Choices for beginners-your equipment.
I felt that beginners to straight shaving are well bombarded by information from all the forums, advertisers, U tube videos and the like. It has been said that you will save money in the long run by using a 'renewable' razor. There are a number of different views on what a beginner needs/wants. Some get the 'bug' or as it's known by most as (HAD hone acquisition disorder) or (RAD Razor acquisition disorder) If you've made a decision to get into this as simple as a method of shaving you will probably buy a new razor, have it honed professionally, own a leather strop. Get it re honed at intervals of 3 months.
OR, and in mine and many cases this is a terrific hobby, you can find all of a sudden you have two razors, then you'd like to try your hand at honing it, so you buy a 8k stone to freshen your razor. All of a sudden you have five razors, and 3 stones, 3 strops, chromium oxide pasted strops. You then hide the credit card statements from your partner.
I've been str8t shaving for 15 months, I now am the happy owner of a dozen razors, 3 or 4 strops, 6 different high quality expensive waterstones. Clearly stra8t shaving isn't a 'function' it is part of your way of life. You make many friends on our forum, you get advice, learn and prosper. I don't regret a single purchase....except maybe the G & F lol.
So if you read this and decide to give it a go, a new Dovo razor will set you back between $150 to $300, plus the fee of the person who hones it right for you. (Essential) A strop is from $50 to $200. (Beginners buy a cheap one because you will wreck it.) Hones are different for beginners though. People who know how to put a superb edge on a razor are hard to find so a beginner even with the best intentions, should rely on a pro to get their 1st razor going right. (For aussies, see onimaru55, this forum for advice on honing, and is recognised as a master.) Fact is you will take 3 or 4 months to give yourself a shave without incident. You will cut yourself. It can be serious, so four months is in my view about the time you don't have to meditate prior to the shave! So follow your desires, match them with your funds and skills and away you go. Secret is to use this forum as a tool to guide you along the journey. If you get hooked, well good for you. People collect spoons, we collect razors, at least we use our razors, and I take enormous pride at the state of my razors and my hones. I seek out advice and direction from all our members. It's a fact though, no matter who tells you, this will be unlikely to save you money. The answer though is it gives you satisfaction, enjoyment, learning a skill that is limited to older times as the artisan barber. I won't admit what I have spent, other than to say, welcome to a great part of your life. Could have blown it in the pub or the poker machines! Enjoy.To continue the thread add your views on starting packages and costs
Regards Bobski
Choices for beginners--------- READ THE LIBRARY !!
All the advice that a beginner needs to start, is written in the Library,, it's there for a reason.
If people want to start done the path before getting a road map, then they have difficulties & waste money, oh well. :shrug:
Your OP was a nice bit of advice & may help a few, hopefully; for the others who won't take the time to hear it,,,, leave your unwanted equipment in the Classified section, please.