Thread: Greetings

or something like this

Spartacus 7/8 snakewood

If it is vintage and isn't rusted badly, it will shave and shave well after being honed by someone who is competent. You can buy tons of razors for around $15 to $20 on Ebay that are quite good shavers. My point isn't to advise you to buy off Ebay at first, for that can be disappointing at first. But, to point you toward a price range you might expect to pay.

But, consider this. If someone buys a $20 razor off Ebay, cleans it and polishes it nicely, and hones and mails that is a lot of value added! $20 for honing. Say, $10 to $15 for making it look really good, administrative and postal costs and the like and another $5 or $10 to make it worthwhile time wise.

Check out the Buy/Sell/Trade here. And, I think the general entry level razor selling for $40 to $60 is a fair price considering what you get with the price.

But, $174.99... might be nice. But, it isn't necessary at the beginning.

Check out the classifieds for a razor the prices are good and you can get a great shaver. Also you could check whippeddog.com a lot of guys have bought from there and get a good shave. The razors aren't in mint condition but they are shave ready and inexpensive, he also sells strops for $20 I think. So you don't really need an expensive razor for your first straight but if you want to go that way it's up to you. Good luck in your search and happy shaving.

William

Welcome aboard! I'd say $174 is a bit much for a straight, especially if you're not sure you're going to stick with it. As previously suggested, a restored straight might be the better way to go. You can get something nice for $30 or so. The Classifieds on this site or whippeddog.com (owned/operated by LarryAndro, previous poster) are great sources. I have a razor from each of them. Between the two, I spent less than $100.

As for other items, the "leather thing" you speak of is a strop, and you do need one. You'll strop your straight every day before use. It keeps the edge even. Illinois Strop Company makes some nice ones. You won't need to worry about honing for a while, so a hone is not necessary. Badgers hair brushes are preffered, as they retain water better. One of my favorite creams is Proraso, an Italian product that's loaded w/ eucalyptus and menthol. Very cooling.

The other piece of advice I would offer is to view the beginner's guides and Wikis here on the site and ask lots of questions.

Welcome to your new obession!

Okay i read some more. so i need a razor, a strop, a good badger hair brush, a lather bowl, lather, shaving oil, and aftershave?

i should find a razor

i found this brush:
Semogue 730 Shaving Brush [Silvertip Badger Hair] - €50.95 : The Vintage Scent Co., Rare and Antique Products for Men
still looking for a strop
this bowl:
Shave Shop
shaving oil:
Origins Easy Slider Pre-shave oil 1.7 oz. - Origins - Beauty - Macy's
Lather:
Amazon.com: Castle Forbes Cedar/Sandalwood Shaving Cream: Health & Personal Care
After shave:
Amazon.com: Castle Forbes Cedar/Sandalwood Aftershave Balm: Health & Personal Care

i read really good reviews on all these things do any of you suggest something different? some of these are kind of expensive but i figure at dollars per shave is a good price.

do i really need after shave?
and what is all the difference between the sizes of razors like i see 7/8 etc?


Something like this? http://www.whippeddog.com/------Whip...raight-Razors/
cool it makes sense tht i should get the hang of it then buy a nice razor

and a strop!
http://www.whippeddog.com/-----$19---Poor-Man-Strop-Kit-with-Leather-Strop/


so at this point i should be set no?
just that steep learning curve.
thanks again!!!

My opinion is that US newbies should just buy the less than $10 shave soap, brush and mug set from Walmart or a drugstore. Get started! Then, at your leisure, start trying nicer soaps and the like. Stretch out the fun!

The cheap soap will definitely work.

I agree with Larry you should check out Walmart or a drugstore for a brush and soap. Also you could head to the Body Shop if you have one near you and pick up their Maca Root shaving cream, it lathers well and performs well during the shave, I like it.

i see i thought if i didn't get the best i wouldn't have a comfortable shave, but am i just thinking too hard about it? i'm terrified of razor bumps etc, but i'll go pick up the less than ten dollar set, thank you for the words of wisdom.

Welcome to SRP Jay.

I never use aftershave and have only used shaving oil on a few occasions (mainly because it was a free sample).

Greg

You can get a great shave from a $10 soap and synthetic brush set or a $30 soap and a silvertip brush. It is all about what works for you. If you have sensitive skin and are prone to razor bumps try Proraso sensitive skin preshave, they also have a sensitive skin shave cream and aftershave.