine it wouldn't do anything but good things for the blade, but maybe I'm wrong.

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I can't think of any reason why lube wouldn't work in a pinch as a shaving cream. But I can't imagine many guys who would be comfortable admitting to smearing lube on their faces.

Some other things you can use in place of shaving cream are shampoo and even plain old soap.

Of course shaving soap, or cream, is way better. And once you buy some it lasts for ever and a day. One tub of my favorite shaving cream has lasted me almost a year.

I Just want to point out that for maneuvering in those smaller regions, you might want to look at 4/8 and 5/8 rather than 6/8. Anything too big will make getting into corners tricky. Another tricky part is that you are looking for a shortened blade, but since I have seen quite a few around in the few months I have been at this, it shouldn't be too difficult to find one or someone to modify a normal blade.

When it doubt, try cruising ebay. As long as beauty isn't an issue, there are tons of great blades to be found on the cheap. Pretty much anything vintage from the three S's should be fine (Solingen, Sheffield, Sweden).

A few misconceptions to clear up. First, don't go down the road about "saving" money by buying a straight razor in lieu of disposable razors. If you go through the threads you will find them replete with "AD's" (i.e., RAD, HAD, SAD, BAD, etc., etc., etc...). The next would be "saving" space when traveling. My twin Merkur takes up a lot less space than all of my straight paraphenalia. Yeah, the twin doesn't give me the same shave as my straight, but I don't want to haul all of my stuff with me when traveling. You might want to ask around in the Ladies Corner forum to get some great ideas from them... :gl:

BTW, welcome to SRP!!

Figured I'd throw my hat into the arena... Go with a DE? They aren't as close as a Straight, but, at least for me, they far outlast a Disposable... not to mention 15$ gets you 5 disposable cartriges, but 9.99 can get you 20 DE blades (IIRC?)

And the shave is better from a DE... It's 25% Disposable, 75% straight (that's how I look at it )

good luck!
Jeremy

Welcome to the forum MistressNomad, You are probably going to want to find a 4/8 or 5/8 2 inch long blade with a round point to get you started, I shave my legs with a straight but I do still use a DE for my underarms. I would keep my eyes open on the classifieds here for a shorter blade razor or there are several guys here that are able to modify one for you. I would be leary about ebay if you are not sure what a good blade is. You can get stuck with junkers real easily.

As to lubricants, yes, they will work and you have the added convenience of not needing a brush, but I would encourage you to eventually get a brush and a nice soap or cream, It does add to the pampering experience.

A belt will work as a strop, but it is recommended that there be no stiching along the sides, Needs to be totally smooth, Jean legs have been known to work well as has old seat belts.

Let us know if you have any other questions and we will see what we can do to assist you.

Good luck on your journey

Hey, $20 is less than most spend on an actual belt.

I have one of these from my beginner days and it worked out fine.

RupRazor - The Filly

I also second the DE option. I know it isn't a straight, but you can get a good vintage razor for around $10 and 100 blades from most manufacturers for at/under $20. I used a DE or a little over a year before switching to straights.

Wee! Lots of responses! Cool!

The main reason that I A) use lube and B) hate disposables is that I get razor burn and bumpies and ingrown hairs like whoa. A lot of it is that disposables just won't hold an edge, and a lot of it is that my skin doesn't really like chemical-y stuff (which most shaving creams seem to be), and soap doesn't lather enough to protect my skin from the crappy blades.

So, is the shaving soap/brush method nicer on irritable skin like mine? I'd be totally up for switching. Lube just seems to work best of the options I've tried.

Maybe I can have a hunt for a DE a bit... I'm "stabilizing" a bit, so to speak. As in, I only anticipate one more major move before I stick somewhere for a while. So I can finally start thinking about replacing my "make do" crap with nicer things.

The only reason I didn't look into a DE right away is mostly because I don't like the shape. It's the same reason I didn't like single blade disposable razors.

The single blade is nicer to my skin, but I don't like the T-shape angle that I can't alter. That's why I went to pivot-headed razors, even though I hate multiple blades (I'd rather have one good one than 4 crap ones!). I just feel much more in control.

Does a DE have that same sort of restrictivness to it?

The DE is much less restrictive. Lots of companies make unscented shaving soap and cream just for people with sensitive skin, and shaving soap lathers up much much differently than regular soap.

I would say if cost is a major issue, pick up a DE for now and save up a little money if at all possible to make the jump to a straight. I had great results when I used one and it will be much more forgiving while you try to master crafting lather.

