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Thread: Advice for Total Beginner
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09-04-2012, 11:40 PM #1
- Join Date
- Sep 2012
- Posts
- 3
Thanked: 0Thanks for the replies guys. What about just what razor to buy (SE or DE and which ones specifically)? I'll be needing that obviously.
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09-05-2012, 12:31 AM #2
- Join Date
- Jul 2012
- Location
- Central Missouri
- Posts
- 1,690
Thanked: 247Do you want to learn a Straight razor, or Double Edge razor? I would suggest that your preference is going to be the deciding factor.
DEs probably have a shallower learning curve, and (at least one friend reports) it is faster...though I feel like I am getting pretty fast with my Straight.
I know little about DEs, but straights...I would suggest that anything you find on the sites hosted by the sponsors is going to be pretty good quality. Take a look and see what appeals to you visually, then come back and ask about it. Guys will tell you the pros and cons of anything (for example, square points or spikes are fantastic for sculpting work, but that sharp angular toe can bite you pretty quickly...so beginners might prefer a round toe).
There is much to learn...and as expensive as it sounds, do not try to over burden yourself with selecting the PERFECT razor right out of the gate, because as you learn, you will likely evolve in your wants, tastes, and needs...and eventually buy another one (or 12 ).
Have fun, and jump on in. There are many ways to start cheap...used/vintage is a GREAT way to do this, but perhaps the MOST important thing is to make sure that whatever you get is TRULY well honed and SHAVE READY.
C'mon in the water is nice....and deep
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09-05-2012, 01:01 AM #3
- Join Date
- Mar 2010
- Location
- Boise, Idaho
- Posts
- 334
Thanked: 57For a newbie I recommend a 6/8. The wider blade allows for better control on the strop and on the face.
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09-05-2012, 01:38 AM #4
- Join Date
- Feb 2012
- Location
- New England
- Posts
- 625
Thanked: 109YMMV
It just keeps getting better
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09-05-2012, 01:55 AM #5
Hi Albatrosspro,
As a fellow new guy who just took the plunge, welcome to the site! I jumped in with:
Vulfix Pure Badger Brush
Ogallala Bay Rum Soap (The Sage & Cedar lathers very nicely once you get some practise and I think it smells quite nice as well)
Dovo Shavette with black blades (close to the length of a straight)
A lathering bowl
Alum block
Body Shop aftershave (the one thats not really scented)
Its been pretty smooth sailing so far, a few cuts and nicks here and there but the blades are sharp and do not hurt too much. The alum seems to clear up the smaller cuts and nicks very well. I found the hardest part of adjustment to be working with the mirror and getting my grips sorted out but after 2 shaves that felt much better and by the 3rd it didnt feel like much of an issue.
One tip I would give is to start the razor at a 0*degree and then slowly raise to 30*degree for your cut. If you are below 30 with a pass that is with the grain you may only slightly cut or just move out the lather but at least its safer than putting the razor on your face and then just going for it. I've also noticed that my skin can stand up to some "oh shit" moments and that the blade & skin will let you know when its in danger of being cut (but not all the time!)
I found these lathering guides to be useful
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/21136 and
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...28#post2141228
Sorry for posting another forum but I found the photos to be really really really useful and more than I could find at SRP
And here are some youtube videos that I found useful as well:
How To Build And Apply Traditional Shaving Lather - YouTube
Barbershop Shave Prep - YouTube
PARKER SHAVETTE FOLDING RAZOR SHAVE: TOSS YOUR MULTI BLADE CARTRIDGE Go "OLD SKOOL" w/ Your Shaving! - YouTube
and some other links
Sharpologist.com: Mantic59's wet shaving, grooming guide and more
Geofatboy's Shaving Blog
Last edited by xplodngKeys; 09-05-2012 at 02:06 AM. Reason: readability