What is the bare minumum I need?

I've been browsing this site for several weeks, and I have read through the beginners guide and the wiki and just about everything I can find, now its time to take the plunge.

So what is the bare minimum to get started with a straight razor. I've got a reasonably thin beard, and I've got a goatee, so I don't shave my chin.

Obviously I will need:

a razor (I am leaning towards the DOVO Best Quality, but open to suggestions) and

a strop (i have no idea what strop to get, and I could really use some advice on that).


I am on a pretty tight budget (stretching it just to get a decent razor and strop) so can I get away with using the shaving cream canister I use with my disposable right now or would that be missing the whole point?

If you've got any advice on a good, cheap (but more importantly quality) razor and strop I'd love to hear it.

If you think I should not bother wasting my time until I can buy a good badger brush, shaving soaps, and after shaves I'd like to hear that too.

If you started shaving on a budget, and now can't believe that you lived without something (or wonder why you wasted your money on something else), I'd love to hear that as well.

Thanks for helping me jump into the world of proper shaving.

I started on a pretty extreme budget. I got a razor from holli4pirating since it was inexpensive and actually shave ready plus he helped me a lot. I also know gssixgun has a few beginner razors right now as well as those in the classifieds. I got a strop from ruprazor it was the filly and yes I still use it. I recommend cheaper here since you are likely to nick it and the filly fits the bill, yet is quality enough to not need replacement right away. I don't recommend the can stuff since it isn't good for your skin and as a newbie you will be abrading your skin enough. I made my own soap, but the VDH brush and soap from the grocery sroe were my first purchases and they were inexpensive. You don't need a badger brush right off the bat, the boars work great and many prefer the higher-end boar over badger. I have also heard many good things about the brushes from target and bath & body works. I don't know first hand since my target doesn't carry them and we don't have a B&BW. If you hit B&BW they carry C.O. Bigelow cream which is just a rebadged Proraso. I have not tried it personally, but many rave about this cream. I will also say that I made my aftershave, but you would be fine with a bottle if cornhuskers for this.

-G

Welcome! I would say that if I could do it all over again, I would definitely purchase a shave ready razor on the classifieds here and if available, a used strop as well. I just checked on the classifieds and there seems to be both those things available to you right now.

As far as using the canned goop, you simply cannot. It would defeat the purpose and would not give you the proper beard prep that you need to be successful with a straight. You can march down to CVS, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Etc. and purchase a brush and shave soap (VDH or Williams) at a very, very low price and it will preform almost as good as some of the higher priced alternatives.

So, a cheap shave ready razor and a strop from the classifieds as well as a brush/soap combo from the local pharmacy and you have what you need for under $100.

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Originally Posted by funklab

Obviously I will need:

a razor (I am leaning towards the DOVO Best Quality, but open to suggestions) and

a strop (i have no idea what strop to get, and I could really use some advice on that).

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You will also need water and/or lather

Other than that, you will probably want a contingency plan for periodic resharpening

Funklab,

Welcome to SRP! I'd concentrate on the razor and strop for most of your budget. Definitely ditch the garbage in the spray can. You can get shaving soaps for relatively cheap - there are some available at WalMart and drug stores, but if there is a Crabtree & Evelyn shop in your home town, you can purchase a puck for $8 that will last for 4-6 months. You'll need to find a small bowl of some sort to put it in. Check Target - I found a bowl for $5-8. (Alternately you could just buy the Crabtree & Evelyn puck already in a wooden bowl for $17.

For years I used an inexpensive synthetic brush from Sally's Beauty Supply for about $10. Obviously it's not as nice as a badger, but it will get the job done.

Where to turn for the razor and strop depends upon how tight your budget is. Straight Razor Designs (SRD) has some nice razors & strops as a "package" deal for about $150 and the razor will be shave ready. If that's more than you can spend, check out the classifieds for deals from other members who are selling some of their razors. Steer away from eBay & antique stores at this point - I didn't and wasted about $35 on a worthless old razor that can't be restored.

Good luck! You're in for the time of your life. Once you go str8 you'll never go back - I know I won't.

well, if you're leaning towards the dovo best quality, get the strightrazordesigns kit with a strop.
the fabric component seems important to prolong the lifetime of the edge beyond two weeks. plus when you consider that if you really cut your strop beyond repair, swapping in a replacement leather is inexpensive, it seems well worth the somewhat higher cost compared to the throwaway strip of leather option.

I went with a SRD razor and strop set when I started out too. The Dovo Best Quality 6/8 and SRD 2" strop to be exact. I liked the idea of using a razor that was "shave ready" so at least I could not blame the equipment for less than an ideal shave.:)

It is a matter of personal preference though. I use a 5/8 and a 6/8 size razor now, both shave pretty well.

