Thread: Couple of questions from a newbie

First a little of an introduction,

My names Kevin and I 've been getting more and more into traditional aspects of life recently. I think mainly it's me realizing that modern isn't necessarily better, and definitely less satisfying. I think the main thing that many modern products offer is short term convenience, at the cost of quality sustainability. Right now I'm thinking about how many disposable razors and cheap electric razors I've gone through in my time. Anyway I think I'd like to give straight razors a try. I've read as much as I could over the last week on the site, but the choices out there are bewildering...

I've been looking at the great deals they have on straight razor designs. In particular they have a fantastic deal on a boker king cutter razor set which comes with a strop, soap, brush and mug.

I'm the kind of person who likes to do the homework and buy quality the first time. Right now I'm pretty much decided on the Boker king cutter unless anyone has anything negative to say about it. (If someone has something positive to say about it, that might help my nerves). But what I'm thinking about now is what upgrades if any should I go for for the accessories?

If you were to purchase a set from SRD right now knowing what you know now, what upgrades or substitutions would you make? It comes with their latigo 2" strop ($50 normally) and a simpson beaufort 4 pure badger brush ($50) and a mug and SRD brand soap worth $25 for both. Total price is $161.

I've got pretty good stropping technique through sharpening my outdoors knives, so not worried about ruining the strop, I don't need a learner cheapo. And I think even if I don't decide straight razors are for me, the brush I can always keep using to lather with whatever type of shave I use.

Long winded I know, but I hope you folks can help. Thanks for taking the time to read this, looking forward to hearing responses.

- Kevin

Hi Kevin, welcome to SRP. Since you have experience with stopping you may have a preference for draw (resistance) and width. I would have a hard time with a 2" strop and I like a more moderate draw so the 3" SRD premium 1 would be my choice. The latigo is fine but has more draw than I care for.

As for brushes, I have a boar brush, pure badger and a slue of high end super badgers (top of the line) and I like them all from the cheaper models to the more expensive. So there again we get into personal preference. For me a knot diameter of 23 or so with a loft (height of the hair) of 50 to 55 is about right give or take a number one way of the other. Hope whatever you get works out. The Boker is an excellent choice IMO.

I'm new as well, and one thing I realized was the idea of buying a good razor and cheap everything else was a mistake. Get what you need to start shaving with the razor being the key item. Then if you have the cash buy good quality strop and brush. I bought the $20 ones and am pretty upset I did.

those sets they sell look pretty darn good, and I wish I had gone that route.

The set you described will be perfect for a beginner. Especially with the free honing for life deal that SRD has going on now.

+1 to what Jimmy said! I think everything is fine and that is a very nice razor. I actually have the Boker Edelweiss from SRD and it is a part of my regular rotation.

If I were in your shoes and I had to upgrade something, I would upgrade the strop. I would definitely go for the wider 3" strop, because it takes out the "X Stroke" variable when you are first learning. I would also go with the Premium I or IV. I have the IV and love it, but people seem to equally praise the Premium I. For what it's worth, I started with a latigo strop and I did not like the draw on it.

Thanks for the advice guys, I appreciate it.

I'm thinking I'll go for the premium 4 strop. I have stropping experience but mine is a paddle strop that is impregnated with green and black abrasive compound. I think having a natural leather strop will go nicely with that.

What do you all think of the straight razor designs #2 as a starter brush? it has a 24mm knot and a 47mm loft. I am trying to decide if that's too short a loft for a beginner brush. But I have nothing to compare it with.

Originally Posted by Boreas

What do you all think of the straight razor designs #2 as a starter brush? it has a 24mm knot and a 47mm loft. I am trying to decide if that's too short a loft for a beginner brush. But I have nothing to compare it with.

I don't know the specific brush but just commenting on the size. A 50 or less mm loft is generally better with a puck of hard soap IME. A loft say 55 and up is more suited to creams. That is a general statement and just IMHO. If you have experience with hard soaps and the softer creams that should help you to make a decision. OTOH, there is a middle ground loft and knot wise where you can use the brush for either. I suppose most guys do ?

I would definitely get a 3 inch strop. I have no experience with the different materials, but I'm sure they are all good.

I finally took the leap and made the purchase. Thanks for all of your help, I really appreciate you taking the time.

Boker King cutter
3" english bridle strop
SRD silver tip brush #2
SRD soap unscented (I am an unscented kind of guy )
and a mug to go with.

Good choice. You'll have a fine setup there and be well on your way. Welcome to our world