Thread: 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.

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.

Originally Posted by Hawk60ce

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

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

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