Thread: Starting Out

Hey guys.
So, I really want to get into straight razor shaving. Just as a preface, I am only 14 so I'm still just taking of peach fuzz 2x a week. I would love to get the full set up, but I don't have the resources at the moment. So, I am considering getting the Parker SR1. I has some pretty awesome reviews, and is in my price range. Should I go for it? Or is it not worth it at my age? Any comments or suggestions welcomed!
Thanks in advance,
Parker

Hi Parker,

First off I'm not that experienced myself either yet, but I'll give you my 2 cents I started off at the age of 21 and went for a set including a vintage blade which was fairly priced as well (like 25 euro). Now I think there are two thinks for you to really consider, first off there is the 'getting to know' your bearding and facial contours, which I suppose you haven't fully mastered since your face is still developing itself. So if you would choose to go straight, be very careful and slow and see how your face, skin and bearding responds to different approaches.

Second I have no experience what so ever with any comparable blade, so I cannot comment on that, I really recommend to wait for a reply from someone experienced who has. But what I can advice you is getting a cheap vintage from a proper source, it won't be the most stunning piece you have ever glanced upon but it will have a proven history of shaving (which is both beneficial and just plain cool ).

Good luck!

Originally Posted by parkerskouson

Hey guys.
So, I really want to get into straight razor shaving. Just as a preface, I am only 14 so I'm still just taking of peach fuzz 2x a week. I would love to get the full set up, but I don't have the resources at the moment. So, I am considering getting the Parker SR1. I has some pretty awesome reviews, and is in my price range. Should I go for it? Or is it not worth it at my age? Any comments or suggestions welcomed!
Thanks in advance,
Parker

Hi Parker,
I've never used a Parker SR1, or any thing similar, only the normal string of plastic things until I saw the light and got my first straight. I also use a DE on Saturdays. However, here's what I'd do and why...

I know my five razors all feel different, some are smoother and some are sharper than others. Some of forgiving and some are less so. I wouldn't go the way of the Parker SR1, even though it might seem 'scarier', a straight, I feel, could be honed to be just what you need. I got my 21 year old son shaving with a straight maybe six months ago. I think he gets away with a less sharp razor than I, as he has quite a light beard. My 14 year old son mentioned the other day that maybe he should start shaving soon, and I really hope he does with a straight or maybe a DE. I'm sure I could hone one up for him to be just a little less than really sharp. I find my 5/8 wade and Butcher to be a really soft feeling steel.

I think it'd be very interesting if you looked for a nice old vintage razor, with a Spanish or French toe, and bought it off someone who could hone it for you with a smooth, forgiving edge, i.e. not super scary sharp. You'll need a strop, but, with very light beard growth, shaving once or twice a week, I think you could save up for it and just use folded newspaper for a few weeks without too much of a problem.

Next you'll need at least one more razor and a Norton 4/8 hone, and you'll be set for the rest of your life, really...

+ 1 on calling them. I had a similar situation once (not with said vendor), I paid with PayPal e-check...took 5 days for that stupid e-check to clear! Since then I use regular PayPal or credit card.

Not saying this is the same situation but, if I hadn't called the vendor I would have assumed they dropped the ball when in fact PayPal was just slow paying.

Parker, you've got a lot of people looking out for you here. You'll be just fine.

Originally Posted by ZeroCool

+ 1 on calling them. I had a similar situation once (not with said vendor), I paid with PayPal e-check...took 5 days for that stupid e-check to clear.

Yeah, eChecks are slow clearing, esp from one country to another. And then after that I have to wait for (on average) another 9 or 10 days before the thing to arrive from the side of the world that generally has the stuff I want to buy at the right price.

I don't think that's the case, because I paid with a credit card to a company based in Oklahoma. But, ill call anyway just to make sure. Thanks guys!

When you get on the phone, remember you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Be nice. Being grumpy about a late order or bad service never got me anywhere.

Parker, have you mentioned this to your parents?

Michael

Originally Posted by mjsorkin

Parker, have you mentioned this to your parents?

Michael

Michael,
At first I was wondering what the heck you were talking about & went back to page 1. I did a double take on the opening introduction, I'm not sure why I didn't catch this earlier. Thank you.

Parker,
I just shaved with the razor I plan on sending you & it shaves well, however there will be a catch. The picture of the shaving products will have to be with your parents in the picture. I will give you a personal email address to send it to so that it will not be public. I will also need to talk to them over the telephone. This is simply out of respect to them & liability due to your being 14 years old. We are talking about me sending you one of the sharpest instruments on earth to you, so both you and I owe it to your folks to discuss what is going on. Maybe we can get the whole family to convert to straights! I will PM you my telephone number in case your folks need any clarification or just have questions. We are going to talk one way or another...

I think it's great you are delving into our "art" as a young man, heck...I wish I would have! Fair warning though, once you get used to a nice gentleman's shave...nothing compares.