Some tips from a Noob to all you other Noobs out there.

I have not been shaving long with my straight razor and I do not believe that in my short time thus far that I am properly qualified to give any advice concerning the use of a straight razor. However I wish to impart to others what I have learned and these little tips may come in handy for some.

First off read as much as you can on these forum boards about using your razor, I certainly didnt and it has cost me not only in money but patience too, I skipped the posts about poor quality straight razors and have found myself with 5....yes folks...5 low grade razors of varying makes and all below the £10 mark. These low grade razors chewed up my face and made me question if this truly was the best way to shave.

Then, after reading up on those posts that I missed I went out and invested in a Dovo razor for £60. My first shave with it was an absolute dream and I had the smoothest shave yet! free from cuts, sores, nics and other unpleasantness that came from learnin to shave with an inferior quality razor.....lesson here is to invest in that beautyfull Dovo for that first shave.


BUT: Use a cheap inferior razor for practicing your stropping or honing techniques with because if you make a mistake or are a little unsure of what your are doing like I was, then buggering up a cheap razor has cost you nothing, I dont have much money nor income and if I lost the edge on my Dovo through my amatuer stropping or honing I think right about now.....I would cry.

I have used all my life either a Gillete DE razor that belonged to my Great Uncle or alternated it with my trusty Ever Ready Single Edged razor which I learned to shave with, these implements are excellent for that quickie shave in the morning when you have 10 mins before setting out for work, using the techniques you used from a young age with your most belpved razor will not work with a straight razor par se.

You need the time and patience to re-learn to shave, yes you will make mistakes and will always be seeking advice...I know I do and am, but stick with it, it takes me about 30mins to have a shave, ok this maybe a bit long but I love it, I really do like taking my time and shaving has now turned from a chore into a pleasure and I also see it as an art, eventually you will strive towards the ultimate shave...the BBS....and will maybe go on to start collecting and trying out other straight razors of vintage age.

I myself just picked up a Kalibri which has been restored and I am looing forward to trying it out!

I also recommend for those like myself who have a tough stubble to invest in a pot of "Proraso pre-post shave cream", this was a tip I read up on here for softening up those tough hairs! my jar cost £10 and a little goes a long way, the cream smells nice and works miracles! I rubbed this in after my shower and let the hair abosorb it whilst I prepared my implements for my shave, upon two carefull passes I had the closest shave of my life.

I ran through the house bouncing around like a kid, I was truly ecstatic that I had finally got to this point with my shaving, my wife thinks I spend more time in the bathroom then her and takes the mick a bit but you know what I dont care because after I have splashed on the florida water or that bay rum I really do feel pleased with myself......that I am beginning to shave properly....my skin feels better.....and taking that extra time in the bathroom seems to ready me properly for the day....so a chore has now become a moment of sheer pleasure leaving me looking forward to that next shave.

So fellow Noobs, take my advice and read...read like there is no tomorrow and ask those questions you have, never assume this is easy, always have patience, invest in the best razors, creams and aftershaves and do not waste your time on the cheap, the nasty and the ugly of razors, creams and balms and eventually you will have a shave that will leave you feeling proud and happy.

I hope some of these tips help, I have learned my lesson.