Thread: Hello

Hi, I am newbie2223 and I am interested in getting a straight razor, and I have watch a whole lot of videos about shaving with a straight razor and shave soap. I am curious on what are your opinions before I make this investment.

I would like a honest opinion.

Hello newbie2223...

Check out the following link. Its chock full of information about what you need to enter the world of str8 razor shaving.

Shopping list for beginners - Straight Razor Place Wiki

IMHO I really like str8 razor shaving. Although its a bit of a challenge, I enjoy it for just that reason.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to get involved in str8 razor shaving. Check out the basic or introductory razor & strop sets offered by the various vendors who advertise here at SRP. Or you can go whole hog and purchase an entire set w/ razor, strop, mug, brush, and soap. Whichever route you go, I would recommend opting for a 3" wide strop. Its easier to use for stropping your razor. And make certain that the razor you purchase has been professionally honed.

Stay away from Ebay. If you want to purchase a vintage or antique razor for starters, do so from the SRP "Classifieds."

You can purchase a decent starter brush and shaving soap at your local drugstore or discount store, such as Wal-Mart. A coffee cup or mug from your cupboard can serve as your first shaving mug.

Take care--and smooth shaving.

Welcome to SRP,
This is an easy one. You should do it! Many choices to be made. you could go with a used rozor from classified and modest accesories for about $100. Or go hog wild. Its up to you. Wiki has good info to help you decide. Cool hobby, I don't regret it at all

You type much faster than I do jhenry!

Hello, Newbie2223:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

Many vendors advertising here offer starter kits for new shavers. Perhaps you might want to consider that option. Or call the vendors directly and ask them to help you put a package together. Of course, the Classifieds here are an excellent choice.

And please, for now, stay off E-Bay.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by woodchuck

You type much faster than I do jhenry!

woodchuck,

Thanks for the compliment.

I still use the Bible method of typing--seek and ye shall find.

I guess practice makes perfect...

I purchased a black Dovo Best Quality 6/8 from straight razor designs and a filly strop. The razor comes with a free honing so if/when you dull the blade in the learning process, you can get it honed for free.

Overall, I am very pleased with my choice, but i am kicking myself that i didn't spend the extra bucks for the tortoise shell scales which i really liked. For my razor and strop, it cost me right around $105.

As far as soap goes, they are all pretty good. I would just choose one that sounds interesting and go for it. They last for a long time so don't let the price deter you.

I just use a regular cappuccino mug for my shaving bowl. I am not sure if you need to get too hung up about it.

I just started shaving with a straight razor a few months ago, but i wish i would have started years ago. If you don't like it, you can probably sell your gear and recoup some of the cost. On the other hand, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Do it. Come on. You know you want to.

Hello, thecornerbooth:

You have a good package of shaving equipment for starters, including the latte cup for making lather. The tortoise shell can come later — yes, that is a sweet and simple razor.

If the razor came from SRD, in all likelihood it was honed by Lynn Abrams, my shave guru. Lynn hones all my razors.

When in life you start shaving with a straight razor is of little importance. What matters is to start somewhere. Now that you have, it is the perfect time. There is plenty of time to hone your skill and add more razors, soaps, creams and aftershaves to your collection.

For now, concentrate becoming comfortable with the straight razor and on honing your skills. Plenty of good stuff lies ahead.

Regards,
Obie

Obie's post is spot on. Its not when you begin the journey that's important--its the journey itself. Thank your lucky stars that you decided to begin when you did; and don't look back. A bunch of SRP members with str8 razors may be right on your heels.

Take care chief--and may all of your future str8 razor shaves only get better with time.