Thread: Want to get into straight razor shaving -

Thanks for your contribution! Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier. The strop seems to be the second most expensive piece of all the requirements, I'm guessing an expensive strop is preferable to a cheap strop, even for beginners?

Maybe check out whipped dog razors... Seems like a fair guy and can get you up and running for reasonable prices. I've not done business with him but considered it a few times. I think the most important thing has already been mentioned. Start with a shave ready razor and take a huge variable out of the game right away. There is enough to take in even after you know you have a sharp enough tool for the job.

You definitely are getting into it for the right reasons and if you do choose to pursue this you can be assured that you will get years of enjoyment out of your new passion and an art that you never cease to learn. Everything looks covered above. Just find a shave ready razor from a reputable dealer and get what looks aesthetically pleasing to you. All of the razors sold on SRD and sites of the like are of great quality so don't get too hung up on brands. Just get what looks good to you and is in your price range. Please do yourself a favor and check out the Wiki here on this site for razors to avoid. No one will ever convince me that a 150 dollar brush will give you a better shave than a 40-50 dollar one. More comfortable yes, better shave, no. I prefer creams to soaps but that is just me, if you can afford it try both. You may also want to consider buying two razors. A new one and a used less expensive one from a place like whipped dog who sells vintage but quality professionally honed razors. You can get them for around 50 bucks or less. Often times as a beginner you may strop incorrectly, bump your blade, drop it, or a host of other things that will damage your blade. It is good to have a back up as you will want to send the damaged one out to be pro honed.