Drew

Since you travel, keep one thing in mind, tho ... If you take up straight razor or Double Edge shaving, your days of carry-on luggage are over. Straight razors and DE blades need to go in your checked luggage. There is a workaround strategy with DE blades. You can mail ahead some blades to be held for your arrival.

Hell, these days, your days of carry-on are over if you own a leatherman or a nail file. Obviously a lot of the stuff that comes in handy for being self-sufficient is sharp, and it's such a nightmare to get through on a carry on these days that I simply no longer can. I hate checking luggage and risking losing it, but they don't really give you a choice if you own anything sharper than a spoon.

True story. I have just give up all together, though I absolutely hate paying the extra $15 or $20 to check my bag. You don't really have a choice anymore though.

Don't worry about double-edge razors in your carry-on. I travel with one all the time.

If you are looking to go the DE route, I'd recommend a Merkur because the head comes apart from the stem, thereby making it look nothing like a DE razor to the x-ray observing TSA personnel. As for blades, I frequently carry-on a 5-blade box of personnas in my toiletry kit.

Of course, I could be lucky, but if worse comes to worst, I'm only out like $1.25 in blades.

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Originally Posted by ShavedZombie

Figured I'd throw my hat into the arena... Go with a DE? They aren't as close as a Straight, but, at least for me, they far outlast a Disposable... not to mention 15$ gets you 5 disposable cartriges, but 9.99 can get you 20 DE blades (IIRC?)

And the shave is better from a DE... It's 25% Disposable, 75% straight (that's how I look at it )

good luck!
Jeremy

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+1

Do look on the ladies corner there have been some good threads and people there. Also for shave soap or cream you can try most of the mens soaps
and creams try lathering with a wash cloth. It works and covers more
skin than a small brush. One great and inexpensive option is to use hair conditioner as a shave soap.

My other half likes the expensive Venus but I think that the inexpensive BiC would do as well for much less money. These single edge versions of the toss away have a bit more room inside so they do not clog with whiskers/hair as quickly and are easier to swish clean and clear of bits.

Most shaving is about skin and hair preparation so as you shop for
a short ladies blade explore that part.

I think it depends where, and how, you travel. If you're going international, not a chance. They dig through your carry-on as a matter of routine. Some countries are pickier too, even within the borders. But New Zealand, for example, will pretty much let you get away with anything if you're traveling within New Zealand.

Honestly, if it weren't for the inflexible head, I'd prefer the single blade Bics to my Venus. I get a better shave and yeah, it does clog less. I don't think the multiple blades really help much.

I shall have a look around and see what I can find. I actually didn't even realize people still made straights until I came to NZ. It seems to be more common to use a DE or a straight here. There's a lot of old-school stuff still lingering around these parts...

Welcome traveling Mistress.
Warning, this place is loaded with addicts and it's probly contagious. Real OCD.

:D

Having things to obsess over, especially things which are, in a way, pampering to ones self is essential to sanity, especially when you move a lot. I welcome the possibility of addiction, ha ha,

Thanks. Good to be here. :)

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Originally Posted by DPflaumer

I Just want to point out that for maneuvering in those smaller regions, you might want to look at 4/8 and 5/8 rather than 6/8. Anything too big will make getting into corners tricky. Another tricky part is that you are looking for a shortened blade, but since I have seen quite a few around in the few months I have been at this, it shouldn't be too difficult to find one or someone to modify a normal blade.

When it doubt, try cruising ebay. As long as beauty isn't an issue, there are tons of great blades to be found on the cheap. Pretty much anything vintage from the three S's should be fine (Solingen, Sheffield, Sweden).

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Welcome,

I have a suggestion for the small razor you seek; a Geo. Korn razor, specifically, 'The Real', made in Little Valley, NY. It is about 9/16 and a cutting surface a little light of 2-3/8". I stropped them on my good belts for years before getting a proper strop. They will take an incredible edge and hold it. Also, they do come up on the bay fairly regularly. Since you are new to the game I would suggest buying one that looks like new. This should cost around $35- $40.
As far as putting a perfect edge on it, there are plenty of people on this site who could accommidate you.

Best of luck shaving into th New Year!

quicknicker

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MistressNomad

Having things to obsess over, especially things which are, in a way, pampering to ones self is essential to sanity, especially when you move a lot. I welcome the possibility of addiction, ha ha,

Thanks. Good to be here. :)

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Can not emphasize enough to you to take your time and do not hurry. :)

Rest assured, since you mentioned shaving south of the anatomical equator, this thread will probably end up with hundreds of replies offering you tons of advice and awaiting news of your progress with the self-control of a pack of puppies.

