Thread: Time 4 a str8

Tabac is an excellent quality soap for a little more than $10 bucks. Since it sounds like you're looking to be a little budget conscious, I don't know a better value. The cheaper soaps from $2 - $6 just don't compare to Tabac for lather, lubrication, etc., and going much more expensive doesn't buy you that much. I personally have a little better luck with soaps ... I even like the Tabac more than the Castle Forbes creams. Why not try the less expensive Tabac first, and see if you like it ... I'm betting you will.

Secondly, if you're on a budget, getting a used/vintage blade from the classifieds that is shave-ready is a good way to go next ... and Stainless will have a price differential as well. I would suggest looking for a "shave-ready" non-stainless from one of our known members who has a honing track-record, or the razor was honed for the seller by Lynn or someone like that. I bet you can get both the razor and Tabac for around $50 - $75 bucks and you will be well on your way and can move far enough along to for a few months to let your own experience and research guide you further. Other than your own developing skill level, I have found that the lather (soap), the initial shave-readiness of the razor, and stropping are the most important to getting a smooth shave ... so get something that gets you 90% there, while improving your shave technique.

Originally Posted by geruchtemoaker

one of the best beers IMHO

It sure is up there with the best, my favourites are Kasteel Brune, Bush Ambree and t'Smisje Kerst. My fav Christmas beer.

Also, as an alternative, get a blade that is not shave ready, but is clearly in good shape, and have Lynn or one of our posters in the Classified "Services" section make the blade shave ready. Then you will know the blade is shave ready. You should be able to get a blade that needs a hone for $15 - $25 less than a shave-ready razor. I can say that Lynn certainly improved my blades!

Hi Tuxedo,

Thank you for that information. Still not sure whether to get a shave ready razor or get a new one and get it made shave ready.

Well I had my second shave with a shavette tonight and it was a little better although I did nick myself a couple of times more this evening but that was down to me holding the blade too close to my face as I stretched the skin. I tidied things up with my Feather Popular.
Last night's debut straight shave left my face 'tingling', I can't say sore as such but it felt tender and the after shave cream 'stung' a little. Even when I woke up this morning I could still feel the tenderness but it had wore off by midday. Tonight it is different, no tenderness and no stinging with the a/s cream
What I find odd is that the cuts don't seem to bleed as much as when I use a DE. Is this normal? Also, I am totally right sided and have never shaved before using my left hand - that is until last night taking my first tentative steps into the world of straights, I find it relatively easy to hold the razor in my left hand and shave whereas I cannot do this with a DE or the Mach3 and Fusion razors I had previously. Maybe this has something to do with concentration, I don't know.