Thread: Considering getting a straight razor

Hello everyone,
As you can tell, my name is Damian and I'm new to this site and straight razors. I've been considering doing this for quite a while and I'm getting to the point where I think I'm ready to start.
I need to first buy a razor and other products. I need a razor, brush, soap and strop right?
Could I use my shaving cream instead of soap or no? I have the Aveeno Active Naturals Shave Gel, and I like it a lot.
Also where do I buy the rest of the things? I was looking in the classifieds and found this razor, is it good for starting out? Erik Anton Berg Hollow Shave-Ready Hollow Straight Razor - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Thank you so much!
Damian

Welcome to SRP Damian. If you haven't already done so check out the SRP beginner's guide here for the lowdown on what you need to get started and how to go about it.

Yep thats about all you need. You can use the stuff you have out of a can, if you want, but it just doesn't give enough lubrication for me. You can pick up a decent brush soap and mug cheap at Target or Wal mart to get started. You are smart to check out the classifieds here. There are a lot of good finds to be had. Most importantly this razor is shave ready, a lot aren't. As for places to pick up loot here are a few sites I have done business with and absolutely love them.
straight razor designs - Google Search

https://www.vintagebladesllc.com/ Do not confuse this site with vintagerazorblades.com, which I do not recommend

Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment

All of the above are great places to start and when you do decide to buy a new razor (you will one day) you can be sure they are shave ready and honed by the best. Welcome!! This is a great hobby and makes shaving a very enjoyable experience.

Thank you!
Now I just need to get the guts to buy the razor and other things.
I'm very excited to start, my parents, however aren't.
Is the brush that important? Could I just buy a cheap one at Target?

Yep, you can get a decent badger or boars brush at Target. They have a Van Der Hagen set that comes with the soap, bowl, and brush for around 20. It will get you started. If you can learn to make a lather with the VDH soap you will be able to make a lather out of anything. Its what I started with. I have since moved to a mix or soap and cream, but you can play with that way down the road. For now just work on making a proper lather with the VDH soap and brush and your shaving technique. That will give you plenty to do for a while. If you are like most anyone else on this board you will probably wind up slowly upgrading your gear but thats entirely up to you. You can get comfortable shaves for the rest of your life with the proper razor, strop, and that VDH set.

That razor you pointed to is fine. I have a fleet of vintage razors, and they're great. Every time I look at new ones, I think "but for that I could buy 20 old ones!"

Congratulations on deciding to make the leap!

Shaving with a straight razor is so much better. With time, you'll learn to love it. You'll get better shaves, less irritation and will even begin to enjoy shaving again. As for the parents, it's somehow natural that they're not that thrilled. When I decided to shave with a straight, my girlfriend wasn't as excited as I was. People think that you'll pull a Sweeney Todd on yourself with a straight razor. But after a while, she noticed that the ingrown hairs and neck irritation stopped, and she saw why I liked it so much.

Just be patient. Your first shave might not go as smooth you imagine, but it's a matter of learning how to do it. It comes with time, practice and a good deal of muscle memory.

And as always, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of correct stropping.

So, good luck and again, congratulations.

People who know that I use a straight often tell me that my razors are dangerous and ask me who I'm going to murder.

Tbh, as much of a joke as it is, I find it more ignorant than particularly funny -- it's like asking someone who they're gonna murder because they cut vegetables with a kitchen knife.