Thread: This look like a good starter kit?

New guy here...

I've been reading a bit, and thinking that my constant skin irritations with regular shaving will be ameliorated with a straightedge...

This look like a good kit?

http://shop.thewellshavedgentleman.c...5&categoryId=5 with the 4 sided all pasted up...

Or is there something else you'd recommend? I kind of need a bit of everything, and I don't want to be having to buy a bunch more stuff besides the consumables for a few years at least...

I watched the Lynn video, and it seemed like something I can eventually succeed at.

WHat are people using to shave heads? I usually keep it really short, but have been thinking about shaving it off, if I can find someway to do it easily...

Thanks for your time...

Tony Miller's stuff has a very good reputation. He is very helpful and a great communicator. He is highly recommended around here.

I have no experience with shaving scalps.

There's one member on here that uses his straight. Other people use a simple gillette or a "headblade" (just google it and you'll find the website).

I use Tony's stuff. I bought a razor, 4-sided paddle and hanging strop from him. I couldn't recommend it enough. He's a class act all the way and his products reflect true craftsmenship. I'm certain you'll enjoy it thoroughly.

You will be very pleased with anything from Tony. I bought a four sided paddle strop from him. It is great and I use it often. He knows his stuff...

You can't go wrong with Tony's stuff. I got a razor, a strop and some other project materials from him without any issues. Two things that were consistent about these transactions:
1) The product had been top-notch
2) The seller (Ide Est Tony) had been even better

I know this may be a loaded question; but is there a tremendous functional difference between the basic Dovo razors offered as part of one of the basic packages on Tony's site, and the more expensive Dovo razors with fancy gold brand stamp and higher quality handle?

I am new to the forums and have never used a straight razor. I am looking for a good kit to get started and want to make sure that when I buy, I do not miss out on a much higher quality product because of cheapness :-)

In this case you won't be missing out on much if anything when it comes to functionality.

Originally Posted by mrcpu

WHat are people using to shave heads? I usually keep it really short, but have been thinking about shaving it off, if I can find someway to do it easily...

I've tried Fusion/Mach3, HeadBlade and a Gillette DE and of the them the DE gives the best shave for me but.... in places it's hard to see there's definitely an increased risk of nicks or cuts. I'd like to try using a straight sometime but haven't gotten up the nerve yet.

My biggest problem with the multi-blade systems, like the HeadBlade, is that they clog so easily and there's so much more surface area/hair on your head. If you shave often (for me it would have to be daily) it's probably not as bad but my hair grows so fast that even if I don't shave for a couple days it turns into a real chore. The DE does much better in that respect and I don't get nearly as much razor burn which can really hurt until the skin on your head toughens up a bit.

Ant

Guys, thank you all for the kind words. It truly makes me feel good when I read these.

As for razor quality for the most part you are buying cosmetic differences in the sub-$100 range. Gold wash, etching, inlays, fancy patterns on handles, etc.... are all coupled with maybe 2 basic Dovo blades at this price range. Usually either the "Best Quality" Dovos with high carbon steel or any of the higher ones with "Swedish Steel" I doubt there is much difference in these either as the pricing on the basic Dovo's is very similar so the materials must be similar as well.
Above $100 you start getting stainless, etc..... along with even nicer cosmetics.

My goal with the sets was the to pick the most usable items available first, then choose the least expensive of THOSE items second. There are better mugs, razors, etc.... but they will not effect function.

A good used razor from an SRP member is also a great choice too, especially if on a tight budget. Several guys here have them available and one could make a less expensive set with a less complex strop, a mug from the dollar store and an SRP found, vinatge razor. You won't save a fortune but if it's the difference between getting started or not starting at all, beg , borrow or steal what you need and go for it!

Tony