Thread: Rookie

Today's blizzard conditions in Minneapolis, MN, made for a perfect time to scour this website. I want to thank all the contributors, reviewers etc for the time, effort and dedication that has gone into making this site so useful and informative.

A few days ago, a Mach II or whatever shaver, I was searching for an after shave I used to have called Barbershop. Suddenly I have found myself quite interested in learning the straight razor.

I'm not inclined to start super expensive on the razor itself, as I imagine that my taste will develop as my skill develops. It also makes sense to have several razors so I can always add to my collection.

But as far as the other tools go, strop, brush etc, it seems that I'll have one (for its useful life) so I'm inclined to start with quality.

Anyway, I could use some advice as to equipment. As to razor, I'm looking at a Dovo Best Quality ($81.99, incl prof sharpening, @ SRD). I welcome comments on this choice.

As to the other tools, pls advise. I have noticed the wet shaving packages, which seem to offer quite a decent savings, but I'm not sure of the quality of all the tools.

Thanks!

Oh, and I still can't find that after shave.

Welcome to SRP. Your choice of razors is a good one IMO. Since you are in Minneapolis you might send a private message to randydance062449 . He is also in your town and is always helping local guys out. Check out the SRP Wiki beginner's guide here for some good info too.

welcome to srp, you'll also need a strop to keep that edge going for more than a couple of shaves.

I've just recently come into the SR world and my startup costs were just over $100. I picked up a very nice Joseph Rodgers 5/8 from lz6 here on the Classifieds ( a great place to find a reasonably priced SR) for $50. I spent another $50 or so at classicshaving.com for a strop, alum block and jar of Proraso cream. It may cost you a few $$ more if you also need a brush. I had one already, as I've been into wet shaving for a few years now. Bottom line: You don't have to spend a fortune to get started in this fine hobby

Great kit. Your comment about having one strop for a long time is so very, very, true.

Your choice is a fine one for a beginner. Not only do you get a great razor, but you get the free sharpening for life special. This is an incredible deal, as even if you want to start sharpening your razors in the future, having a professionally sharpened razor to compare your own work to is very helpful.

As a side note, blizzard conditions also screwed your football field.
Michael Giberti - Here is the video of the Metrodome roof collapsing! #FOX #Vikings WOW!! - TwitVid

I would get a cheap strop to start. Many times the first strop gets butchered by a rookie.

Howdy, welcome, and you're off to a great start. You've gotten a bunch of good advice in these posts. I'll second everything--including upgrading to a 3" strop AND getting a cheap strop to start on. Put away the nice 3" one until you're comfortable on the cheap one, and every time you nick the cheap one stop and think about how it happened.

You can get a good starter strop at whippeddog.com, and even a bare-bones vintage razor, really inexpensive. You can use that second one to practice stropping, and have it to shave with when you send the Dovo in for sharpening.

Here's a link to a stropping thread that started a couple of days ago. The second page has a great post by Janivar123, with a cool diagram about stropping.

And wow, you've got a local guy to check in with. That's lucky.

Once you're settled in with your first razor, have some fun shopping for vintages.

Best wishes!