Thread: If I could tell a beginner/thoughts on SR from a beginner's perspective

One thing that I would disagree is your point of view on honing. Don't get me wrong it wasn't as hard as I thought, but there are a couple of things that might come ready to some people, but that are hard to really become proficient. For example: back in college it took me 5 minutes to learn to throw a prefect cylinder on a potter's wheel, while it took half of the class the whole class (the ones that could). It took me 5 minutes to learn to throw a cylinder, but about 5 classes to be able to throw a vegetable steamer. The same could be said about honing it requires time and hand dexterity. A full hollow with a straight edge with a nice bevel could take you 5-30 minutes, but a heavily worn smiling wedges could take you a couple of sessions just to set a nice even bevel. If honing was that easy you would not see that many questions on the honing forum, and different approaches to it. I also think that brick and mortar stores have their place. Now the art of shaving stores are a good place to get done supplies with out having to wait 2-5 days for shipping. For razors you might be better going to a cutlery store.

You make a valid point rocarule, I was speaking from an assumption that the average new to straight razor shaver would be attempting with a gently used hollow and not a full wedge or smiling or a really beat up blade. Those factors and probably a few more can throw everything I said out of the Window.

I guess my intent was really more to just let people know that it shouldn't intimidate people from doing it and give it a try. Like with everything, it may come with challenges and a learning curve, but it's worth it and there is a decent chance that they will actually get better at it than they ever thought.

As for the brick and mortar such as the AOS, they do have their place and many people actually get introduced to shaving through that. I was mainly trying to stress to everyone that if they can have some patience they can get a lot more for their money elsewhere. They are decent in a bind, but if I was willing to wait three or 4 days I could have two great razors a strop, brush, and cream and maybe some more stuff for the price I paid for just a razor, strop, brush, and a tub of cream. It's just plain expensive to other alternatives out there.

Also for brick and mortars, I know a lot of people like to buy within their community in order to support local businesses. That's awesome, but a side note to that is by buying online, especially through referrals here at Srp, supports our community here and goes a long way to maintaining that culture. So it's good either way you go.

Thanks for the input, gugi!

As I said earlier, I agree that, for most, starting with a shave ready razor is probably best. But, for me personally, I want to be able to grow my skill set and be able to do everything from maintain to completely restore a razor. I was always taught to be a self made man, so learning all I can about a particular subject and then practicing until I have gotten the technique down is just how I've always done things.

I liken it to teaching my son to ride a bike... There's merit to using training wheels for some kids, and some kids just have to fall and scrape their knees a time or two to learn how to keep their balance. Thankfully, the community here is walking beside me and giving me confidence that I can make it and enjoy the ride.