Thread: Greetings from Rochester, NY

Good morning,

I have always been interested in shaving with a straight razor. I recently had a total knee replacement and have a little time in my hands and have begun to research the skills and supplies needed. While googling the idea I ran across a 40 page document on how to, what to and a lot of good general advice on straight razor shaving. I see there is a lot to it! Not only did the document mention this forum, it mentioned buying some used equipment to "hone" my skills and figure out what works for me.

I don't think I want to use a "shavette" , I think I want to start right out with typical straight razor. I can be convinced otherwise, but that is my early stage thinking.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi, and welcome! You have found the best friend a beginner straight razor user could have!

IMO start with a professionally honed straight new from SRD or a vintage honed by other reputable vendor. I personally would use a shavette if u were eventually going to use a straight just because the feel is very different and you may as well learn on why u plan to use. Also a straight razor can be a lot more 'forgiving' then a shavette.

Just do all your reading and ask questions as they come up, and take in what other tell you and you will catch on in no time!

Happy shaving!

ShaverJohn,

Welcome to Straight Razor Place. The straight razor is a different world, and colorful in its rituals. When you have honed your skill with the straight, you'll never look back on the cartridge or electric shavers. In the meantime you have much to learn, and we're all here to help you along.

If you want the straight razor experience, forget the Shavette and go with the real stuff. The Shavettes are flimsy and unforgiving. Find a new shave ready razor or a vintage one that is shave ready here at SRP. You need a good strop. The Illinois 127 is good for starters. Also, the vendors advertised here have a wide variety of strops to choose from.

You also need a good badger or boar brush, soap or cream. An alum bloc is also good to have. Now you're all set. Read up as much as you can. Watch as many shaving, lathering and stropping videos you can find. Take your time to hone your skill. I'll gladly mentor you, if you like. You are more than welcome to send me a personal message.

This will take time, but it is time well worth spending. Good luck and stay well.

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....