functional shaving

I want some opinions concerning what equipment to get, I understand that most of the members here collect razors and are always looking for the perfect shave. However, my point of departure is slightly different although I do have a soft spot for a beautiful blade I am very much an outdoor person and will spend many a shave in the bush or in the mountains.

So what I need is a setup that is functional rather than pretty, easy to hone easy to strop and for as little as possible. I can collect pretty things later on.

Any suggestions.

Yes, http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...beginners.html

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Originally Posted by Otto

Yes, http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...beginners.html

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I dare say I have perused the wiki a few times, and the beginners shopping list surely offers items for beginners... however, the info there does not seem to answer my query. But I take it your opinion is that the items listed there and the guides, as the best for traveling, expense, and longevity.

What's 'best' will vary from person to person.

If you want a 'concrete answer', here you go:

Razor: Genco or Torrey 5/8" - 6/8" round point. These are good, inexpensive razors that could last you a lifetime. You're probably going to initially need two razors, as it's likely that you'll dull your first razor.

Strop: Ambrose or Ruprazor strop. Get one with the linen/canvas component. Again, not flashy, but very serviceable.

Don't mess with honing, when you start out.

EDIT: I noticed that you're going to be outdoors a lot. You may want to have a stainless razor. I'd suggest a Friodur, but they're not super-cheap.

The weather resistance and low cost are the nut to crack.

for compactness and weather resistance, I'd probably consider a DE for backpacking. To get a stainless str8 that's cheap probably means damaged and somewhat restored - broken blade that was shortened. I wouldn't want to make a stop compact enough for backpacking.

As alternative, perhaps a high carbon cheapo that's coated in automotive paste wax on all surfaces except honing/stropping surface of the spine and the edge. That approach would give you access to the cheaper blades. You'd have to coat edge and spine in wax or oil when not in use, or maybe store in a silicon treated sleeve, such as those make to store firearms.

I'd follow the wiki, it's designed to supply the user (beginner or otherwise) with a full kit of functional but not neccicarily uh, flowery product.

my opinion,
Razor- Something stainless, the edge should last longer maybe a dovo
Soap- for 'out in the rough' something with lanolin or glycerin based
Strop- any quality reasonable priced strop. member MickR makes a Kangaroo hide strop which is top quality and well priced. this is my daily strop so I can attest to its function (thanks again mick ^_^)
Brush- maybe a boar bristle would suffice, they work well and can be picked up cheap.

as for pre and post shave, I usually use warm water to prep and a splash of cold to finish.

Just my thoughts

ps, just read the wiki beginners shopping list.
this really does spell out what you are looking for, a functional not fancy shave.

On Strops:

I can get hold of leather but is it worth making your own? It will certainly be the cheapest option for me. Or are there variables I am not taking account of?

strip of leather with a hole punched in each end and a string... walk into shop buy right size leather ask them to make two holes walk out with strop...?

On Brushes,

Wiki says get badger, some suggest boar, I will get good quality second hand rather that low quality new. Is brush quality really that important?

I have heard Frank's brushes are decent and inexpensive.

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Originally Posted by nicolaasdekker

On Strops:

I can get hold of leather but is it worth making your own? It will certainly be the cheapest option for me. Or are there variables I am not taking account of?

strip of leather with a hole punched in each end and a string... walk into shop buy right size leather ask them to make two holes walk out with strop...?

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Not sure if weight reduction is important for your outdoor activities but you can always use your belt or jeans to strop on. And the brush makes not difference...get something cheap...it will lather just fine.

To really answer all your questions would be a long winded response. Basically a mid sized simple stainless razor like a dovo. For a strop I'd get a small paddle for travel. For a brush probably a small basic badger or boar depending on what you prefer. If you make your own strop you need to be careful with leather quality and finishing.A piece of leather with a hole won't cut it.

As everyone said already, stainless razor, maybe a ruprazor fili strop (20$, can't go wrong, and it can be rolled up) a small puck of proraso and an omega boar brush. All of this should be under 150$ if you shop around. What i'd also consider is a watertight container with a reusable silica dessiccant packet in it. The type you can oven bake and re-use. This should keep your gear dry, and for refreshin the edge on the razor you can always paste the backside of your fili strop with some CrOx... leave the hones at home ;)

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Originally Posted by nicolaasdekker

, I will get good quality second hand rather that low quality new. Is brush quality really that important?

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For basic shaving if I were backpacking, I wouldn't bother to carry a brush, just a tube of decent shaving cream and hand-lather it.
You certainly don't see many secondhand brushes, of any quality, for sale.

Much as I love collecting and using cutthroats, for pure function and minimum bulk I'd go for an aluminium Gillette Ball End Tech DE and some blades.
That also just about describes the kit that goes in the tank bag on my motorcycle.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

A piece of leather with a hole won't cut it.

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There are commercial strops for sale that are simple strips of leather with a hole and leather thong on one side. I am still keen to hear why it would not be suitable.

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Originally Posted by volleykinginnc

Not sure if weight reduction is important for your outdoor activities but you can always use your belt or jeans to strop on. And the brush makes not difference...get something cheap...it will lather just fine.

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tried the belt option but leather belts take the shape of the user so are not straight after a bit of wear. does denim replace the linen side of strop or is it a replacement for the leather side?

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Originally Posted by nicolaasdekker

There are commercial strops for sale that are simple strips of leather with a hole and leather thong on one side. I am still keen to hear why it would not be suitable.


does denim replace the linen side of strop or is it a replacement for the leather side?

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It depends of the quality of the leather. It's much the same as any other product made of leather insamuch as the piece of hide needs to be appropriate to the task. Some strops are poor quality or from the wrong part of the animal. As with everything else, price and quality are usually commensurate with each other. Most quality strop makers select their hide carefully and some offer starter strops with less elaborate fittings
The denim would replace the linen. As the lady of the house will tell you, linen also comes in many different qualities.

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Originally Posted by welshwizard

the piece of hide needs to be appropriate to the task. Some strops are poor quality or from the wrong part of the animal.

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And which parts would that be?
which parts should I avoid?
what should I tell the leather specialist I need when I go buy leather from my local leather shop?