Okay, so the consensus seems to be that I also need a brush and some soap. While I was at the grocery store today, I noticed that they have a Tweezerman badger brush for $15. I don't know what the quality is, but that seems like a pretty reasonably price.

Does walmart really have shaving soaps?
Any suggestions for one, because I really don't know what to look for?

I think I am leaning towards the SRD Razor and Strop set, but I'm thinking about getting the kit that also comes with a mug, soap, and a brush... getting kinda out of my price range there, though.

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Originally Posted by gugi

well, if you're leaning towards the dovo best quality, get the strightrazordesigns kit with a strop.
the fabric component seems important to prolong the lifetime of the edge beyond two weeks. plus when you consider that if you really cut your strop beyond repair, swapping in a replacement leather is inexpensive, it seems well worth the somewhat higher cost compared to the throwaway strip of leather option.

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Out of curiosity, where do you get a replacement leather for your strop?

But also just dive in, if you keep thinking too much about it your list of what to buy will get too big and put you off, I started out with really dodgey gear and eventually got (getting) there, I suggest a half decent razor and make do with everything else, you'll eventually will be able to afford higher quality stuff and when you get it you'll wonder how you got by with out it, but you won't know the difference till you get there, so start small, at least it's a start.

Here is a link to a VERY inexpensive badger brush that has gotten some pretty decent reviews. It costs just as cheap as a boar brush, so you make the call:

Shea Moisture / Face and Shave

Spend the bulk of the money (if you have too) on a decent shave ready razor, Strops can be had cheaply (The filly has already been mentioned), a shave brush can also be had for a few dollars. I've recently picked up a cheap one from a grocer (for the travel kit), but I've yet to try it.
As for shave soaps I use one of two brands, Mennen is one that I think would be well known. It comes in a tube, looks like toothpaste but doesn't taste as nice. It too is cheap.


Mick

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Originally Posted by funklab

Okay, so the consensus seems to be that I also need a brush and some soap. While I was at the grocery store today, I noticed that they have a Tweezerman badger brush for $15. I don't know what the quality is, but that seems like a pretty reasonably price.

Does walmart really have shaving soaps?
Any suggestions for one, because I really don't know what to look for?

I think I am leaning towards the SRD Razor and Strop set, but I'm thinking about getting the kit that also comes with a mug, soap, and a brush... getting kinda out of my price range there, though.

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The tweezerman should do just fine!

Also if you have a bath and body works in your local mall, they have a re-packaged Proraso shave cream that is great!

http://straightrazorpalace.com/soaps...am-budget.html

I just picked up three 5 oz tubes! Buy two and get one free!!:beer2:

In terms of a razor and strop arrangement, I suggest that you also consider whippeddog.com. This may be cheaper than you intended. If so, perhaps this can serve as a resource for other cash strapped wannabe straight razor shavers in a tough economy. I started out by purchasing a razor and "Poor Man's Strop" from this site. This is a good place to get started on the cheap before RAD sets in.

Be advised: The pictures of razors on this site look, well, ugly because he photographs them before he restores and hones them prior to delivery.

When I ordered, I received a clean and sharp straight razor along with a simple strop kit and some valuable shaving instructions. That was my bare minimum as I already had a brush and soap (VDH kit ... cheap but did the job). Whatever you choose, you're going to love it once you get hooked. Enjoy!

I'd actually be quite interested in getting a decent vintage razor as several people have suggested, but I tend to shy away from that at this point. I really have no idea what makes a quality razor, and no way to tell what old brands were good quality. I might well end up with an old razor that cost nearly as much as a decent new one, and have a poor quality blade.

It has already been made clear here that you need a razor and strop to start. SRD or classifieds is great.

For the rest, I would have gone in this direction if I could do it over.

Amazon.com: Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set (Soap, Bowl, Brush): Health & Personal Care

Thanks for all the advice guys.

I got a Tweezerman badger brush for $15 from a local grocery store. I bought some generic shaving soap and old spice after shave from walmart, and have been practicing with that kit while shaving with my disposable.

I really don't like the soap, it seems like it does not lather that well, although most of that is probably my fault. I am trying to make the lather in a curved coffee mug which probably isn't the best shape for it. Any advice on making a thicker lather?

Today I just got a Boker King Cutter and strop from SRD, it is the monthly special, so I broke down and shelled out $107.99 for it. At least I know its properly sharp, and I got free shipping and a certificate for one free honing. Expensive (to me) but I feel like it was a pretty good deal. I also picked up a couple of SRD's sample sizes of soaps to see if I can find something better than the cheap stuff from walmart.

