Thread: Greetings from Rochester, NY

The question of whether to start with a shavette or straight (or even a DE or SE) depends on the shaver. You don't mention if you have wet shaving experience. If you are using an electric or cart, then there is a lot to learn. Prep, lather and technique all start from scratch. Also, what kind of beard do you have (thick and coarse or sparse and soft or something in between) and the condition of your face (moles, scar tissue, acne, tender skin).

If you are new to wet shaving, I would recommend a mild to middle of the road double edge razor. They are inexpensive and there is a wide variety of blades to choose from. I would start using a good shaving cream and learn how to build a proper lather (Proraso, TOBS or Palmolive). Read up on prep and try different methods to see what works for you. By doing this you will learn what a light touch is required to shave with any single blade shaving method and gain confidence in you ability to deal with a sharp blade.

If you already wet shave, then I would choose a good shavette (Dovo, Feather or Kai) over a straight if I had to deal with a difficult coarse beard. If that is not the case then go for the straight.

I came to these recommendations through my own journey. I have shaved with every version of single blade razor and learned that there is no one perfect solution. Every shaver has to figure out what will work for them through trial and error. Ultimately, there is no guarantee that any shaving method will work for all shavers. For some of us, straights are always going to be a challenge in the quest for close and comfortable. The journey to discovering what works for you is part of the enjoyment. Good luck.

Greetings, also from Rochester. If you're ever interested in meeting up, once you're back on your feet, feel free to drop me a message.

welcome to SRP

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

Greetings, also from Rochester. If you're ever interested in meeting up, once you're back on your feet, feel free to drop me a message.

John!

You may not realize it but Dylan has offered you a gift that is worth more than money could ever buy!!!

Even a few hours with an experienced and knowledgeable straight razor user is worth more than months of reading and countless hours struggling on your own to figure things out!

PLEASE TAKE HIM UP ON HIS OFFER!!!!

Welcome.
I live pretty close also. About an hour or so....