Jumping in feet first.

[MCrooks]

I have been considering switching to a straight razor for a while since I am running low on the crazy multi blades for the vibrating thing that leave me irritated. So today when I was out with the lady and came across this guy I couldn't resist.



Its a Robeson Sure Edge, from what I've read it was made 1907-1910. Seemingly all good reviews and for $45 I think a good deal. As a beginner at this I don't have anything but know I need a strop and brush at the very least. I'm also planning on sending it to Lynn Abrams to have it honed as the edge is dull and I don't have the tools to do it right the first time. I've spent the last 2 hours reading the site but what am I forgetting or words of wisdom do you think I need?

Thanks

[TrilliumLT]

You are forgetting some of the best part of straight shaving, the many opinions of shaving soups and creams. The Pre-shave creams and oils.
Welcome to the World of Wet Shaving and SRP.
Looks like you scored a beautiful razor so dont waste it. There is a steep learning curve with wet shaving but you wont regret it. Your friends and family will call you crazy, but in time they will as you to teach them.
Enjoy the ride and Please feel free to ask lots of questions. We are here to help!

[Prahston]

That is one sweet looking blade! Looks to be resting against a 'Taylor Of Old Bond Street', can't read the name for sure, but maybe Sandalwood shave cream packaged with a brush? That is great stuff! I have that set and the brush isn't half bad at all.

As far as just getting started goes... I think you just need a cup/scuttle to mix the shave cream up in and a styptic pencil/Gel to address bleeding. That is probably going to happen and sometimes is hard to stop so you should be prepared. Other than that, I think you're ready to roll once the blade comes back.

But, your collection will likely build... And build... And build... And build...

Have fun and best of luck!

[dustoff003]

Welcome to SPR. That is a nice looking vintage razor and should be a good shaver. I have a vintage razor currently being cleaned and honed right now myself, I can't wait for Glen/gssixgun to finish it. In the mean time I ordered a modern razor and all of my gear from SRD, I got the Dovo Natural 5/8. The Dovo and gear from SRD arrived on Thursday I plan to go and go my first shave today. I started for much the same reasons as you, good luck to the both of us.

[celestino]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on the straight! Good luck.

[tiddle]

Lynn will do a great job honing that up; it's a great first score as well. Go ahead and pay extra and have him unpin and clean it up as well might be some gunk in there against the tang you can't see. Other than that it looks in really good condition.

[Havachat45]

I think you should send that razor to me immediately for proper disposal - it could be dangerous....

Just kidding - it is beautiful - enjoy it in good health

[Cangooner]

That depends on your definition of 'need'!

If you get that razor (great find, by the way) fixed up by Lynn and get yourself a strop and brush, you're well on your way to covering the basics. Next will be some soap or creme, and you'll get as many opinions on that as people you ask. There are lots of great soaps and cremes out there, so while you're waiting to get the razor back, give some thought to what kinds of scents you like (if any), and spend yet more hours (!) searching the forum here for suggestions for good soaps. One word of caution about soap though: what works for one person in one place may not be so great for another elsewhere. The characteristics of your local water supply can have an effect on lather. So you might have to try a couple.

Sorry! I was going to try to keep it simple...

The essentials: shave-ready razor, brush & soap, strop. I'd get a styptic pencil, some astringent (alum block or witch hazel tend to be favourites)
The bonus gear: bowl and/or scuttle, more soaps, aftershave, more razors, more strops, hones (oh NO! I'm buying bloody hones now...?) barber hones, pre-shave oils, towel steamer, lather machine, barber chair...



Seriously though, keep it simple to start. Try not to introduce too many variables off the bat as that makes diagnosing issues tricky.

And most importantly - enjoy it!