I haven't shaved with it yet, but I am already looking for a decent hone. I think I'd like to try my hand at honing when my razor gets a bit dull, see if I can get it back in shape and shave with it, then send it off to SRD for the free honing to see how much sharper they can get it than I can.

Now I just have to jump in and take the plunge. I am debating on whether or not to go ahead and do my first straight shave this afternoon or wait for tomorrow morning... rereading the wiki and beginners guide for the third time... the blade beckons...

In addition to a low-end combined razor & strop set (ie. Dovo Best Quality & strop) from one of the vendors who advertises heere at SRP, I would recommend going to your local drugstore or Wal-Mart and getting some shaving soap and a cheap, but acceptable shaving brush and soap such as that offered by Van der Hagan.

Don't try honing your razor at this point...If its from SRD, its already shave ready. Its an additional cost that you don't need. The razor's sharpeness should last at least 6-12 months with proper stropping. Later, get another strop and some diamond spray and/or Chromium Oxide paste to renew the sharpness of your blade.

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Originally Posted by jhenry

In addition to a low-end combined razor & strop set (ie. Dovo Best Quality & strop) from one of the vendors who advertises heere at SRP, I would recommend going to your local drugstore or Wal-Mart and getting some shaving soap and a cheap, but acceptable shaving brush and soap such as that offered by Van der Hagan.

Don't try honing your razor at this point...If its from SRD, its already shave ready. Its an additional cost that you don't need. The razor's sharpeness should last at least 6-12 months with proper stropping. Later, get another strop and some diamond spray and/or Chromium Oxide paste to renew the sharpness of your blade.

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As usual, my friend jhenry has offered some great advice. Even a cheap soap and brush is vastly superior to canned goo rubbed in by hand IMHO.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jhenry

In addition to a low-end combined razor & strop set (ie. Dovo Best Quality & strop) from one of the vendors who advertises heere at SRP, I would recommend going to your local drugstore or Wal-Mart and getting some shaving soap and a cheap, but acceptable shaving brush and soap such as that offered by Van der Hagan.

Don't try honing your razor at this point...If its from SRD, its already shave ready. Its an additional cost that you don't need. The razor's sharpeness should last at least 6-12 months with proper stropping. Later, get another strop and some diamond spray and/or Chromium Oxide paste to renew the sharpness of your blade.

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I'm going to do my best at stropping, but I am pretty sure that the technique is something that has to be learned. I was under the impression that I will probably end up screwing up my edge (or at least losing the sharpness sooner) while I am learning, so I might need to have it honed sooner.

I am certainly up for any advice you guys have.

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Originally Posted by funklab

I'm going to do my best at stropping, but I am pretty sure that the technique is something that has to be learned. I was under the impression that I will probably end up screwing up my edge (or at least losing the sharpness sooner) while I am learning, so I might need to have it honed sooner.

I am certainly up for any advice you guys have.

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Stropping, though very important in the SR world, should be nothing to fret about. Read as much as you can, and remember that when starting out a slow steady stroke is preferrable to a fast sloppy one.

Here's a link to Sham's stropping video that you will find very useful in case you haven't seen it already: http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...stropping.html

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Originally Posted by funklab

Thanks for all the advice guys.


I really don't like the soap, it seems like it does not lather that well, although most of that is probably my fault. I am trying to make the lather in a curved coffee mug which probably isn't the best shape for it. Any advice on making a thicker lather?

..

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Lather making is also an art form. It took me a while before I could make a good lather, and I'm still learning!!!

YouTube - How To Build And Apply Traditional Shaving Lather

. just remember to enjoy and have fun and you'll get there! :beer2:

I just felt comfortable getting a shaving set from Vintage Blades. Many of the vendors have simular sets. I just thought it was the best bang for the buck. It came with one of the best tools for anyone taking up str8 for the first time and thats Lynn's DVD.

A lot of videos on this forum are great to learn by. I would also recommend these to anyone interested:

YouTube - mantic59's Channel

Without a doubt you can get totally outfitted on the cheap and be in perfectly good working order. Just like some have already indicated, there are several guys right on SRP who can sell you a shave-ready vintage razor. Without a doubt I would NOT take a str8 to my face with that crap in a can on my face- no how, no way. Coming from a guy who did it real cheap and on a budget, here is the break-down as far as I see it:

Vintage shave-ready razor: $40.00
Poor mans strop kit: $19.00 (Sold by one of the guys on this forum)
Boar's Hair shave brush: $15.00 ( no shame)
Van Der Hagen Deluxe soap: $ 4.00 ( actually makes some nice lather)
You're in business, No apologies for $78.00, which is about the cost for your Dovo alone.