Thread: is this for me?

Hi all! New member here and I'm just seeking some general advice.

I am looking to buy a straight blade mostly for practical reasons and want to see if I am on the right track. I'm not particularly fond of shaving, and tend to view it as somewhat of a chore. I would probably be the type to just grow a beard if I didn't find it so darn irritating, that plus the white beard (my hair is not white yet) makes me look much older.

I've got no real 9 to 5 so I usually shave only once or twice per week and am now using disposables, which are expensive, and often require me using two to get the job done. I hate throwing things away and look to more permanent solutions wherever I can.

I know for a lot of you the process is part of the satisfaction and enjoyment of straight razors, as well as a superior shave. Perhaps I would grow to appreciate that part as well but for now I see it as more of a practical solution to periodically remove that infernal ever growing facial hair.

From what I have learned already it seems it would be a better buy to purchase a vintage blade that has been honed by a reputable source.


So I ask you all- is a straight blade a viable option for a rough cut character such as myself?

Originally Posted by dug

I'm not particularly fond of shaving, and tend to view it as somewhat of a chore.

I know for a lot of you the process is part of the satisfaction and enjoyment of straight razors, as well as a superior shave.

Hello, dug:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place. To both points the answer is a hearty yes.

1. Little by little you will realize how much you do enjoy a wet shave with the straight razor.

2. I love the ritual of wet shaving with the straight razor as well as the shave. I am sure many gentlemen on SRP feel the same. In time you will, too.

I concur with Jeffegg2 on his suggestion for starting with a new "Best Quality" Dovo that is shave ready. With that you need a strop, brush, soap or cream and you're all set. Beyond that take your time honing your skill with the straight razor.

Make sure you float through the Wiki for a massive amount of information. Watch as many shaving videos as you can, including those on shaving, stropping and whipping up lather. Beyond that ask questions.

Regards,
Obie

Thanks!

I was thinking about the mentioned Dovo but then saw some of the "shave ready" vintage razors for sale on the classifieds here and saw some pretty nice looking blades at reasonable prices.

Is this a good option?

Originally Posted by dug

So I ask you all- is a straight blade a viable option for a rough cut character such as myself?

Absolutely! I used to hate shaving with a passion, and it wasn't because of the price of the cartridges. To me it was just a chore that I would try to do as fast as possible. And, being a construction worker, electrician, I didn't have to shave everyday or even every other day, but I still hated it.
Then I found straight razor shaving. Now, I love to shave and look forward to it.
Bob

Originally Posted by dug

Thanks!

I was thinking about the mentioned Dovo but then saw some of the "shave ready" vintage razors for sale on the classifieds here and saw some pretty nice looking blades at reasonable prices.

Is this a good option?

Hello dug,

Yes, either would be a fine option. For a new model razor you can't beat the price of the Dovo Best. But you can also find a vintage for an even better price in the classifieds. If you buy from the classifieds it is a good bet that it will also come shave ready.

In the end the choice is price vs personal preference.

I'd say your on the right track, in fact your story sounds very similar to mine. I also would only shave once or twice a week, usually only when my neck would start to get irritated from the whisker growth. I bought the best quality from SRD for my first razor, but have since added quite a few others. The thing I really like about straights is that you can have anywhere from one days growth to a full zz top beard and you can lather up and dive in, no whiskers getting stuck in the cartridge and when your done your face is as smooth and as comfortable as ever. When I first switched, my whole attitude about shaving changed and I would shave 3 or 4 times a week, however I have to admit that I have slowly reverted to my old habits of once or twice a week, been at it about a year now. The difference is that now I look forward to shaving and enjoy every minute of it, in fact if things come up that make me put off shaving I get irritated only now that irritation has nothing to do with my whiskers. As long as you keep in mind that it takes a bit of time to master the skills needed, and that shaves will get worse before getting better, you will never catch yourself looking back with regrets, except for the regret of not starting to shave with a straight sooner.

Hey there dug,
Shaving was a pain and a time sink when I was doing the mach 3 thing. Straight razor shaving is more of a skill, like developing any skill in sports, chess, etc. I seem to always try to get the best shave possible. I tend to be critical of my skill in honing, shave technique, lather building and so on. It gets to be a fun game for me (type A = competitive). One thing you may find is that if you are straight razor shaving, using more than one pass, you actually may need to shave less. I find that the straight razor shave is so close that I can easily go every other day with out seeing any real difference when compared to every day with the mach 3. Go to the classifieds and get a shave ready razor and see how you like it.
Cheers,
Dave

Hi Dug,

I recommend whippeddog.com for a starter kit. You can get a razor for $20, a strop for $13, and that's all you'll need for awhile. The razor comes shave ready and at those prices, there's little holding you back!

Originally Posted by dug

Thanks!

I was thinking about the mentioned Dovo but then saw some of the "shave ready" vintage razors for sale on the classifieds here and saw some pretty nice looking blades at reasonable prices.

Is this a good option?

Hello, dug:

A shave ready vintage from the SRP Classified is a good option. Make your choice and get started. We have an army of knowledgeable gentlemen here more than willing to help you.

Regards,
Obie

For me, it wasn't really about the cost of the disposable straights. All they seemed to do was bounce along top of the whiskers. The straight really gives me a nice, close shave with little effort. As to cost, . Let's see how many brushes, razors, soaps, creams, etc., will you finally settle on...