Need specific advice for first blade

Hey!

I would like to start shaving using a straight blade, as I've grown tired of disposable cartridge razors - the cheap ones are good on longer stubble but fail to provide a smooth shave, whereas the expensive multi-blade ones only perform well on very short stubble, but they're expensive in the long run.

I've never shaved using a straight blade before, so I need your advice. I read up a bit on the subject, but nothing can replace expert advice.

I have read the "A shopping list for beginners" thread, yet I'm still posting this in case you notice anything here that isn't covered in those posts.

Which specific blade should I go with?
What do I need to buy to get me through 3-6 months of using the blade? I'd rather not invest in unnecessary things that I won't need within these 3-6 months, while I learn the art, and only then get whatever else might be needed once I have a better understanding.

Should I get a stainless steel blade or a carbon blade? I don't want to have to replace this blade with a new one within a few months or a year, and I learn quickly, so I'd rather not get something for beginners and become quickly dissatisfied with it.
The guide says I should get a cheap first blade, so which material?

What type of hollow grind do I want?

I don't want to buy rubbish, but I also don't want to pay for an expensive handle when a cheaper one will do just as well.

My budget, hmm. Let's just say I don't want to waste money on unneccesary things, such as the handle, or aspects of the blade that are marketed as being better without any scientific proof, but I am happy to pay what's needed for a quality blade.

I will ask these question elsewhere as well, as I don't want to rely on one reply only. The general consensus will lead me in the right direction.

Regards
Morgan

Welcome to SRP Morgan.
Having made a lot of mistakes when starting out I feel a little bit qualified to make some suggestions for you.
If I had my time over again I would have found this website first and then started with a shave ready razor from the classifieds here instead of mucking around and wasting money on EBay.
The guys are very well qualified to advise you on a good starter blade and, IMHO, you will get a good start from them.
As far as types of steel goes, I have both carbon and stainless steel blades and both work well for me.
Some will say that a full hollow grind is more difficult to master in the beginning, however it will help improve your technique (I know mine does).
Others will tell you to go with a heavier grind which is more forgiving when learning.
There are valid arguments for both philosophies so, ultimately it is your choice.
My advise would be that, if you are a little impatient and want to get good results quickly (like me) go for a 1/2 hollow, however, if you are willing to put up with a bit of frustration in the early days to achieve a better result, go for a full hollow.
I'll get off my soapbox now....hehehe :soapbox:
You don't say where you are, however, I'm sure there is an SRP member fairly close by who may lend you a couple of different grinds to try and give you some 'hands on' experience with stropping etc.
There are plenty of suggestions here for inexpensive, quality strops so I won't go there (mainly 'cause I have no experience with them).
Team that up with a good soap (MFS perhaps) and a good quality brush (I have just started using a Frank's Finest badger and find it quite good).
That should set you up for the next few months to 'test the waters' so to speak.
Then RAD and HAD set in and you're hooked.
Most of all, work on your stropping and shaving technique first, then let nature take it's course from there.
I hope this helps
More importantly, hang on and enjoy the ride and let us know how you go.

Cheap brush, soap and pre shave and be had at the local drug store for about $40. I made my own paddle strop with a large piece of bridle leather and a 3' x 3.5" x .75" piece of oak $20. As far a a razor I would get a vintage razor from the classifieds.
Post up what neck of the world your in. There are many here willing to give you some face time, and help you get started.
Welcome to SRP.

Welcome, I would suggest doing what Shooter 74743 suggests. Good luck

Welcome, I am new here also, I just finished my 4th shave since joining these forums. I was fortunate enough to meet a member on this forum that lives fairly close who gave me some great advice as well as showed me his razor collection and was nice enough to actually give me a starter razor and a good strop as well as sample soaps. Later that day he sold me a dove Bismarck from his collection which was professionally honed, I felt really lucky because I had your same reasoning, I did not want to start with something that I wouldn't use later and this razor will surely last me a lifetime. I was on a budget so I used a coffee mug, cheap brush from walgreens and the sample soap given to me, I am very satisfied with the decisions that I have made so far and with the advice of the good people here every shave is getting better, I hope you find what you are looking for and maybe you will be as lucky as I was.

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Should I get a stainless steel blade or a carbon blade? I don't want to have to replace this blade with a new one within a few months or a year, and I learn quickly, so I'd rather not get something for beginners and become quickly dissatisfied with it.

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There's no such thing as a "beginner's straight razor". There are more-expensive and less-expensive, "modern" and "vintage" blades in various grinds. But the only thing your beard cares about is:

. . . Is the edge _really sharp_ ?

