Thread: recommendation to get started

Steve,

I want to warn ya.... This is a highly addictive
hobby. Within a month you will have 2,3 or 4
straights and will be looking for more.

If you wonder how a 5/8's differs from a 6/8's
etc etc. The only way to find out is to buy one
and try for yourself...

I started out back in January and I have 8 razors
and one more headed my way from Joe Chandler.

Oh, I would start out with one of Tony's hanging strops.
Rather then a paddle strop.



Terry

Thanks everyone. I looked at a set from Tony Miller's site that I really like. I think I'll go with that one. The only thing left is a honing stone. I'm understanding that Tony's razors shouldn't need honing for a month or so of averaging shaving. I guess that'll buy me some time to figure out what would be a good one to use.

I'll look forward to starting my new addiction soon!

That's the spirit, Steve. Give in willingly.

For stones, most of us here use the Norton combination 4k/8k.
Some have had success with NOS barber hones.
Others say you can go a long way with a 4 sided pasted paddle before having to hit a stone.

Keep us posted.

X

The addiction will come very fast, even while you wait for your items to be shipped. Each time you order something it is like christmas when you wait for the mail(person) to bring along your new present!

With me it's always about the budget. I like to get the most bang for the buck. It is however very important that your first razor is really "shave ready". I just looked at Joe's site and see some very nice razors in the $35- $40 range. Next you need an everyday strop. This is an easy one, just look at Tony's stuff at the Well Shaved Gentleman website. You will want a hanging strop. Even the least expensive strop here is better than most out there. As far as a hone is concerned, you might want to wait on that until you pick up a bit more information around here and decide for yourself. A great alternative is a pasted paddle strop.

Glen

Just wanted to say thanks for all the mentions. Here pretty quick, I'm going to put up a couple beginner packages. I managed to lay hands on a couple almost new strops (Dovo with linen, and a 2-leather Illinois strop) and will pair them with some nice shave ready razors, if anyone's interested. Neither of the strops will compete with Tony's, or Keith's (Handamerican...awesome strops) but will get the job done for less. You can always invest in Keith's or Tony's later if you decide you like it.

Thanks to all of you for the great information. I am the ultimate noob. I have always loved those few times I have had a barber shave and have decided to take the straight razor plunge.

I am 51 and have been using electrics for about 20 years. My beard has just become too wirey for them to be effective. It also seems that the hair growth is in every direction on my neck and my guess it that a straight will help me with that. The last blade I used was a Trac II and have never tried these mega bladed razors, nor have I wanted to try them. Now you guys say this is an addictive hobby. Oh well, cigars are the same thing for me too. I will just tell my wife that a man needs hobbies.