Starting straight, what a ride..

3 days ago I finally took the leap to straight razor shaving after being tempted for a long long time. And what a ride! It took me alot of reading up to do at SRP and some other websites to get a good idea of what I actually wanted. In the end I made a proposal and sent it to a Dutch straight shaving shop and they helped me finishing up. Here it comes:

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My selfcomposed starters kit contains:

- Hermes Solingen '50s SR €30
It came from a local barber shop and has not been used before so it's in mint condition! Only the scales were cracked due to bad transporting so they have been replaced.
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- Used paddle strop in decent condition €20

- Boar hair Omega brush
Went for boar for the tryout fase, but after the first few experiences it probably won't take long before letting myself go into getting a fancy badger.

- Mitchell's Woolfat Shaving Soap
I heard it's rather expensive in the US but here in Europe it's cheap and (having to admit that it is my first non-gilette shaving soap) it feels better on my skin than anything I've tried before. It's made from lanolin (woolfat) and was especially advised to me since I get shaveburns quite fast, this is so moist and soft while retaining an excellent cushion for the blade.

- Basic Alun stick

What do you guys think about this set? Is it overpriced or did I get a good deal out of it. So far it all seems quite good quality, but then again it is hard to judge for me as a beginner.

Did 2 shaves so far and was actually surprised about the smoothness, not talking about the skin here, the first one went very well. Managed to get everything quite smooth except for the chin and the only cut I managed to create was in my ear because I accidentally stuck it in there, not having a feel for the length of the blade yet ghehe.


Enthousiasm
I already spent alot of time searching the web just for this starterskit, which viewing back was actually so much fun. After my first shave I went straight on, convinced about continuing my straight shaving experience. Then I stumbled over this in Holland in some shabby antiqueshop:

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It is a 1940s silversteel Solingen blade, not sure about the specific brand because I could not make it up from the picture. I'm picking it up tomorrow, paid €20 for it. If it's in the mint condition claimed by the seller is this a good buy? Because I was very excited about it and wanted to expand my new collection! I suppose it is not shave ready, but I will have it honed by the earlier mentioned shop since he did a damn good job on the Hermes one and get into self-honing later!

That's it for now, since I'm a poor student the expanding will be a slow process but damn it's been nice so far!

Any comments are very welcome, since I'm interested in other opinions about the equipment!

I'm quite liking this setup :) good job at sourcing them all :D

I started shaving straight a month ago, and being a poor Dutch student as well, I'm looking for cheap ways to expand. I bought the sight unseen deal at whippeddog and it has been good to me so far, but another razor can hardly be a problem. Where did you get yours? I quite like the look of both razors, so I would like to take a look myself.

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Originally Posted by alfeo

I started shaving straight a month ago, and being a poor Dutch student as well, I'm looking for cheap ways to expand. I bought the sight unseen deal at whippeddog and it has been good to me so far, but another razor can hardly be a problem. Where did you get yours? I quite like the look of both razors, so I would like to take a look myself.

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I'm not sure if this is considered advertising, hope not. But there is a shop in Breukelen near Utrecht specialised in classic shaving. It's called the 'Dutch barber shop' and as far as I know the only one here in Holland. The owner comes from a legacy of classic barbers but only sells the equipment these days. He does a lot of restoring of classic blades which he sells for a very fair price, I suppose it's a good bet for getting a cheap second. He's also very passionate about it and is willing to advice you with everything, also through mail.

The silversteel Solingen one comes from an antique shop near my birthplace, had my parents pick it up for me :p Will receive it anywhere the following days, very curious if it was indeed a good buy and what the actual brand is!

Good luck with your search!

Awesome, thanks! When I have some time this (or next) weekend, I'll have to visit Breukelen then.

Very Good:))) you have everything you need,have fun.

I just spend all afternoon building a fancy stand for a future 7 day set.. The finish is drying right now, but I'll post it later :p