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  1. 05-20-2011, 10:45 AM #1
    leadingedge
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    Welcome to SRP!

    The kit you already have there, and the straight you're planning to buy will do just fine as a starter package. Looks like you've done your homework properly before rushing into it, well done!

    Just make 100% sure that you get a shave ready razor, honed by someone who knows what they are doing.

    Enjoy!
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  2. 05-24-2011, 04:53 AM #2
    rafeblank
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    thanks for all the tips! while i've been waiting for my razor to arrive, i've been practicing lathering up and shaving with a disposable razor. it's amazing how just the preparation and lather alone makes a huge difference - such a closer, more comfortable and fun shave!

    i have a question about making lather. i'm currently using the Van der Hagen soap and the Tweezerman brush to make my lather. i've been following this guide:

    Making basic soap lather - Straight Razor Place Wiki

    I know it takes a lot of practice to get that beautiful, frothy foam like in the pictures, but I think I'm not understanding something. Do I add a little bit of water to the bowl with the soap, or just use residual water in the bowl and the water on the brush? My lather is still quite thin and bubbly - is this because I'm using too much water?

    Thanks!
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  3. 05-24-2011, 06:55 PM #3
    Edgeof40
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    It sounds like too much water. First thought, are you shaking the brush after soaking? I have to give my brush two firm shakes before I try to build latehr. If that is too dry you can always add a drop or two of water afterwards.
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    rafeblank (05-24-2011)
  5. 05-24-2011, 07:05 PM #4
    rafeblank
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    After watching some more videos, I realized the problem was I was pushing too hard on the brush as I was forming the lather. This video helped a lot:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2K9y...el_video_title


    Today I added just a little bit of water to the bowl and tried using only minimal pressure while mixing the lather. I was shocked at the results - a rich, creamy lather I had never dreamed possible :P It used it and shaved with my disposable razor, and had one of the best shaves of my life. I will take a picture tomorrow if it comes out well again.

    I also found this video really helpful too, although he uses a safety razor. The prep seems the same, and I imagine a lot of the basic shaving principles as well?

    YouTube - ‪The Ten Minute Traditional Wet Shave‬‏
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  • 05-24-2011, 07:25 PM #5
    Edgeof40
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    Glad to hear of your success with todays lather. And well done for researching those videos, they are invaluable as a learning aid. A good lather makes the shave even more rewarding. Good luck for tomorrows shave.
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  • 05-24-2011, 10:22 PM #6
    jhenry
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    rafeblank,

    Welcome to SRP.

    As the previous posts have noted, you are certainly headed in the right direction. The SRP Classifieds are a great way to go to find a vintage straight razor cheap.

    You may also want to peruse Whipped Dog and/or Bob's Razors. They have some relatively inexpensive, yet, quality vintage straight razors for sale as well.
    "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Mark Twain
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