Any decent razor (see the Wiki lists of "known-good brands" and 'brands to avoid') can be brought to a good edge. Your beard doesn't care if the razor is tarnished, or what the handle is made of, or even (much) about what the grind is.

The least-expensive option is to get a vintage razor and new strop from the Classifieds on this website, or:

Categories

The previous references to the Dovo "starter set" would also give you a good start.

Don't get hung up over "which material? which grind?" -- it doesn't matter a lot, for your first razor. My only warning:

. . . Round points are easier for beginners to work with, than "square" or "spike" points.

The only things you _really need_ to maintain a razor's edge indefinitely is a leather strop (used before each shave), and a barber hone (a small, fine-grained hone). Larry (at Whipped Dog) has a "Poor Man's Strop Kit" which includes a leather strop and a "pasted strop". It won't keep a blade sharp indefinitely, but it'll work for many months.

It's impossible to specify a "best razor". If you wander through antique shops, and see what people _actually used_, most of the razors are 5/8 - 6/8" wide, 1/4 - 3/4 hollow, carbon-steel blades. The Dovo fits right into that range.

Charles

Shooter74743 hit the nail on the head. Everything in that set is top quality and should last you a very long time. Plus the customer service is outstanding.

MorganH,

+++1 on Shooter74743s suggestions; the Dovo Best is an excellent work-horse of a razor and shaves well above it's price point :)

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

If you're on a budget, you might want to take a look at this website: Whipped Dog

Larry Andreassen is a super guy whose main focus is helping newbies get started. As you'll see, he offers good vintage razors for reasonable prices. The photos on his website are taken before he cleans the razors up; any razor you buy from him will be shave ready when it comes to you. It won't be shiny and restored, but it will be cleaned up, honed, shave tested and sanitized. He also has a "Sight Unseen" deal that gets you a 5/8 half or full hollow razor and a strop kit for about $50. I bought a 5/8 full hollow etched Geneva from him back last fall and it's a great shaver. He's also honed several of my other razors and puts a great edge on. Quick turn-around time, too.

Larry's a first-class guy, for sure!

I bought a Dovo 5/8 Best Quality as my first razor. Nothing special about it, but it's still in high-priority in my rotation. I love how it shaves. Personally, I found no difference between shaving with a wedge versus full-hollow as a beginner. In fact, I'd almost prefer a full-hollow for a newbie, as they're easier to maintain once the edge dulls slightly. There's more feedback from the blade relating to how you're doing with your technique - both shaving and stropping. Necessities for a new: Razor, Strop, Soap, Brush. These will give you the 3 months you're looking for. Chances are, you've got another SRP member close-by (usually within driving distance, for most) that you can meet for a walk-through or possibly send off to touch-up that blade.

Another option you might consider, if you want to try this out without investing a lot of money first, is to do what I did: I went to Sally Beauty Supply and bought a Magic Shaver and the packet of Wilkinson double edge blades for it for about $15 bucks (you cut the blades in half and insert one half into the holder, so it shaves like a straight). I wanted to find out whether I could learn how to shave this way without tearing my face up without also having to learn how to strop. After 2 weeks, I knew I was ready to really take the plunge. One thing to watch out for if you go this route is that the blades are really unforgiving. You're going to cut yourself regardless, but IME it's more likely with one of these things than with a real straight. But it was a good low-cost way to test it out before shelling out triple-digit dollars.

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Originally Posted by Durhampiper

Another option you might consider, if you want to try this out without investing a lot of money first, is to do what I did: I went to Sally Beauty Supply and bought a Magic Shaver and the packet of Wilkinson double edge blades for it for about $15 bucks (you cut the blades in half and insert one half into the holder, so it shaves like a straight). I wanted to find out whether I could learn how to shave this way without tearing my face up without also having to learn how to strop. After 2 weeks, I knew I was ready to really take the plunge. One thing to watch out for if you go this route is that the blades are really unforgiving. You're going to cut yourself regardless, but IME it's more likely with one of these things than with a real straight. But it was a good low-cost way to test it out before shelling out triple-digit dollars.

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No disrespects to Durhampiper:
I started out that way and it for me it was rough. It did okay trimming my cheek area when I had a beard, but my neck underneath my jaw got tore up something nasty.Of course I did not know about this forum then plus I had no straight razor shaving skills. But shaving with that Magic Shaver was a beast; I almost gave up on straight razor shaving until I found out about SRD and this forum. Just my couple of cents.

