Thread: New to Straight Razor Shaving

First of all I Just want to say this is a fantastic resource for Straight Razor Shaving. I just wish I had found this before ordering my first shaving supplies. I have always wanted to try Straight Razor shaving and everyone here at work seems to think I am nuts. So far despite ordering a few junk Zeepk razors I have changed my mindset about shaving from being a chore to something I really look forward to doing. I found trying to learn this skill to be a very enjoyable experience and all of the valuable information on this site just makes it even better. Being that I am on somewhat of a budget I have found and very nice used mug and bought and new boars hair brush and managed to secure a strop as well but somehow I doubt it's anything like the ones of Tony Miller's I have read about.

Does anyone have any suggestions other than waiting to see if I get a decent razor on ebay cheap from someone like altima55 or should I start out with the good razor brand list and examine local antique shops and auctions?
Also Lynn Abram's Video on shaving was such a valuable tool I have always been a more visual and hands on person and found this resource to be priceless.

Thanks to everyone for putting this site together hopefully in time I can persuade others in Greensburg IN to help keep this classic artform alive as well.

Welcome aboard Fred. Altima55 seems to be a reputable e-bay seller but I've never bought from him (even though we ran up against each other on some auctions lol) so I can't guarantee it. Keep an eye on the BST forum here as some of our members sell cheaper pieces shave-ready and give great deals in general.

Welcome!

My advice if you're wanting to get a good razor is to check the vendor's corner here or the Buy/Sell/Trade corner. We have some great people who can help you find something. Just make sure it's shave-ready (another reason to buy from our guys).

First of all the Buy/Sell/Trade forum is one of the best places on earth to find a good deal on a straight razor, but you gotta be quick. If you're not checking hourly you'll lose it. Perhaps you should post your own thread stating what you're looking for. Bill and Joe often have good deals available, but both have been a bit LAZY over the holidays. I wonder who can get some new resto's up first (taunt, taunt).

A Tony miller strop is on everybody's wish list and one day you can get one. Use what you've got for now, upgrade later.

X

Welcome Fred!

You've found a great resource here at SRP and you won't go far wrong by reading around and participating in the forums.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, the members are very helpful and knowledgeable. I have been straight shaving for about 2 months now and it just gets better every day.

Stick with it and enjoy.

Shorty.

Originally Posted by Shorty

Welcome Fred!

You've found a great resource here at SRP and you won't go far wrong by reading around and participating in the forums.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, the members are very helpful and knowledgeable. I have been straight shaving for about 2 months now and it just gets better every day.

Stick with it and enjoy.

Shorty.

Welcome Fred,

Buying on ebay is a bit of a gamble especially for a newbie. If you have a rough idea of what you would like to buy and how much you want to spend you can look in the buy/sell/trade forum or vendors corner. You can also start a new WTB thread and see what members have on offer. I have seen some amazing deals here on SRP for shave-ready razors.

Thanks for the quick and helpful feedback everyone.

Before I forget does anyone have any helpful advice for a lefty. Seems I have to learn about everything backwards this would be no different I guess I have to build up some dexterity with my right hand to be able to shave without having to worry about cutting myself with my right hand. Currently it's a very slow process but then again I find it very relaxing and rewarding.

Go Figure

Learn to be right handed

Seriously, I am a right handed guy and am learning to use a straight with both hands. I'll say it helps alot to be able to do this.

Originally Posted by fredmilleriii

Before I forget does anyone have any helpful advice for a lefty. Seems I have to learn about everything backwards this would be no different I guess I have to build up some dexterity with my right hand to be able to shave without having to worry about cutting myself with my right hand. Currently it's a very slow process but then again I find it very relaxing and rewarding.

Go Figure

I'm a lefty and there are a couple others of us on here. There really isn't any advice I can give other than keep at it. when shaving with my right hand my biggest problem is getting my left hand to do as good a job of stretching and staying out of the way as my right hand does. Otherwise my right does just as well when wielding the razor, but it did take some practice.