n00b joining the forums.

[shiznix]

Hello


Just joined these forums...

I have been looking for alternatives to Gillette's Mach3 stuff.

I consider Gillette Mach3 to be the "Standard" of disposable razor cartridges. Anything cheaper is much worse, anything more expensive really isn't all that better.

Also, those cartridges are expensive as hell (expect to pay the equivalent of 4 dollars per cartridge in Switzerland, if you buy them in 8 packs). And very unecological.

And the shave is awful and the razor's handling is cumbersome. I can shave about once a week without getting serious skin irritation. The more often I shave, the weirder my skin feels.

So, I decided I want to get me a straight razor. I have watched a couple of youtube videos, read some articles and I found a shop in a town near mine that sells straight razors, strops, wetstones, brushes etc. and all that and the guy will also give me some basic lessons.

I like the idea of buying a razor for 150 CHF (about the same as US dollar) that will last for the rest of my life if I treat it nicely. And it also makes me bad-ass, I guess (I don't know anyone who would ever have even contemplated using a straight razor)


Basically, I just wanted to stop by and say Hello ;-)

Cheers.

[PhatMan]

shiznix,

Welcome and hello from Hastings in the UK

The choice of a razor (size, style etc) is a very personal thing, but at the 150 CHF level, I would have a look at a C135 steel 5/8 full hollow Thiers-Issard. These razors take and keep an excellent edge, and are good, solid workman-like razors.

The Dovo Special (aka Tortoise) in either 5/8 or 6/8 is another fine razor to consider.

Others here at SRP will be able to give further advice.

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

[Del1r1um]

Good to have you here. With a bit of practice, I know you won't regret switching to the straight razor. Drop a line if you ever want to chat, or if you need help with something.

Cheers

Dave

[JimmyHAD]

Welcome to SRP. Check out the SRP Wiki beginner's guide here for mucho info on getting started. Once you are ready to shave read my sig below and follow the old barber's advice.

[dward]

Welcome aboard, and to the right way to shave! Do as much reading in the Wiki and forums here as you can. I know it's a lot of information to absorb. I wouldn't discount getting a razor in the classifieds. They are very reasonable priced. Also, they are not throw aways. Our members have reputations to protect. We also have great vendors (see the Vendor's Corner below). All are members here with reputations to protect. They are a great source of information when it comes time to make your purchase. Just make sure that the razor is shave ready. You don't want to be trying to learn how to shave and learn how to hone at the same time. Enjoy the journey!!

Oh, I feel obligated to mention that you won't really be saving any money. You'll figure that one out quickly...

[LouG]

I am new myself, but you won't regret switching from Mach 3. I am still learning, but so far it is going well as I learn. Get a good quality razor and strop you don't mind making mistakes on, because as stated on the Wiki, you will nick/cut the strop at first no matter how hard you try not to. Best of luck to you!

[Morty]

Welcome to SRP!

There is a learning curve to straight razor shaving that is individual to each of us. Be patient as you develop your skills and don't give in to frustration if you feel you are not progressing as fast as others. We all learn at our own pace. Stick with it and shaving will no longer be a daily task to be completed; it will become a very rewarding way of life.
Namaste,
Morty -_-

[shiznix]

thx for you guys' replies.


I have now bought a razor. Things are a little complicated for me when it comes to buying stuff, since I live in switzerland.
There are hardly any guys/shops who sell straight razors in my country and importing stuff from the european union is always a hassle due to this country's extreme protectionist economy politics ;-)

There is one shop though in Switzerland, www.nassrasieren.ch - der Weg zur perfekten Rasur! .I got me a straight razor from there,brand dovo, and the guy told me it was already shave ready. I am pleased with so far. As I am with this community.

Thx very much.

/EDIT: @moderator, please move to member introductions, thx.

[BladeRunner001]

thx for you guys' replies.


I have now bought a razor. Things are a little complicated for me when it comes to buying stuff, since I live in switzerland.
There are hardly any guys/shops who sell straight razors in my country and importing stuff from the european union is always a hassle due to this country's extreme protectionist economy politics ;-)

There is one shop though in Switzerland, www.nassrasieren.ch - der Weg zur perfekten Rasur! .I got me a straight razor from there,brand dovo, and the guy told me it was already shave ready. I am pleased with so far. As I am with this community.

Thx very much.

/EDIT: @moderator, please move to member introductions, thx.

Dear Shiznix
Sorry I was late to this party and in welcoming you. So, allow me to properly do so:

**WELCOME TO SRP**

Congratulations are also in order for your recent acquisition(s). I wouldn't really worry so much about having a brick & mortar shop to buy your stuff from. Most SRP-ers end up doing so from the classified section here on SRP (highly recommended) or online....most sellers in the classified here also ship things worldwide. You are covered my friend, regardless of geographic constraints and what the policies are regarding trade, imports and exports.

Stay away from eBay for awhile until you feel comfortable knowing what you are looking for and what to look out for.

Do you have a decent brush? if not, you should seriously look into this as your next, important acquisition. There are many choices with a wide range of prices...Look into the review sections for info and ideas about this.

Most importantly; str8 shaving has a bit of a learning curve. Do not be discouraged if things don;t go as smoothly for you at the beginning...keep at it, ask questions and persevere. Trust me, the rewards far outweigh the learning curve and possible small nicks and cuts you may end up acquiring through your journey into str8 shaving .

Just a few thoughts.

[shiznix]

Hi

thanks for your reply.


I am not sure what brand of brush I am using. It is a badger hair brush and it was fairly expensive for a piece of wood and fur of an animal that is considered a pest here ;-)

anyway, this is my equipment. you decide if it's good or not.




Uploaded with ImageShack.us


;-)