I'll second the recommendation for Whippeddog. There is absolutely no need to spend $150-$170 or a brand newbie who isn't sure if they will even stay with this for more than 6 months. Larry's sight unseen deal is a good razor, a strop, and a piece of pasted balsa for a good price. Grab an Omega 10049 boar brush or similar badger for ~$12 and some easy to learn on Proraso in the green tub for ~$8 and be shaving for $75. If you want to spend the money on the Dovo, go for it. Lynn's a hell of a guy and won't do you wrong, and it comes with a free second honing certificate worth $20. It really depends on what you want to spend. For me, the >$100 difference makes a big difference to me, but might not for you.

One more thing, again no disrespect to anyone, I dont feel you can really get a good feel for straight shaving with a Magic Shaver or similar. It's like wanting milk and buying a goat. Sure, you can drink goats milk, and probably even get used to it. But, if you really want cow's milk, just save your money and buy the dang cow. Then you don't have a goat to feed! Lol

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Originally Posted by pmburk

No disrespects to Durhampiper:
I started out that way and it for me it was rough. It did okay trimming my cheek area when I had a beard, but my neck underneath my jaw got tore up something nasty.Of course I did not know about this forum then plus I had no straight razor shaving skills. But shaving with that Magic Shaver was a beast; I almost gave up on straight razor shaving until I found out about SRD and this forum. Just my couple of cents.

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Whereas I had found out about SRP and had done a ton of reading before I tried the Magic Shaver. If I had not, my experience probably would have been a lot like yours--but in that case I think it would have been just as bad if I had jumped right in with a straight razor, too, you know? And that's not to say that I didn't cut myself with it. Probably the worst cut I've ever had shaving (knock on wood) I got during that first shave with the Magic Shaver going (of all things) WTG on my chin. But that was the ony time I cut myself with that thing, and obviously it worked for me.

We all get here in different ways, but we all get here.

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Originally Posted by Durhampiper

We all get here in different ways, but we all get here.

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Always good to remember. Lots of opinions, but you know what they say about opinions and....... :D

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Originally Posted by medicevans

Always good to remember. Lots of opinions, but you know what they say about opinions and....... :D

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Yeah, well, that's just, like, your opinion, man ;)

I definately can reccomend both SRD and Larry at Whipped dog. I however would not reccomend a shavette. They are damn tricky and do not feel anything like any of my straights, you can get a good shave, but for a few dollars more you can get the sight unseen deal (whipped dog)with a perfectly acceptable vintage straight and the poor mans strop. I do love my Dovo's, so if you want to go higher end then by all means go for the SRD package! (I believe you still get 1 free honing with it)

either way welcome to your new addiction!!

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Originally Posted by Durhampiper

Yeah, well, that's just, like, your opinion, man ;)

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Hope I didn't offend. Sure wasn't my intent. I apologize if I did. I was just saying there are plenty of roads to Dublin. We all got here, just by different paths.

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Originally Posted by Durhampiper

We all get here in different ways, but we all get here.

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Amen to that!!

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Originally Posted by medicevans

I was just saying there are plenty of roads to Dublin. We all got here, just by different paths.

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Yes we did and here we all are in one big house of shaving.

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Originally Posted by medicevans

Hope I didn't offend. Sure wasn't my intent. I apologize if I did. I was just saying there are plenty of roads to Dublin. We all got here, just by different paths.

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I was quoting from "The Big Lebowsky." No offense--see the smiley/winky face at the end of my post?

I kept my Magic Shaver, maybe one day I'll insert a blade and see how it works out after using a conventional straight for four months.

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Originally Posted by pmburk

I kept my Magic Shaver, maybe one day I'll insert a blade and see how it works out after using a conventional straight for four months.

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Well, I've still got mine, but I don't plan to use it again; in fact, I just offered for free to a new guy who was looking to buy a used Dovo Shavette. It was a good learning tool for me, but I found it to be very unforgiving. But I figured that if I could learn to get a good shave with that, I could absolutely do so with a real straight. I was pleasantly surpised to find the actual razors much more forgiving.

Morgan,

FWIW, this morning I unlimbered my Dovo Special which I think is one price notch up from the Best and which I got years ago because I really liked the looks of the fake turltle scales. This razor has made its way into my rotation which sometimes spins fast, sometimes slowly, but which is only occupied by the razors that just seem to work so well. This time is was the slow turn to the Special and I got one of those nice, easy, smooth shaves that keeps a razor in the rotation. DOVO has my recommendation for a beginner and its hard to beat the quality and speed of service you get from Lynn and Don at Straight Razor Designs - that's a well deserved and well earned plug from a very satisfied customer. :tu

I bought a Dovo set from SRD. They have excellent quality products and great service. I have also made purchases from Larry at Whipped Dog and he is a great dealer. Last week, I spent two hours with Larry learning to hone. He is a really great guy and very knowlegable.

