Thread: Newb Trying To Take It All In...Where To Start??

Well first you want to set a price point; most kits are going to run about $130 + up for strop, razor, brush, and soap. That's not bad really. Next decide if you want the spike or round point; since you said you are military you may/or may not have to be clean shaven if you do, I would go for the round point since you really won't need the precision of the square tip, which is usally used to help trimming around facial hair and/or sideburns. The sizes are basically the measurement from the lip of the spine to the very edge (ie the width of the blade in 1/8" s). 5/8 are pretty nimble but usually very light weight. The 6/8 are still just as nimble but add some weight to the blade, which is why it is usally suggested for new guys b/c the extra weight tends to make them want to push the blade like a fusion or mach 3 less than with the light 5/8. The hollows are just the type of grind; There really isn't that much of a shave difference between the full and half hollows; which for your basic starter is probably all you will see, unless you are willing to spend extra money or get one to be resotred. I would suggest a 3" strop so it covers the whole blade, so you don't have to worry about using the x-stroke and learning to strop at the same time; plus it may save some unruly wear and tear on it as well as you are learning. Make sure the razor you get is professionally honed like at SRD or vintagebladesllc.com. Also go to the search bar and type in "razors to avoid", this will help you avoid cheap razors that are cheap for a reason. Look to spend between $80-$120 for your first razor b/c if you get the cheapest you can find, and it shaves like the cheapest you will never know for sure if it was something you would have stuck w/ in the long run.