Newcomer Here....

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the world of straight razors. Well I learned it from my dad long time ago. But never stuck too it!

I am reading up a bit on the wiki of the site. And am finding all the information a bit too overwhelming to begin with. From what i read, is this a good choice:

1. 6/8 razor.
2. Half hollow.

I searched online a bit and found this:

Amazon.com: DOVO Spanish Oak 6/8 Straight Razor Set: Health & Personal Care

Just wanted to know is this too much to invest for a beginner? If yes, could you tell me something much more reasonable and good buying choice.

Time to be a MAN! :p

Well I was just looking around, Amazon is just one of my favorite places to shop, that is why i look there first.

So what you are saying is, if i get it from the links you sent, they will be properly honed and sharpened for the first few shaves?

Yeah sorta :) some places hone them all, some places charge extra for the honing, and just to be clear there is a huge difference in comfort between a "Factory Sharpened razor" and a "Professionally Honed razor"

So in that site.... should i look for the "Professionally Honed" razors?

And what is the difference between a carbon steel and stainless steel? Is there any actual difference in shaving/durability/comfort/maintenance?

ONe more question... i read the honing stones section. To start with do i need all the different types of stones mentioned (1k, 4k, 8k and 10k+) or just 4000 and 8000 will be enough?

I do believe that you will need a 12000 too, but don't take my word for it.

As far as I know, carbon is harder and more difficult to hone, but will hold an edge longer.

If I were you, I would get used to shaving, stropping and face prep BEFORE getting into honing.

It makes the learning curve a little less steep and your face will thank you

Ok. Its just that i don't know much of it. I only knew i need a brush, cream and a razor. But after reading, got confused a bit.

So what should be my shopping list?

Razor, Brush, Soap and a Strop?

Yes. You might want an alum block as well, or sceptic pencil, in case you get razor burn, or cut yourself "which you most definitely will" ;-)
Oh and aftershave lotion/balm

I do have a after shave balm from Gillette! Is mentioning this brand here a sin?? :angel:

The only issue for me is that I don't have any fixed budget! So cant decide on how much to spend. Don't wanna spend a bomb and end up ruining the blades. Also don't want a cheapo one! Something that is down the middle. The soaps, stops and brush are something $75 alone. So am thinking of which razor to get.

Brush:
http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vsho...cat=240&page=1

Soap:
http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vsho...cat=117&page=1

Strop:
http://www.amazon.com/Leather-Canvas...=leather+strop

Razor:
I am leaning towards this:
http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vsho...cat=132&page=1


Is it a good choice? Do you guys think that $80 is too much as well? Or can i get something cheaper so that self-inflicted damage is not that painful? :)


Question is: Do i need a strop paste or powder?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hellstorm2004

Ok. Its just that i don't know much of it. I only knew i need a brush, cream and a razor. But after reading, got confused a bit.

So what should be my shopping list?

Razor, Brush, Soap and a Strop?

---

Correct.

You can get all that new from many vendors already mentioned. The exact blade width and grind doesn't matter much. I'd recommend a round point (rather than square), but others will disagree. The important thing is that the razor be _sharp_ when it arrives.

Stropping will keep the blade sharp for months. When it gets dull, you have two ways to go:

1. Send it out for honing;

2. Get a hone, or hones, or pasted strop, and sharpen it yourself. There's a learning curve . . .

That's in the future. First, you should learn to shave.

. Charles

PS -- if you are willing to use a vintage blade, try Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment for some "newbie-friendly" pricing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hellstorm2004

I do have a after shave balm from Gillette! Is mentioning this brand here a sin?? :angel:

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No that's great. But get an alum block as well

^^Ok. Cool!

Could you please tell me the Strop i selected is a good one? I have no problems spending strops, because after all its a long term investment.

Cool! Thanks for the link. I think i will order it I am going for the 3 inch Red Latigo! Yeah baby! :)

Full hollow it is then. Hey aren't you the owner of site?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hellstorm2004

Full hollow it is then. Hey aren't you the owner of site?

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Dr. Lynn likes to keep his finger on the pulse.

I use that, Nivea, or whatever post shave balm my wife has a coupon for.........seriously.

Oh, don't forget a mug to mix up your lather in. A ceramic/pottery/etc mug, not the one with the skin on it. ;-)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hellstorm2004

I do have a after shave balm from Gillette! Is mentioning this brand here a sin?? :angel:

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I don't normally use after shave. I wash my face with water and just put on a moisturizer. That's it. My skin has been fine for years.

I got myself a bowl of Edwin Jagger Contemporary Chrome Plated Shaving Soap Bowl from Amazon. Fully making use of the one day shipping free for Discover card promo! :)