I, of course, am above such coarse behavior. Unless you post pictures. Or any detailed descriptions. Or even the tiniest inferences that, that, that....oh crap, I've lost it again.......ControlFreak -- bail me out

*grins* Oh trust me, I'm not the sensitive type. I hang out mostly with guys. I find more of them in my lifestyle than girls. Being young, female, and not deformed, I am used to all manner of PG-13 comments and jokes. Not only do the boys make a great body guard team, but they're interesting company, and if I get annoyed, a tap on the snout will get them back in line quick enough.

As you were, gentlemen.

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Originally Posted by stimpy52

Rest assured, since you mentioned shaving south of the anatomical equator, this thread will probably end up with hundreds of replies offering you tons of advice and awaiting news of your progress with the self-control of a pack of puppies.

I, of course, am above such coarse behavior. Unless you post pictures. Or any detailed descriptions. Or even the tiniest inferences that, that, that....oh crap, I've lost it again.......ControlFreak -- bail me out

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:eek:

:roflmao

:cool: Crazy man, crazy.
Sorry bruthuh, you on yo own.
I'z gots my'z own problemz.

:roflmao

New Zealand is actually in the future, right? If it's tomorrow there am I actually still alive? You could check the obituaries for me and tell me if have have to bother getting up and going to work in the morning.

Eee!

LilithParker was ever so kind as to offer me a Wapi razor that needs a loving home and some chocolate mousse shaving soap. Jesus christ do I ever love chocolate. And I'm sure I'll like smelling like it just as much, YAY!

So, got that, and a leather belt to strop on, and away I'll be! What a very merry Christmas!

Thanks to everyone for your advice, and thanks TONS to Lilith. :)

One more question (for now). I'm a little confused on the purpose of strop paste. Is this something that can be used instead of honing, when your blade just need a bit of a touch up? If so, what kind? I'm assuming I'd want to use it about as often as I'd get it honed, but at a certain point I'd need to *actually* get it honed. How many times will strop paste do before it needs to be honed?

I've just heard conflicting information about what it actually does and if it's worth getting.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MistressNomad

Eee!

LilithParker was ever so kind as to offer me a Wapi razor that needs a loving home and some chocolate mousse shaving soap. Jesus christ do I ever love chocolate. And I'm sure I'll like smelling like it just as much, YAY!

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Lilith is a great gal and will be able to help out with any questions you have, What a cool gift!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MistressNomad

One more question (for now). I'm a little confused on the purpose of strop paste. Is this something that can be used instead of honing, when your blade just need a bit of a touch up? If so, what kind? I'm assuming I'd want to use it about as often as I'd get it honed, but at a certain point I'd need to *actually* get it honed. How many times will strop paste do before it needs to be honed?

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Paste or a barber hone can help "refresh" an edge that is losing it's sharpness. Personally I do not use them, but I know a few people that so and they do work, You need some type of fabric strop to put this on. An old jeans pant leg would work, just make sure the seams are cut out.

Have a great Christmas and feel free to pm any of the girls if you have questions

Carrie

Welcome to the fun!

I hope you love the chocolate mousse shaving soap. BUT, if it dries out your skin or if you have trouble with the lather, try using olive oil. It's cheap, it has no chemical additives, and it allows for extra visibility versus soap lather that can really help you out when you are first learning proper technique.

Good luck. Give that corner of the world my regards, and keep an eye out for aurora australisis!

Yes, I was actually thinking of using olive oil as my sort of after-shave moisture trick. I suppose I could just as easily use it for shaving if I was careful.

I was taught quite young that we Mediterranean folks can use olive oil instead of lotion without clogging our pours. :)

CarrieM - Thanks! There seem to be lots of different types, some sort "lubricating" a strop (and the common opinion is that it's totally unnecessary) and some for fine-tuning an edge. I may get some of that, just to see if I can longer between hones.

Eventually, anyway. For now I'll just focus on getting my stropping right.

For what it is worth, I just had some Chromium Oxide powder and sprinkled it all over the back of my first strop and kind of rubbed it in with a Q-tip. Worked just fine and I could definitely tell the difference in the edge when I was done.

Oh, and it is dirt cheap if you can find somewhere to only buy as much as you need.