Hello new to forum

[Howe]

Hello all,

I've spent the last hour reading through the guides, stickies and whatnot so I want to apologize if this isn't SOP in this forum.

Quick background on me, I'm the only person I know who dry shaves every day. I just shave with a disposable razor after getting out of the shower and my skin never seems to have problems. The reason I'm interested in getting into straight razor shaving is I am a bit of a survivalist and the idea of being self sufficient with my shaving needs and not needing to go to the store appeals to me.

I resisted the temptation to buy anything so if someone would be willing to spend a few minutes with me to get me to help me get on the right track (your mentor program possibly?) it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Keith

[paco]

Welcome; as i have not dry shaved with a straight i have no info, however i am sure someone will show up shortly. in the meantime i suggest you read the beginners section of the WIKI HERE. Ask if you do not understand something or cannot find.

[Desdinova]

Welcome to SRP!

[jhenry]

Keith,

Welcome to SRP. Happy to have you aboard chief.

There are many more SRP members than I who will be able to offer assistance in your quest to beome a self-sufficent straight razor shaver. They will be able to steer you in the right direction.

Personally, I usually break down and buy a razor, brush, mug, and puck of soap from a vendor. Even Thoreau had to go into town on occasion to survive at Walden pond.

[Howe]

I'm sorry I should have been more specific on what I am looking for. I'm not looking to dry shave with a straight razor I was just trying to give a little background on my current shaving habits.

I've read the wiki stuff but I still have to make a decision on exactly what to buy and I would like to speak with someone with some experience before purchasing my razor and supplies. There is a lot of good general information in the wiki stuff but I'm still not comfortable making a purchase yet.

[RobertH]

Hey Howe, welcome to SRP.

You (and all the rest of us new guys) will have a hard time getting someone on this forum to tell you exactly which razor/strop/brush/etc... to buy due to various reasons. The question was answered by one of the moderators here as to why that is, I'm sorry I can't find the link to that thread just now, but basically the theory comes down to there being just too much variety and once the basic things like buying good quality steel (the brands you see on the list of good razor brands in the wiki) it's mostly just personal taste from there. So they don't want to get pegged as favouring one vendor or brand over another, probably because it's too hard to 100% justify.

This is the shopping list for beginners:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...beginners.html

So that tells you what to buy. From that go to the various vendors advertised on this site (Straight Razor Designs, classic shaving, rup razor, etc..) and find the company / products you feel suit you best. That's what I did in your shoes and it worked out fine. If you buy a good razor and feel you don't like the aesthetics, or later learn more about it and want to get something else don't worry, sell your blade on the classifieds here for the next new guy to buy.

[ziggy925]

I don't recommend shaving dry with a straight razor, I've tried it, so I would definitely get some soap and a brush. I got an Omega brush on Amazon that's great, and I've heard people here say the cup soap from Wal-Mart works fine. Also, many of us here started with a Rup Razor Filly strop. Regardless of what you can afford, your first strop should probably be disposible, and if you are careful the Filly is a great strop and inexpensive. For razors I recommend either getting a shave ready razor from the classifieds here, or maybe a Dovo from Straight Razor Designs. A good deal is the beginner razor/strop combo from Rup Razor. Either way, welcome to the group.

BTW, I can dry shave with a DE razor without too much damage, but I can't do it with a straight. Either way softening your beard makes a big difference.

[Ryan82]

Welcome, Keith!

If you're used to dry shaving you shouldn't have to worry about those nasty skin irritation issues that a lot of newbs complain about

Seriously though, there's all the info you need here, so ask away!

[zib]

Welcome Keith....You can pm me personally with any questions and I'll be glad to help you...

Rich

[Howe]

I went to ruprazor.com and looked at their beginners combo and it's the Gold Dollar stuff and I read in your forum that GD isn't good. So here's what I'm thinking now and let me know if I'm on the right track...

Picking up something like a Dovo Bismark 6/8 blade and a cheaper strop. The idea being I have a decent quality blade and when I nick up my strop it won't be a big deal and eventually I just get a higher end strop when I get better. I don't know why I picked the Bismark other than it met the criteria of 6/8 blade, hollow and good brand.