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Hi gentlemen,
I'm about to purchase my first straight setup and I'd like some opinions and suggestions.
Razor: Dovo "Astrale" 5/8
Strop: SRD 3" Latigo
Brush: SRD Silver Tip Badger (26mm knot, 55mm loft, REALLY nice looking brush)
Soap: SRD 100% Essential Oil Soap (lime)
Thanks in advance guys!
BTW the price on the above setup is incredible at SRD!
Oh yes...I almost forgot. I was thinking of the Dovo Silver Steel 5/8 as well. Any major differences between the two straights?
That would be a phenomenal starter's kit. Especially because it would be honed by the master, himself.
I like the Astrale, it's a very aesthetically pleasing razor. I think the main difference between that and the Astrale is the engraveable plate on the scales and the wash design on the blade.
You're good to go.
Agreed. Also (and this is just my humble opinion) check out mama bear soaps. I'm a big fan. Lots of scents and good lather.Quote:
Originally Posted by AlanII
Looks like a great setup. Full steam ahead.
Anyone have any experience with the subtle differences between the Latigo leather and the Buffalo leather strops?
At this stage of the game, the one you're getting in that package is perfect. From what I've gathered in my limited experience, you need to develop your technique for stropping before worrying about the subtleties.
One thing I gotta mention...
The single biggest advantage to buying from SRD is the fact that Lynn and Don love this hobby, they are not some anonymous store front, they are hands on guys, and know their products better than anyone.. The best part is, they are more than willing to discuss those subtleties between the Buffalo and the Latigo all day long...
Fire them an e-mail or call the store :)
Yes, they are also friends of mine, but what I said is still truth...
After spending 2 weeks on a fruitless search locally ive have decided to go the same way as the advice above.
@gssixgun - I took your advice and shot them an email.
Thanks to all for your input!
You can't go wrong with SRD...anything I've ordered has been superb:)
Can't really get a better start than that! :) SRD rock, I placed an order earlier today, and it was shipped in like no time.
Your in good shape man. Solid Razor,great strop, I have one myself. Terrific brush and as I have said in many of my own posts the SRD soaps are top notch and lather up real easy for nubees like myself.
Do yourself a favor and get some Thayers witch hazel to finish off that first shave. You wont regret it. Have a great first shave!
+1 on the witch hazel!Quote:
Originally Posted by Omega1975
Yep, I gotta throw in some love for the witch hazel as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by dewey81
Gentlemen,
I have to say...I'm amazed! I ordered my kit from SRP on Thursday evening (11 pm or so). Friday was Veteran's Day (no mail) and I still received my package on Saturday! That's incredible. I am extremely impressed.
I watched Lynn's entire DVD (again, impressed is an understatement).
Now I'm off to my first shave!! (crossed fingers, great anticipation and a huge smile across my face...) Wish me luck! I'll keep you all posted.
Thanks again for all the advice!
Good luck and STRETCH THAT SKIN!
First Shave Complete!
Pre-shave: Shower, wash and condition beard, while soaking brush and mug in hot water. Strop (need to practice that little doozy) and make later (eeehhh, it turned out okay). Lather up and begin!
Shave: For having an extremely tough beard and one week's growth, I'd say it went rather smoothly. Some awkward angles and some very weird faces in the mirror, but not bad. Sideburns and cheeks are BBS...neck needs some help, but hey it's still better than my Mach 3 ever did. My chin is a moot point as I have a goo-tee.
Post-shave: Witch-Hazel (unfortunately all I had was some of my wife's Wally-World brand WH which stinks to high heaven...and kind of burned but not bad).
Conclusion: No nicks...that's always a good thing. I'm going to need to practice this a lot more. Extremely enjoyable quiet time to myself...lol. I'll have to wait till morning to ask my wife's opinion as she's already in bed...but I'm extremely happy with the results!
Thank you all so very much for all the advice and a HUGE thanks to Lynn and Don at SRD for putting up with all my questions and requests. Without all of you guys I'd still be using cartridges :dropjaw: (oh the horrors)
Congrats! Sounds like a decent first shave.
You made the typical newbie mistake of stropping it before use though, good thing it survived. :)
@blix - Lynn's "First Shave" article and his DVD both said that the razor should be stropped after cleaning off the shipping oil. Did I mis-read? Aren't you supposed to strop before each shave? Am I missing something..??
The razor comes stropped and ready to use, and as a beginner you are better off not stropping before the first shave, so at least you get one shave out of it before rolling the edge on the strop(worst-case scenario, don't worry) :)Quote:
Originally Posted by avilam
Congrats Man! Im glad it went well . IMHO dont rush into the next shave, give your beard a few days to grow back. As you gain experience and technique you can shave more often. It helps to have a bit longer scruff when your starting off.
Have a great day and Enjoy your face! LOL