You can't go wrong with either SRD or WhippedDog. Ultimately, it boils down to the price.

If money is tight, go with Larry. If you have the money or prefer new, go with SRD.

Happy Shaving!

Same style of question, Anybody live in the Kalamazoo MI area?

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Originally Posted by Jacapo

Same style of question, Anybody live in the Kalamazoo MI area?

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Yes, lots of people. (Sorry, HNSB, beat you to it!)

Jacapo--sorry for the silly joke. It was just lying there for anyone to pick up. Welcome to SRP, and I hope you find someone nearby to help you get started.

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Originally Posted by hostage67

I will second this suggestion. This is exactly what I ended up getting and am happy that I did. It gives you everything you need to get started and you will know that all of it is good quality, so there's no question of gear being the issue.

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I bought the same set up except I got the black BQ 6/8, upgraded to a 3" latigo, and added the bottle of Camellia oil. A nice bang and shave for the buck!

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Originally Posted by Jacapo

Same style of question, Anybody live in the Kalamazoo MI area?

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I am in Milan, 20 minutes south of Ann Arbor, and if you are willing to trek out my way (about 1.5 - 2 hours), I would be happy to entertain the company!!! However, there is a google map function under the "community link" and I am certain there are a couple of members out that way including a senior member. Check it out or Private Message me for a meetup time.

I believe "Troggie" is a senior member in the Kzoo area...

I will check out that function. Thank you for taking the time to help. I will let you know if I am ever headed over that way. Thank you for the hospitality.

If you take another look at the WhippedDog website, Larry's actually got a "Rich Man's Strop" now. It's not a question of new vs. used--take a look at both that and the Poor Man's Strop Kit and you'll see the differences.

As to your second question: well, it's a fact that you're going to nick your leather strop. We've all done it; some have cut their strops so badly that they haven't been able to repair them. Larry also offers a two-leather strop deal which you can also bundle with the pasted balsa from the Poor Man's kit. I think having a spare on hand would be a good idea. And while you're learning to shave and strop a razor, there's also the possibility of rolling the edge of the blade or otherwise damaging it. This can be an expensive undertaking, and I've read several posts (a very few, admittedly) on the forums here from guys who went all-out and spent a lot of money and then decided it wasn't for them. I guess if it were me in your place, and knowing what I know now, I'd go with the WhippedDog deal, even if cost weren't an issue. Those Dovos will still be there once you've gotten the hang of this and decided you're sticking with it. Hope this helps, and good luck!

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Originally Posted by Durhampiper

As to your second question: well, it's a fact that you're going to nick your leather strop. We've all done it

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You know, I never once nicked a strop until I came to SRP and read that everyone nicks their strop. Now my strop has two small nicks and feathering all down one edge. This just goes to show that SRP enables everything, both good and bad.

ps. Would you still recommend a vintage blade over one of the two options listed above?

Durhampiper,
"a very few, admittedly",
"I guess if it were me in your place, and knowing what I know now, I'd go with the WhippedDog deal, even if cost weren't an issue"

Thank you for this, it sounds much like something I'd recommend to a novice in my area of expertise ;] I think I'll go with WhippedDog.

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Originally Posted by Theseus

You know, I never once nicked a strop until I came to SRP and read that everyone nicks their strop. Now my strop has two small nicks and feathering all down one edge. This just goes to show that SRP enables everything, both good and bad.

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:rofl2:

SRP: The Forum of Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

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Originally Posted by MorganH

ps. Would you still recommend a vintage blade over one of the two options listed above?

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I've only seen vintage blades on WhippedDog, so if you buy from there, that's what you're getting. I prefer vintage blades, myself. I've got 8 razors, only one of which is of recent production (Dovo Special from SRD), and it's the one I use when I have to travel by air (it's replaceable) or when I've sent one of my others out to be honed. My vintage blades aren't all necessarily rare, but each is distinctive, and in some cases the only example I've ever seen. The one that I bought from Larry, for instance, is an etched Geneva (rare) with a cowboy roping a steer--and all the blacking is still in the etch.

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Originally Posted by Durhampiper

I've only seen vintage blades on WhippedDog, so if you buy from there, that's what you're getting.

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Bob Keyes sells quality restored vintage blades. I have two from him and I highly recommend checking out his site: http://bobsrazors.com/shop/catalog/browse?shop_param=

The two I got were just awesome and honed to perfection.