Thread: Tutor

Don't forget to look at the "critical info for newbies" post too. there's good info there . Plus you can make due with a belt or homemade strop until you can afford a new one. If interested you can pm me on how to.

Very good observations on time tradeoffs. In any case you have to wait for the lather to do its work and the stropping helps kill that time. I started using a DE recently and it gives me decent shaves, but not as good as a straight. Shaving straight is also a more rewarding experience. I also switched to 2 passes, but I learned how to get as smooth in 2 passes as I did with 3 passes. All in all, I get great shaves in under 10 minutes now.
You also made a great point on touchup honing. It doesn't take very long and if you have a bunch of blades in your rotation, you only have to hone like once a month or two and save time per blade as you're doing them wholesale.

Listen to Glen! His info on making your own strop is great. You can also get some real nice pieces from Tony Miller and they won't break the bank.

If you want to do the Skype with video for a honing session or just to chat feel free to call anytime.

Guys,

You have all been super helfpul. I might take you up on the offer for the skype chat once I get started.

Hopefully I'll have a razor soon then I'll start digesting the guides and I'll probably have some questions. As far as making a strop, that might actually be fun. Are the paddle strops available from Tony combo strops and hones? If so, I might consider investing in one of those right off.

Thanks,

John

Tony has great paddle strops. He is very helpful PM him and he will set you right up.
I am very happy with the one I got from him.

I don't know about Boston, but I live in Madison. I can't help you much with your shaving or honing, since I haven't quite gotten there yet myself. But it might be nice to know a fellow straight shaver in you area, even if he is a complete noob.

Good luck!

Nice to meet you future shaver. Maybe we can take advantage of our neighborness by placing orders for new stuff together to save on shipping! In any case, it will be nice to know another straight shaver. Also, since you are there already, do you know of any shops to get good shave stuff (creams and other items)?

I haven't found too much yet, but there is a place on State Street, called the Soap Opera which has some good cream and some brushes. I'm sure there would be some other cool places on State Street, but haven't taken the time to check.

And don't forget the ever popular arko, proraso, Van Der Hagen (Surrey) products you can find at most major pharmacy stores and target stores .

There's nothing wrong with starting mainstream or cheap if it works well.