Thread: Starting out.

Originally Posted by Alakuu

So…
Razors.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/classifieds/showproduct.php/product/8340/cat/3
or
http://straightrazorpalace.com/classifieds/showproduct.php/product/8182/cat/3

Leaning more towards the first one, it’s not a square blade and tad bit cheaper but the second I’d say is very decent for quality and price.

I'd also lean toward the first, I think the round tip is easier on beginners.

Shaving soaps/creams.
This is where I’ve been stuck on. I’ve read all over that one of the major requirements for a proper and quality shave is the brush and soap/cream. As to what is a good soap / cream I’ve been lost. So any suggestions as to something that would fit well would be appreciated. One thing that I have noticed is price wise there doesn’t seem to be that large of a difference. And if I find the world of SRs to be exactly what I want I can always buy a pricer razor, but soaps will be used, so buying something that will show me what a SR can do seems to be the better investment.

I've found KissMyFace shaving soap to be excellent, and is found in a lot of coops or natural food stores. Great lather, great fragrance, great price.

Brushes, I know that a full badger brush is idea, and other than that I’m not sure if there really is anything else I should be concerned about. I was thinking something from www.whippeddog.com would be cheap and probably just as good as one of the more expensive brushes.

I <3 Whipped dog. I purchased a tweezerman badger hair brush for 15 bucks to start out, and love it.

Preshave oils. They sound ideal. But again just like soaps/creams I haven’t found a easy way of choosing what would be the best decision.

Not really necessary imo.

Strops, I’m thinking something decently cheap, I might end up cutting it up for all I know. And in the end its cheaper to send the Razor in for a professional hone than replace a sliced up $50 Strop.

The filly. That is all.

Razor care, I have some I’d say pure mineral oil that I can use to ensure that the blade takes as little water damage as possible.

Good idea.

To further my views, I’m wondering is there anything I can do that might help improve my stropping ways without actually having a strop and razor? Practice makes perfect, I’ve watched quite a few of the videos posted on SRP and can say I understand the proper way to hold a razor when stropping. But as to the finer points I’ll be trying blindly. I’d highly doubt that there is something even remotely similar to stropping, but asking can’t hurt.

Practice with a butter knife until you no longer flip over the edge.

Anything I’ve missed? Any suggestions for a newb?

Relax and enjoy yourself.