Thread: I am a 16 teen trying to get started with straight razors.

As everyone has said before make sure you do research here on SRP before buying a razor. I would suggest looking into getting a DE too for those times when you might not have the time to use the straight, or just to touch up your face because in the beginning your shaves will not be the best and will need to be touched up.

Since you're 16 I am assuming money might be an issue but once you get the initial purchase out of the way, shaving with straights can be the cheapest way to shave. If money is tight look at whippeddog.com, tweezerman has a good starter brush on amazon.com for about ten bucks, there are a lot of good soaps for around ten bucks too. You can probably pick up some Williams or Van Der Hagen for only a couple bucks at some stores like target, cvs, etc. and find an old mug or bowl that won't be missed and you're set. Maybe pick up an aftershave balm too.

Welcome to SRP. You can get plenty of help here as you can see. I am a little curious as to what made you think of using a straight razor ? I think it's great that you are !

Just don't do what I did... I was 16/17 when I started about 18 months ago. I was low on money and saw all these things saying "not for sale to under 18s" and so I started out with a shavette and yes every now and again there'd be a good shave in it but I could guarantee there'd be little nicks here and there and they are very unforgiving. Might be a different story for people with experience of a DE before going to a straight. But to learn how to shave with a straight there's no substitute for a straight.

Once you get set up though I'd advise to practice stropping with the likes of a butter knife first so that you don't dull the razor and use youtube, I learned a lot from watching various videos and from reading on here. Once you get started you won't go back

I started straight shaving at 54 after four decades of bad experiences with multiblade razors and electrics.

You're way ahead of me at a comparable age.

Good to see others starting young, Im 18 and I have been at it a few months. As with the others if you have any questions feel free to ask. My best advice is not to do what I did, I started with a From hair shaper (like a cheap shavet), a $3 boar bristle brush, and the only cake of soap they had at CVS. Go with the Van Der Hagen brush, or order one of the other ones mentioned above your face will thank you.

I see that many friends here suggest that you should read and study and research a lot.
However, someone used to say "What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing”

Have fun.

Originally Posted by chris0194

Just don't do what I did... I was 16/17 when I started about 18 months ago. I was low on money and saw all these things saying "not for sale to under 18s" and so I started out with a shavette and yes every now and again there'd be a good shave in it but I could guarantee there'd be little nicks here and there and they are very unforgiving. Might be a different story for people with experience of a DE before going to a straight. But to learn how to shave with a straight there's no substitute for a straight.

Once you get set up though I'd advise to practice stropping with the likes of a butter knife first so that you don't dull the razor and use youtube, I learned a lot from watching various videos and from reading on here. Once you get started you won't go back

Now that's something I've never thought about before! When I was that age, they didn't have any of those sorts of regulations, but here these days, there are laws preventing the sale of knives to people under 16 (maybe 18, I need to double check!). Now, not that I know too many people under the age of 16 who are wanting to kick off their shaving life with a cut-throat, but I think I'm going to find out from the retailers if they would sell to someone under the set age limit, if indeed razors do fall under the classification assigned to knives. Thanks for mentioning the issue.


Mick

Originally Posted by MickR

Now that's something I've never thought about before! When I was that age, they didn't have any of those sorts of regulations, but here these days, there are laws preventing the sale of knives to people under 16 (maybe 18, I need to double check!). Now, not that I know too many people under the age of 16 who are wanting to kick off their shaving life with a cut-throat, but I think I'm going to find out from the retailers if they would sell to someone under the set age limit, if indeed razors do fall under the classification assigned to knives. Thanks for mentioning the issue.


Mick

here in the UK its an offence to sell/buy even a double edge razor blade to an under 18. there is no restriction on cartridges or disposibles and while i dont think there is a direct law concerning straights, it is a crime to carry any folding knife with a cutting edge over three inces unless on private property with the owners permission. so most straights should be ok, however it is at the officer's disgression whether you intend to commit a crime with the bladed 'weapon' as even the legal 3 inches of blade can and will get you arrsted if used inappropriately. so with the reason for carrying it being to shave and having an account here to help strengthen your arguement there should be no problems as i assume nobody here brandishes their razors as weapons!

and a bit of extra info regarding the knife law (UK) you cannot carry a fixed blade or locking blade in public here, unless you have a hell of a good reason, then you have the job of explaining you are not a criminal in court and trying to convince the magistrates! the reasons are things like religion, traditional outfit like a scott could wear a dagger or Skein Dubh in his sock as part of his highland gear, you can also carry them for work but they have to be hard to access so they cannot be easily used as a weapon.

sorry that was so long and im not sure if anyone cares but i just thought id share how different our laws are to the US... are the laws surrounding knives similar down under?

Hey Brandyn,

May i suggest you add where you are from. nothing to specific but State/Province and City. There might be a SRP member near by who could give you some practical pointers. Should you want some hands on advice. I know of a few members here in Ontario that have met up with new members such as yourself and showed them every thing they needed to know as well as helping them get the R.A.D. started with a loaner.

Cheers!