Thread: Parker SRB, does this even count?

So, yes I'm new to the whole STR8 scene, and figured a Parker SRB with replaceable blades would be a economical way to venture into unfamiliar waters. Following the instructions on SRP, I started with the side-burn & cheeks and progressed as I felt comfortable... Well this morning I realized that I completed a two pass shave with the Parker and never picked up my DE to finish the job. I kinda stood there for a minute looking at the DE and then back at the Parker. I found it hard to believe that I completed a whole shave with a quasi STR8.

My question is, am I ready for an "actual" straight razor now? Will the few skills I've picked up make it easier to shave with a true straight razor?

As always, thanks in advance for the advice.

Bruce

Maybe not....

I have no experience with a shavette, but you're ready in my opinion. I (with generous encouragement) jumped straight from the Fusion to a straight razor, and haven't looked back. The only thing you can do to prepare yourself for straight razor shaving is to do it. No other experience matches it exactly, and I've actually heard that shavettes tend to be a little more aggressive with their shaves (although I've never used one so take that with a grain of salt). I hope that you get started up and enjoy it as much as I have.

Thanks! That's at least encouraging to hear.

Bruce

I'd say "Why Not?" If you have the funds and the patience. It sounds like your off to a good start. You'd need a good razor and a strop. You probably have soap/cream, brush and a mug? There is a bit of learning curve. I've never shaved with a Shavette, but I imagine if you have the angle down, it shouldn't be too hard....

Originally Posted by zib

I'd say "Why Not?" If you have the funds and the patience. It sounds like your off to a good start. You'd need a good razor and a strop. You probably have soap/cream, brush and a mug? There is a bit of learning curve. I've never shaved with a Shavette, but I imagine if you have the angle down, it shouldn't be too hard....

You're right, I do have QED Soap, a badger brush and Mug. My prep is pretty sound as well as lathering. I guess I just need to start shopping for the razor and strop. Straight Razor Designs seems to have a great selection, so I'll probably start looking there.

Thanks for the encouragement!
Bruce

Your welcome, and SRD is a good choice...Don will take care of you....

IMO, the tool is there to accomplish the task. I may approach a job a few times with the wrong or possibly a cheap tool. I may feel satisfied that it is done, but it may have been needlessly frustrating, and probably with sloppy results.

After repeating the same job a few times, I am no longer satisfied with the job "just being done". Typically focusing on the frustration of using poor equipment, how clumsy the process was, taking longer than it should, maybe cutting up some knuckles and such.

If I know I'll be doing that job often, I think I should take that task with the reverence of a professional. I don't want a clumsy tool to distract me; I want my skill (or lack of) to be the only thing to hold me up.

If the inexpensive tool accomplishes professional results, fine. A quality tool takes out the guess of tool inadequacies, and is a pleasure to hold and work with, extra bonus.

Originally Posted by Bruche

My question is, am I ready for an "actual" straight razor now? Will the few skills I've picked up make it easier to shave with a true straight razor?
Bruce

Judging by your progression, the fact that you are getting information, I would say " heck yeah, get a "proper str8" ". In the end, there will still come a time when you need to break the ice. I read this forum for a month before putting blade to cheek. That first time was a real eye opener. You have an advantage of having been using a disposable str8.

Dive in and good luck ( oh, welcome to the forum ).

Ken

Hello, Bruce:

Of course, you are ready for a real straight razor — if you really want to be.

Please note that the real straight razor will shave differently from one with replaceable blades. At first you might think your new razor is not sharp enough. It is — but it is different.

The first thing to do is to read up on all the information available here at SRP for new shavers. The material includes what to buy, and so on. Then order your pre-sharpened razor and strop from one of he vendors noted here at SRP.

When you receive your razor, begin the journey. It will take you time to hone your skill, thus the journey, but you will arrive at a point when you will realize all the confidence in the world.

Please keep us informed on your progress. If you have questions, please post them.

Regards,
Obie