A Few Straight Shaves In Italy Got Me Hooked

Hey Everyone,

Like the title says, when I was in Italy, I got a few "barbas," straight shaves in a barbershop, and loved it. Found that I got such a close shave, with no irritation. Since then I started shaving with a shaving brush but still just a disposable razor. Using the shaving brush has also minimized irritation but I'd like to go the distance and get a straight razor now. Well I actually just bought a Parker SRI off of amazon before doing any research and coming to this awesome sight. After reading through a bit I realize it might not be shave ready. Is this razor good enough for a beginner like me. What do I need to do to get it shave ready, what supplies do I need, what's the best place to get them? Any and all help is greatly appreciated, I really can't wait to get started.

Thanks,

J

Hi Jmgilland, and welcome. I suggest you do the following:
Read the "sticky" threads at the top of the beginners forum. Head to the SRP Wiki (link up top) and read all about getting started there. There is also a database of many razors, so yours might be there. You might also find reviews of your razor in the reviews section.

At minimum, to get started, you need a shave-ready razor, strop, brush and soap/cream. Aftershave treatment is also nice. For getting shave-ready, you should check the classifieds for a honer in your area, or send to StraightRazorDesigns and have it done by the master himself.

Well this is kind of a silly way to do my first post here, but I figured since I knew the answer that I might as well chime in.

The Parker SR1 is not your traditional type straight razor. It uses 1/2 Double edge razor blades, so it will always be shave ready as long as you replace the blades often enough. It should provide a similar kind of shave to a traditional straight, but from what I've read it sounds as if it's less forgiving.

Chalk it up as one of lifes little lessons and get a razor from one of the reputable vendors here at SRP or members in the classifieds. Welcome to the bright side!

I don't think it's such a bad idea. Just as long as he realizes that the disposable blade open razors aren't the same as real/traditional open razors. You've got the super sharpness and harshness of the machined disposable blades and lack the ability to have a specifically tailored edge that actually smoothes out and improves with repeated stroppings.

Yeah, the Parker SR 1 is not shaveready... if it was I'd wonder who the heck sharpened that thing and how the holder metal could take such a fine edge!

I've got a hollow aluminum "Vincent" razor (like a "Diane" or "Magic") that works fine, and it was interesting to compare with my own honed razors and to exaggerate the difference between an open razor in need of a touch-up and a silly sharp DE edge in open razor style shaving.