Thread: New to straight razor shaving

Hello,
I've thought for many years about straight razor shaving, when I was in the military I used to go to a shop that used straight razors. I'm one of those guys that can shave clean in the morning and be rough after noon again. I started researching straight razors, what to get, etc. etc. which is what brought me here.

I can't lie, I was surprised at first when I saw the prices of straight razors and the variety, which definitely threw me off. So, I'm on the hunt for a straight razor now after reading many articles and was wondering if there were any suggestions, someone I know (that I'm not sure has any experience with this) actually suggested this to me - Feather Nape and Body Razor, Black [RZ-FEA-F125300] - $38.00 : West Coast Shaving, Double Edge Blade Sampler Packs. Me, knowing nothing about any of this really, wanted to see if there were any thoughts on here. It looks as though it uses somewhat 'disposable' razors or something of the like.

I am still reading a lot of the beginner info on here so maybe my question will be answered there but I wanted to throw this out there and also say Hello to everyone. It seems there are tons of great resources here so I'm sure I'll find everything I need in time.

Hi and welcome to SRP. I wouldn't recommend that razor for shaving someone's face. Drop down to the link in my sig line and check out the SRP Wiki beginner's guide. That will give you an idea of what is recommended to get started and what to avoid. If you have any questions keep them coming.

Thanks, I was actually reading through that already and see the 'guidelines' for a beginners razor.....I'm searching around trying to find something at a decent price point for me.

In general the classifieds is probably your best bet. Just make sure that the seller specifies "shave ready". The vendor ads seen in the side bars are also known to be responsible sellers. You will also need a strop and most of them offer beginner's kits with a strop and a razor. SRD includes the honing in the price and gives a certificate for a second honing free. If the entry level Dovo is within your price range it is a good buy IMO.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

In general the classifieds is probably your best bet. Just make sure that the seller specifies "shave ready". The vendor ads seen in the side bars are also known to be responsible sellers. You will also need a strop and most of them offer beginner's kits with a strop and a razor. SRD includes the honing in the price and gives a certificate for a second honing free. If the entry level Dovo is within your price range it is a good buy IMO.

Welcome to SRP, fellow Penn State fan! Well, I'm assuming you are anyway, since you live in State College. It might be tough to be anything else living there!

+1 on Jimmy's comments. The SRP classifieds are one of the best resources for beginners. There are plenty of good, inexpensive vintage razors & kit to be found there to get you started. I bought one of my best shavers from the SRP classifieds for $35. If you haven't read about this already, I might suggest that you avoid eBay for your first razor. It's easy to get in trouble there. I disregarded that advice from Lynn and others, and wasted some money on a damaged razor.

Give JoePa a wave for me when you see him!

Happy shaving!

Larry P

Originally Posted by TecShdw

I figured not only, once I get good at this, can I have a better shave I'll save a ton in razor blades. plus I can always feel like I'm doing one better for the environment...ha ha

Ah, yes... I thought that too, until RAD, BAD, SAD, and all the other acquisition disorders took hold of me! Any money I might have saved by no longer purchasing disposables/cartridges has long since been spent on the many razors, brushes, soaps/creams I've bought. There's no end in sight!

I'm jealous that you get to tailgate the games. We've talked about flying back to do the same. SWMBO went to PSU, and grew up in Mechanicsburg, so it's only a matter of time. We also want to play the Blue & White golf course.

Cheers,

Larry

I played 18 holes on Bluecourse a few weeks ago (EARLY spring). It's a nice course, a bit hard for me, I'm definitely no expert golfer!

Back to razors I'm still looking at that Dovo, the price is good to me if I can convince the wife Ha ha

Just explain how much you will save over the life of the razor compared to continuously buying replacement blades.

Or as I do.. buy her jewelry/spa certificate ( what ever her soft spot is ). Always better to ask for forgiveness than for permission sometimes

Originally Posted by TecShdw

I played 18 holes on Bluecourse a few weeks ago (EARLY spring). It's a nice course, a bit hard for me, I'm definitely no expert golfer!

Back to razors I'm still looking at that Dovo, the price is good to me if I can convince the wife Ha ha

From all accounts, the Dovos are nice shavers. You'll probably be very happy with one.

Yeah, she gets the money side of it. I've been putting off buying razors in general for way too long and the dull ones I'm using are starting to become...well...too dull. I already started working the conversation with her a bit yesterday so will continue it tonight after work.

Plus I can tell her how smooth the shave will be once I master it....she always likes a nice clean shave (she hates the beard in the winter and barely deals with my mustache and goat).