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

So I've been wanting to take up straight razor shaving for sometime. I have been doing research but so much of the information is hard to understand that I don't know where to start. I'm mostly having trouble with a razor choice. There are so many different number and descriptions of the razor that i really don't follow. I will say that I have to shave everyday for work (military) and I grow a decent 5 o'clock shadow. I let it go on the weekends as I'm so used to having my face irritated by an electric razor or the 5 bladed disposables. I guess I'm looking for the best value for my money for where to start. An all-in-one kit would be great, but doesn't have to be that way. I would just hate to drop the money, and then not like it and be out a few hundred bucks. Any help would be great. This forum seems like a good bunch of guys so help me out anyway you can. Thanks guys.

Aloha and Welcome, I am new also. You will get many answers for where to start and what gear and equipment to get. I bought a all in one kit from SRD. My father has also given to me a vintage razor that is currently getting cleaned and honed. I have to shave everyday myself we have the same employer. What have you looked at so far or what do you think that you might like?

Im looking for basic as a start. Im not even sure about blade sizes, strop sizes, hollow sizes (?).

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. :gl:

Welcome to SRP!

There's a LOT of information on here to absorb. It'll take months/years!

If you're looking for some good entry level stuff, check out Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment.
He hones and sells older but still serviceable razors for a good price. They aren't show-peices but they shave well.
There is also 'The poor mans strop' which will serve you well while you're learning.

If you want to have a little more choice, take a look at the classifieds on this site. There's always good razors on there and usually at a decent price.

Nobody can tell you what will work best for you, it depends on a whole bunch of things! The only way to know for sure is to try a few out. They will all work, some will just work better for you than others based on beard type, technique and personal preference.

I hope this helps.
It should get you started at least!

Welcome to the club,

-DISCLAIMER-

STRAIGHT SHAVING IS TERRIBLY ADDICTIVE AND YOU WILL LIKELY FIND YOURSELF WITH A MUCH LARGER COLLECTION OF RAZORS THAT YOU PLAN ON HAVING.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hawk60ce

Im looking for basic as a start. Im not even sure about blade sizes, strop sizes, hollow sizes (?).

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Start here if you have not read this already, Straight Razor Place Wiki - Straight Razor Place Wiki

i like the idea of $80-$130 price point. Would someone be so kind as to show me a few links of where i could get started for this price point? I really just know nothing about brands. Seems as though Dovo (?) seems like a decent one?

That is a pretty Dovo the cost is higher than the others because of the wood that the scales are made out of and the fact that the blade is Stainless Steel.

Keep in mind it's your first, so if it has cheap plastic scales no biggie. Lots of guys keep their first razors and have new scales put on them to "show" em' up a bit later on when their collections have expanded, and yours will too, everyone on this forum had the one and done idea...yeah, didn't happen that way :w

ok. i'll give the links a look when i get a chance. thanks!

PMFJI --

Your best bet for "one-stop shopping" is Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment

The "Whipped Dog" "sight-unseen" deal (including the Poor Man's strop kit and shaving brush) is very good for low-budget, first-time straight razor users.

You could buy a used vintage razor from the "Classified" section on this website for $40 (and up), and get a strop / brush / shaving soap separately. You'd spend just as much money (or more), and have to deal with several vendors.

Think of this as an _experiment_, not a commitment. If you like it, and have the cash, you can "upgrade" equipment, one piece at a time.

Another question:

. . . Where are you ?

There might be somebody local who can give you a hand.

. Charles

Columbus Ohio

I will probably shoot whipped dog an email. thanks again guys

There's a bit of a wait on Whippeddog razors at the minute

Yea I got an email back from them. Found a package deal at one of the sponsors for under $200. It included a Dovo, 3 in strop, brush, stand, mug, and soap. Going to do some more research on techniques but this may be the way ago. Still a little confused on stropping, I've watched a video on here, but the gentleman was using a board strop. That seems like it might be easier for a beginner? How or what do you attach leather strops too? Thanks guys

As a fellow noob, I thought I'd share my recent week with you, as it seems your only a few days behind me on getting started. +1 For Whipped dog.

I recently ordered the poor man strop kit, a brush handle, and soap sampler pack, (Total price for all that was less than $50). Through correspondence with whom I assume is his wife Megan, I learned that a family emergency has Larry indisposed at the moment, but I've plans for a "sight unseen" once Larry is back to it.

It just felt wrong to add to Larry's razor queue with the family emergency, so I ended up getting a razor off the classifieds here for around $50. Then over to "The golden nib" for a "finest" badger knot that I'll assemble into the handle from Larry.

So…for basically right around $130 plus a bit of shipping, I've been able to pick and choose some "quality", (to me IMHO), gear to get started with. I have no experience to speak from, but it's a common consensus here that your first strop will be trashed during the stropping learning curve. Just a few things to keep in mind as you build your kit.

Like I mentioned, I have no experience as of yet myself other than gathering the gear… but I've learned a lot just from researching, and feel like I've gotten off to a good start with my choices so far. But there's a thousand ways to skin a cat… Just thought I'd share my experience of getting off the ground with you. I wish you the best of luck, and most of all… patience! It can be tough at first to hold off on the fancy expensive gear, especially with e-bay razors winking at you, and all the expensive beautiful kits offered all over the web. Just ask yourself, "What do I NEED?", and try to balance that with "What do I want?".

In retrospect, I probably spent more on my brush than any other part of the kit, because I knew I wanted a nice one. It's not "top of the line", but it's what I wanted. In the end, it's all about what makes you happy, and what gets it done. Good luck sir, and sorry for the novel.

Made my order with straight razor designs. They are in Ohio and not too far from me, just don't want to drive 2+ hours in this weather. Should be here by Friday though and I can give it a shot this weekend. Thanks for the help and I'm sure ill be back with more questions.

Cool congratulations on your purchase!!! If I may ask which one did you chose? PM if you don't want it to be public knowledge. What does your coworkers think of your new shaving method or have you told them?

Just a Dovo 6/8 SR with 3 in strop. Nothing fancy but seems like it will get the job done. Been doing a lot of research on DE razors too. When it's all said and done though, all I want is a nice close shave with little to no irritation. Don't think I've EVER shaved and had no irritation!

You'll like it, you just have to find the right angles for your face and hair growth, and when we say no pressure we mean NO PRESSURE! All you are doing is light short "strokes", the weight of the 6/8 will be enough to go through the whiskers w/ Lynn's edges.

I've found that just searching Lynn Abrams on YouTube has answered tons of questions. Never thought I'd be watching videos of a guy shaving!! Anyways, I'm excited to receive my order and get started. My face is tire up right now and I'm dreading one more night of my electric and fusion!! Just 2 more days and a nice long weekend. Thanks for everything guys!