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So.. I really want to try using a straight razor, and I have done a bit or research. Is it really the best to have a 5/8 round tip? I found a what seems to be decent starter kit but it has a 3/4 round tip and is half hollowed. Would this be decent for a beginner? If not does anyone have any ideas for starter razors?
You'll do fine with a 6/8 (we don't call them "3/4") round tip.
Don't get hung up on details.
A round tip is recommended by most people (and me) -- there's less chance of digging into your face, than with a square tip. You can learn to shave (and strop) with any weight from "singing" to 1/4-hollow grind. 5/8 vs 6/8 is just a matter of personal preference.
What's important is that the edge be hand-honed (several vendors will do that for you), and that the razor is properly hardened.
. . . What "starter kit", in particular, are you looking at?
Charles
+1 to cpcohen1945. My first razor has been a boker king cutter from SRD. It's been awesome. Welcome to the brotherhood ;-)
The question is 'is it worth the money to YOU?'
I haven't dealt with SRD, however, I believe that they are very good value.
5/8 or 6/8 round points are good starting razors. As far as whether those starter kits are a good deal it all boils down to your personal preference. Do you want new or do you want second hand. Whats more important is that you buy a razor that comes prehoned and ready to shave.
I like 5/8 razors. I started with that width. My favorites are still 5/8. They just seem more nimble to me.
When I shave with a wider heavier razor it's a bit of a challenge. That said, I think one can start with either. Your next blade can be 5/8!
Srd is a great, full service shop. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them.
Go for it. SRP is very reputable and backs everything they provide.
Looks good to me! That is if you want to go new instead of vintage. Just a matter of preference.
Which ever size you decide on make sure it has a rounded toe and Jimps. You don't want the razor slipping around in your hand while you are learning.
Hi Fieldmouse, and welcome!
I started with 5/8 blades, and have found that 6/8 suits me better... but that of course is personal preference. The Dovo Best is the least expensive new-stock razor I would trust; anything below that price point seems dicey. Like Nun2sharp says, SRD has great customer service. One of the owners is also this site's founder, so he's had a zillion chances to develop his reputation, which is impeccable. You might find the occasional item at a lower price, but the packages are fairly priced and the honing is top-notch.
Start with the blade you want to start with, as long as it's professionally honed. For your first shave, do not strop it first, so you'll be sure to experience the edge as it should be. Your first shave will not be the glorious thing so many of us rhapsodize about; it'll feel a little rough and tuggy. As your technique improves, so will your shave. We advise to not-strop for your first shave because a lot of guys are a little rough on their first stropping and actually damage the edge. This just removes a variable, if you should post later that "My first shave didn't feel very good. Is my razor sharp enough?" If you got it from a good honer and didn't damage it stropping, then yes, it's sharp enough.
There are two beginning questions that you can answer with the same action: Is my razor sharp enough, and How hard should I press? Start on the easy spots, sideburns and cheeks, and press only hard enough to scrape away the lather. If your beard prep was good and your razor is properly sharp, the whiskers come away in the lather as if by magic.
Best wishes and happy shopping.
Thank you ALL for your feedback, suggestion and advice.
I submitted my purchase order today and hopefully will receive by the end of this week. I will have a good growth of facial hair and whiskers by then to really give the razor a go.:cool:
Ole, Kudos for taking the plunge. You'll do better than I did, I'm betting. I do think the kit you chose will be good to you. I've shaved & honed w/ the Dovo 6/8 BQ and it surprised me as a very good value. It'll deliver the goods long after your RAD has you panting after more fancy looking blades. For now - you can spin your head around w/ all the little details and controversies, but right now there's just 3 things that matter. The shave itself (see 'your first str8 shave on the home page), Making lather (look up the vids by Mantic), and Stropping (see Glen's 3/11 beginner's tips on stropping). If you are able, find some members near you and get some face to face time. It'll help alot. You're about to fall in love w/ a great shave.
Excellent!
Can't wait to hear about your first shave.
IMO you should aim for 1-3 days growth for the first shave.
Don't plan on doing your whole face the first time. Keep your old razor handy.
Enjoy!!
Michael
Good deal man, I would suggest going the same route I did as well; I watched lynn's video before I even took the razor out of the container, and took the plastic off the strop at least 3 times, and watched very carefully the stropping section. You made a smart move getting the dvd with the setup. :tu
My purchased order arrived this morning. And boy am I glad that I answered the door to receive the package. I say this because the items were shipped in a long rectangular box that could have been mistaken by my wife for -Albeit unattractive cardboard brown- for a box of flowers.:)
"Oh Honey! You bought me... a strop?"Quote:
Originally Posted by OLE
First Straight Razor Shave: The closest shave I have had to date! The shave includeded three passes on each side of face. And three passes on neck area accompanied with two passes with cartridge razor for the closest shave I have had to date!
Goal: Two passes with straight razor with no need for cartridge razor.
I bought the same kit when I started; just different scales and I went with the black Latigo. I think that Straight Razor Design is the best company to deal with, I've submitted questions on their site and I have always gotten a timely response and they don't just recommend the most expensive item. I've only been straight razor shaving for 9 months and it has been a journey. I still have a hard time getting a BBS shave on my neck (my whiskers grow from east to west on my neck). But I still enjoy it and I am hooked now. I currently own 5 razors (2 of which I purchased from SRD and that is what I am basing my recommendation on - they were way more helpful on those two purchases than where I purchased the other 3 from). I purposely didn't mention the other places because they weren't bad to deal with at all but SRD was just head and shoulders above them.