Thread: Want to get into straight razor shaving -

Here's a little bio.
I'm 16, and haven't been shaving too long.
The real point is that I'm interested in using a straight razor, and I'm willing to dish out the money that's required, and no, not my mother's money, I promise. I guess the reason I'm interested in this is because I really appreciate the old fashioned way of things, along with formality and class, which is typically shown in my everyday attire. Okay, we got that outta' the way.
I'd like a little help with choosing shaving cream, brushes, razors, etc.
As razors go, I've had a look at some, but not an extensive collection. I'd like a razor (or at least I think I do) that's really minimalistic, preferably something relatively similar to this:
Amazon.com: Dovo "Flowing" Straight Razor, Grenadille Handles, Full Hollow, Carbon Steel, 5/8": Health & Personal Care
Now, I really don't know what razor I need, but any advice regarding really anything would be greatly appreciated. I also don't know how the whole shaving cream thing works, and I don't know too much about keeping the razor sharp except for sharpening it against some strap thing.
Anyway, thanks for giving this a read, and hopefully some of you enjoy it for whatever reason.

Get a good badger hair brush... Silver tip is said to be best. I'm loving my Silver tip from the Art of Shaving.

And the soaps from The Straight Razor Place are fantastic. I particularly like their West Indies Bay, Frankincense, and Opus X soaps. Half of the experience is the soothing essential oil smells while you shave.

I'm a noob who took it up mid-life, 3 months in now and loving it. The whole ritual is like the perfect old-timey Andy Griffith spa experience for my face.

That's exactly what I'm looking for, haha.
Just a few questions if you wouldn't mind answering: how does the soap thing work? and how do you spot a good shaving soap? Reason I ask is I live in Mexico, and I don't really know my way around the shops considering I just made the move, and I'm not confident I'd be able to find anything like it down here. I guess I could always stockpile on shaving materials when I visit the U.S.

Sorry to get inquire so late. Have you tried creams? And if so, why soaps over creams?

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.

I think a 5/8" is a good size blade and Dovo straight's are good make sure the blade is shave ready (I suggest checking out Straight razor designs web site, their straight's are shave ready).You will need a strop, and Shaving brush. Check out stroptober on SRP (do a search) ,lots of vids to help you learn to strop. Check out SRP wiki for info. on straight razors and using them. As far as soaps and creams, you have lots to choose from, I would look in the soaps and creams section of this forum, maybe one that's being talked about will catch your attention. And if you ask question's I'm sure you'll get answers with this bunch.

G'Day and welcome to SRP - WOW, you haven't been shaving too long at age 16 - at 16 a rub with a rough towel was enough.....

I have just started using ARKO soap and love it - it makes a great lather.

Have a look at YouTube for mantic69 - he does some great instructional videos on everything to do with wet shaving.

Hope this helps.

Since you are in Mexico you might have some issues making lather with soap or cream because of the water. Are you in a hard water area? The reason I bring this up is this...a good lathering really makes for a good shave. It is one component but an important one. Even if you buy a great soap, and can not lather it properly due to technique and or water quality, I don't want you getting Put off in frustration.
Something to consider and hope it helps.
Anthony

Welcome! Look for vendors that say "professionally sharpened", not "factory sharpened". They aren't shave ready (not from amazon). There are plenty of vendors and people here to buy from, check the classifieds, and the vendors links for anything you need. A 3" latigo strop is a must. As far as soaps and creams, look for tallow or glycerin as the 2nd or 3rd ingredient; those will usually provide the best lathers vrs ones w/ water, chemicals, chemicals, chemicals, then castor oil or mineral oil of some sort in the labels. A good aftershave balm would be best to use before delving into splashes; you will be learning good technique at first and will find your face a bit irritated at times, so the balms help a lot w/ that. A good badger or horse hair brush will be the way to go; all work well, and depending on how stiff your beard is you can choose the softness of the bristles and the amt of $$ you're willing to drop on a brush. Be sure and go to the "razors to avoid page" in the search box so you don't get ripped off by a pretty trinket made of crap (sparkly turd if you will) steel that won't hold an edge to save its life.

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?