Thread: New to straight razor shaving

Hello all, I am new to straight razor shaving and I need a little guidance. A co-worker has got me very interested in this hobby. I know nothing about where to get started. I am 24 years old and I'm tried of throwing money away on disposable blades that leave my face still rough. What would be a good razor, strop, shaving cream,etc to start with? Any help would be great!

Hi, Billy, and welcome to SRP! Glad to have you aboard.
For a razor, that depends on if you want a "brand new" one like a Dovo 6/8" (which has always received positive reviews from SRP members, and is frequently recommended for rookies) or a used one. If the latter is the case, I strongly suggest you look in the Classifieds section here at SRP. This is because you are (usually) getting a truly shave-ready razor (be sure to confirm this with the vendor!) and, as members here, they do have a reputation to uphold. I am unwilling to publicly recommend any specific vendor over any other as I think it would violate the rules of gentlemanly conduct for SRP. If you wish, you may PM me for a specific recommendation.
Strops: go to whippeddog.com and check out their "poor boy" strop. They also have a two-sided strop (one with both a leather side and a linen one). I suggest the combo leather & linen strop for beginners. This goes for about $35 U.S. Alternatively, check the SRP classifieds again. My opinion is that the two-sided whippeddog.com strop is the way to go.
Shaving cream: there are so many from which to choose! Wal-Mart (and several other U.S.-based stores) carry VDH (Van Der Haagen). Try this out as they do sell a soap/brush combination pack for about $15 U.S.
Hone: don't get one just yet. Learn to shave and strop w/a straight blade first.
Brush: I recommended you get the VDH pack first. The brush isn't all that great, but some members here really like it.
Be sure to check out the Wiki section here at WRP -- there's a wealth of info about everything you want to know. Of course, questions are ALWAYS welcome, and the senior members here are second to none in their willingness to aid new wet shavers.
See you in the trenches, buddy!

Thank you for the fast reply. I did not know walmart carried that product. I have also been eye balling a couple dovos but I can not decide which way to go for my first razor.

Either check out what is on offer in the SRP classifieds or check out sites like whipped dog.com, Straight Razor Designs.com or Classic Shaving.com. You will need:-

1) A shave soap/cream

2) A shave brush

3) A strop

4) A razor

You can add to that with a shave mug or scuttle, but they're optional. A good shave ready razor can be had from any of the sites I mentioned above but I would suggest you buy a budget priced vintage razor to start off with, something around 5/8 or 6/8...(You can get a decent 8/8 or larger later on. It's alright to start small ).


Mick

Ask your coworker to have a visit at his house and show you his shaving stuff. Seeing someone's setup and having them show you some skills is the best experience. Make a friend too.

Michael