Thread: So I'm ready to take the plunge!

I've lurked about for about 6 months or so and I'm ready to start SR shaving! I was looking at one of the kits from SRD or Vintage Blades. Is this the best way to go? I just like how you get everything in one shot. After reading a lot of material it looks like a carbon 6/8" is what I'm looking at. Are there any upgrades on the kits that are a must... 3" strop, better brush, soap type ect? I'm really excited and looking forward to endeavoring on a new journey.

Jeff C

I started with a starter kit from vintageblades and I was satisfied. I think good "equipment" is important in getting started and you can't go wrong with a razor/strop combo from VB or SRD. I started with a Dovo Best and as new razors go, this is a quality blade at an affordable price.

You could also go the cheaper, but not less effective route of the classifieds here. YOu could get a shave ready razor here for half the price of a new Dovo. You could shop around and get a decent strop at a good price as well.

I recommend the classifieds or one of the vendors who advertises here. I think the razor and strop are the important factors for someone getting started.

As far as a brush and soap, I think these are not as important for a beginner and will become more important/fun later on in the process. I suggest walgreens for a brush and soap. You will be able to find a VDH brush and soap or williams and this will serve you well for some time, before you develop acquisition disorder and start purchasing soaps and brushes every week.

Welcome to SR shaving! If you check on the stickys in the Beginner section, you will find one that reads "Beginners shopping list" or something like that. The information in there is invaluable. Good luck!

My current tools are

Dovo "Best Quality - Half Hollow" 6/8
Vulfix No. 1000A Pure Badger brush in faux Ivory
Courtesy of Vintage Blades

Filly Strop from RupRazor
I went this route as many have stated they destroyed their first strop during the learning process, not a reason against the Kit but might be worth it on top of it.

C.O. Bigelow Cream and balm
Van der Hagen brush and soap
From around town

If I had it to do over I would have spent the extra $ on a Best Badger with a little denser knot.

Something I think is missing from the beginners shopping list is after care product. Since we are new we are more likely to tear up our cheeks and/or neck as we get the techniques down. I defiantly had some irritation after the first couple shaves, and all I had at hand was some balm. Two things are different now I got a bit better with the blade and got some witch hazel and a bottle of Bay Rum from the corner drug store.

For me I can tell as I get better with the blade I will probably not need to go through as much after care as I do now, but if I have an off day it is really nice to have around.

I believe you will find that your tastes in razors, brushes, creams, soaps, and strops will be developed over time. I'd be inclined to save a liitle money and go used until you're sure what you want. The one important item, however, is to get a razor that is shave ready so that you can safely ignore one crucial variable during the learning curve. I went the eBay route early on and didn't enjoy a razor that shave ready for a few years. See the classifieds here.

Hello, JeffC:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

What you need to start with are the following: shave-ready straight razor, strop, brush, soap or cream, and styptic pencil.

At this point, I suggest the starter kit from the vendors you have mentioned. That would be the safest way to go. For sure, for now, stay off eBay. Your other choice would be to look around the Classified. Or you can do that later, after you have gained some experience.

Beyond that, peruse the Wiki. Read as much information and view as many videos as you can on all aspects of wet shaving with the straight razor. Also ask questions.

Regards,

Obie

+1 on the previous advice. The SRP wiki will provide you with lots of information to make an informed purchase of equipment.

I purchased my first starter kit from VB last December and was quite satisfied with it. Of course, there are other vendors who advertise here at SRP who offer equally good starter set deals. The key is to purchase your straight razor from a vendor who advertises your razor as "shave ready."

Well I don't have my first straight razor yet so I can't give too much advice on that, but what I will say is that I'm tentative about buying soap or anything else scented online; it would suck to order some soap and when it arrives find out that you actually don't like it.

So if I were you I would look around locally to find a soap first and buy the razor, strop and brush online; this way you can smell it before you buy. Just my 2 cents.

Wow thanks for all the great advice! Alembic those are the exact two kits I was looking at. I've been reading up on all the Wiki and learning a lot. I wish there was someone in the Greenville/Spartanburg area in SC that still did a "SR" shave. I know by law they have to use disposables in SC but I still can't find anyone to even do that. Might have to ride to Charlotte or Atlanta to get a shave. Again thanks everyone for the responses. Looks like yall have a great community here!

Apart from the kit razor, strop, brush, soap
If you dont have a good aftershave you will be missing it
balm or lotion preferably non alcoholic would be my tip