Thread: Hi Everyone!

Hi All,

Just thought I'd say hello. Have just ordered my first straight razor (should be with me tomorrow) after many hours of reading threads and watching videos!

Hopefully I'll take to it like a duck to water but I'm expecting the worst!

Thanks in advance for any help you guys may give me over the coming months,

Rossco

Welcome to SRP Rossco. Good to have you here. Sounds like you are mentally prepared for your first straight shave. Hope it goes really well, just take it slow, and don't get too discouraged if your first few shaves aren't perfect. Let us know how it goes. Good luck.

Thanks mate

This is my 'beginners' set up, supplied by http://www.theinvisibleedge.co.uk/ consisting of:

1 x 15240001 Dovo ‘prima rindleder’ razor strop

1 x 504171 Dovo strop maintenance paste

1 x Invisible Edge Pure Badger brush & stand.

1 x Invisible Edge stainless steel bowl

Osma Laboratories shaving soap

1 x ‘Bloc Osma’ solid alum block.

Styptic ‘pencil’ for minor nicks.


Shaving Starter Kits

And I have bought a Dovo Silver Steel razor with Ebony scales:



4580

No need to expect the worst. Expect a great experience! I know you have already read a lot. I am 68 years old and just started using a straight six months ago. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

For that first shave, may I suggest:

• Be diligent in your shave preparation. Make sure the beard is softened with warm water or a hot towel. Let the first coating of lather sit on your face for at least two minutes to soften your beard and then relather if you need to.
• Shave only your sideburns and cheek areas with a WTG (with the grain) pass. Take your time and lightly stretch the skin. If that goes well, you can relather and, if you wish, do a second WTG pass. I would do this several days before moving on to the chin and upper lip area. The first shaves are to get you used to using a straight razor. Don't be too concerned about how well you actually get all of the beard shaved off. In a couple of weeks, as it becomes more natural to use a straight razor, you will find you are able to get better and better at actual beard reduction.
• Relather and finish up with your normal shaving process (safety razor or cartridge).
• Rinse the face with warm water and then follow with a cold water rinse.
• Apply a good aftershave or balm.

I am not a purist. After six months of straight shaving, I can do a complete BBS (Baby Butt Smooth) shave with just a straight. However, I also love using my Gillette Fatboy DE (double edge) and my Edwin Jagger DE89L, so out of choice, I use a straight for the first two passes (WTG & XTG) and finish with a double edge for a final ATG pass. In the beginning, don't be afraid to mix up your shaving methods. Later on you can decide whether you want to be a purist or not.

There are some days that I get such a close shave with just one WTG pass using a straight razor, that there is little beard left that really requires a second pass, much less a third pass with the safety razor. I still do the second and third passes very lightly just for the pleasure of it.


I wish you well on your shaving journey. Make sure to give us an update. If you have the equipment, videotape your first shave and post it. We love seeing the videos. We have all been there.

Happy Shaving!

Originally Posted by RazorRossco

This is my 'beginners' set up...

1 x 15240001 Dovo ‘prima rindleder’ razor strop

1 x 504171 Dovo strop maintenance paste

1 x Invisible Edge Pure Badger brush & stand.

1 x Invisible Edge stainless steel bowl

Osma Laboratories shaving soap

1 x ‘Bloc Osma’ solid alum block.

Styptic ‘pencil’ for minor nicks.

And I have bought a Dovo Silver Steel razor...

What a great set-up. You are certainly starting out with great equipment. I have purchased several things from The Invisible Edge and have never been disappointed.

Your new razor is absolutely gorgeous! You have very good taste. I know you will enjoy using it for years to come. I own three Dovo straight razors and love them all.

Happy Shaving!

Many thanks DLB - great advice!

Steve at The Invisible Edge is a nice guy, he has been very helpful indeed. Can't wait to open up the parcel tomorrow when it all arrives!

Rossco,

Welcome and hello from Hastings

Good luck with your shaves !

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Originally Posted by PhatMan

Rossco,

Welcome and hello from Hastings

Good luck with your shaves !

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Hastings?! No way!

I am also from Hastings

If I get stuck with my honing/stropping I know who to ask!

Thanks for the welcome!

Rossco,



Whereabouts in Hastings are you ?

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Russ,

I live just off of Fairlight Road on the way towards the Country Park (although moving soon).

Where abouts are you?

Rossco