Proceed to checkout.... anything else?

While I am yet to actually put a straight razor to my face, I am still in the phase of reading and understanding all that I can.

My DOVO 'Bismark' arrived and is a beautiful thing indeed. My 3" Big Daddy Strop is en-route with a badger hair brush and another cheaper straight razor to practice with. (and styptic pencil for the inevitable)

In addition to these items I have just grabbed the following shave items from
'Shaving Shack' I must thank all who have contributed to various threads on this forum as I have spend HEAPS (much to my wifes dismay) of time reading and researching. The following items made it into my 'basket'

Mitchell's Wool Fat Shaving Soap Refill
Taylor of Old Bond St Pre-Shave Oil (30ml)
DR Harris Almond Shaving Soap Refill
Dovo of Solingen Strop Paste (Non Abrasive)
The Bluebeards Revenge Post Shave Balm (100ml)
DR Harris Marlborough Shaving Cream Bowl (150g)

I bought two soaps and a cream so I have something to compare
each one two in terms of lather and the actual shave. I intend
grate the soaps and press them into a scuttle/dish, of which I
am still in the market.

Its off tomorrow looking at fittings for my bathroom to begin
setting up the shave den.

Once I am confident I have learned as much from this forum in the
prelude... I will embark on my maiden voyage!

If there is any other suggestions in terms of items I might like
to have in the bathroom from the get go... don't hesitate in
putting your thoughts up.

Just looked at the credit card..:dropjaw:..and my wife will be like :nono:

Thanks again you lot!

Baldie

I think you are as set as anyone I have ever seen as a new beginner post. Now you just have to jump on in and start your first shave.

Good Luck!:beer1:

One addition: a Styptic pencil. You'll need it.

Don't put any paste on your daily strop, abrasive or non...Just my opinion........Keep it virgin...If you want to paste a strop, get another.....

One question:

. . . Can I come and shave at your house, please?

charles

Get ready for the shakes the first time you hold that thing to your face!

Witch hazel, Thayers is my preference, is nice for post shave if face feels a little raw. I like with alcohol(astringent) but without is good to have too.

Styptic pencil I don't like. Styptic roll on much better. Comes in a little bottle like mini roll on deodorant.

The thing you can't stock is time. Give yourself plenty. Shave in the evening so as not to get caught up in morning rush.

From there I think items to acquire will be for preference. Play with a cereal bowl to see if you like bowl lathering. You may find you'll want a bowl dedicated to lathering.

You may later find you'll want a scuttle. By then you'll be able to decide if you want a small tight one that holds the soaped brush, or a larger to mix in. My preference is small

Oh yea, give yourself time, did I mention that?

+ 1 on everything suggested so far. Especially the Witch Hazel I'm a HUGE fan. As for Styptic, yeah you'll probably be needing it. I know I have! (just check the tag line...hehe)

a good alum block,not necessary mind you, just nice to have

+1 to sublimeus--You are set up way better than I was when I started--start shaving--take it sloooow-stretch your skin tight and enjoy. Welcome aboard.

+2 on the Thayer's Witch Hazel... I prefer the Unscented with Aloe, and
+1 on the alum block

Immediately after the shave, a cold water rinse with the cold wet alum block rubbed over the entire shave area provides that feedback of where you went smooth and were you need to pay more attention. Especially when starting out. When the alum block stops stinging you know you've got your technique pretty much down.

Let the alum block coating dry a bit... give the weepers time to stop... then splash on the witch hazel... finish up with the aftershave du jour. After time, drop the alum block and just use the WH.

Thanks for all your input!

I am in the position now with my equipment to get started!

All the info here!... much appreciated

Wow your loaded up and ready to shoot. Welcome! I'm curious to know what your cheap practice razor is. I really can't add anything to this other than don't forget hot towels for the face. I recently bought some micro fiber shave towels at my local barber supply. I fill the basin in the bath with hot, hot water, drop the towel in and shower. These things hold a ton of water and get very hot. I apply to face, then dunk a couple more times and off we go. Please post your first shave experience.

[QUOTE=baldie;742941]
"Another cheaper straight razor to practice with." Absent that, grab a butter knife and practice with it on your strop.:beer1:

Now that's a great idea!

Will start with that immediately. After reading a lot of threads I am a little concerned at taking the edge of my beloved Bismark... perhaps too concerned!

A good way at getting the wrist action going though.

Can you screw up the edge on a strop in the initial learning stages to have to get the razor honed again?... or can you recover??

Cheers!

A good practice method that some recommend is using a piece of newspaper to practice your stropping. Cut a strip of newspaper, if your pulling to hard on the paper it will rip and if you cut it you may need to work on rolling.