Thread: Newb Questions about straight and safety razor and accesories

Originally Posted by rokuez

Anyways I'm debating wether I should jump right into using a straight razor or start off with a safety razor and then move up after I get the hang of it. I've read some threads and I understand the basic newb mistakes such as applying to much pressure etc. Still gotta look at youtube videos tho.

I am relative newb at this, especially the straight. I would start using wet shaving technique, even with your cartridge. Follow the brush advice above, get used to using alot of water on the face, creating a good lather and even using lighter strokes with your cartridge. In terms of DE as a learning step, well that is what I did. Originally never thought I would go to a straight which is much more difficult (stropping, shaving and honing are skills requiring practice). Personally, I love the shave I get with the DE (merkur slant bar just rocks), but I love shaving with a straight (more practice required here). The straight is more money given that you must have a shave ready razor and strops, start fee is 2x that of DE which is more like $30 for an HD and a bunch of Derby blades

Bill

It is a terrific hobby, a skill and an art, a lost art, and daily activity that used to be a bore is now fun, even a challenge.

i appreciate everyones input.

twilliger do you love shaving with a straight because u can very the angle and get a perfect shave as compared to a great shave with a DE razor?

As far as brushes I think I will go with Fine Badger Shaving Brush. $50 http://www.leesrazors.com/brushes.htm . I think I will also use soap instead of cream.

1) I was wondering however if I should get a less expensive badger brush because I wouldn't be using cream?

As far as a safety razor I have a few questions. I'm considering to jsut go with the Merkur slant bar model , but from the picture it appears taht the razor has teeth which I thought was for ppl w/ thicker hair/ beards?

2) If it is for ppl with beards then I will most likely go for the Merkur safety razor with bar.

as far as razors I think I will just go with some derby razors.

3) Any recomendations for soaps, aftershave, and balm?

If you want to try a DE razor, get the Gilette Tech. It's extremely forgiving but it shaves close and the design is bullet-proof. An added bonus is that you can get one for $5.
Contact Colleen at thegentlemensquarter@verizon.net and she'll send you her price list. I have 5 of her soaps and they're all excellent for shaving.
If you don't want to go with Old Spice and generic pharmacy stuff, get Dominica Bay Rum from www.classicshaving.com.

Rokuez,

Starting out with a DE is a good idea. It lets you get down some important aspects of wet shaving -- prep, lathering, understanding the direction of your beard growth.

Merkurs have a good reputation, but I thought I'd put in a word for vintage Gillettes. The Superspeed DE is a great razor, and you could get one in nice shape for under $10 on eBay.

I haven't used the slant bar myself, but it seems like it takes experienced DE users some time to get the hang of. I'd suggest starting with something a little easier to handle, like the Merkur HD or a Gillette.

Creams and soaps are both good, but there are differences. The only cream I've used is Proraso, which is available at Target in the spa section. It's great stuff. My favorite soap is Colleen's soap, which is sold over in the vendors forum. Wonderful scents and a really nice lather.

Good luck,
Josh