Thread: 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

thank you bobski! nicely said for many beginners. its a long road for straights, a bloody one at best... but the AD does take an affect on your spending habbits.

Great post Bobski, especially the part about the credit cards, all very true.

I've yet to jump into straights ( bought a pair on a whim, but they both are on the "bad razor" list and i'm waiting to get a good one (vintage or new)) , but i've been DE shaving for about 2yrs now and i start this to save money! I was never told of RAD, SAD, HAD, BAD..ect! but I greatly enjoy it so it well worth it!

I have started to suggest buying a decent strop that replacement leather is available for. The srd ones are well regarded, and cost around $100 if i recall, though shipping to Australia is a bit too.
The reason I say this is because the replacement leather is priced comparably to cheapish complete strops, so if you damage the leather the replacement piece will work out costing the same as you would have spent on a whole strop.
The difference is that you will be working with a quality tool.

I would say that I didn't take this route - I made my own and it still works fine. I also do not own an srd strop.
If someone asks about making a strop I gladly tell them how I made mine, and that after a year of use it is slightly scarred but very usable.

I also believe the guys in it to save money probably buy and learn what they need to, then drift away from the forum, so we have a demographic formed more of hobbyists than purely people who use a straight razor.

I have my two favourite razors, a peerless and a invictus. I also have a few more that SWOMBO says I have to dispose of if I do not use them. I said not a problem, throw some of your shoes that you do not use away while we are at it. That is the last I have heard about my collection of 5 razors. Larry at Whipped Dog is a good call if you are starting out and unsure, the edge I got from him was good, not pretty but worth the cash I paid. He also has other stuff you need to get started, strops and green/red poweder.

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.

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.

Sure your right Ed. They probably have 2 razors a strop and a finishing hone. Got what they needed and left so have no idea about the best razor, hone,strop etc and are shaving happily and saving a great deal of money and time. Now if only I could forget everything I have read.

My first, was a sight unseen razor from whipped dog. Since then i've bought a lot of Ebay specials of reputable brand, and learned how to hone. I learned a lot from this place, it is a big resource, and everyone is more than willing to give advice.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

I have started to suggest buying a decent strop that replacement leather is available for. The srd ones are well regarded, and cost around $100 if i recall, though shipping to Australia is a bit too.
The reason I say this is because the replacement leather is priced comparably to cheapish complete strops, so if you damage the leather the replacement piece will work out costing the same as you would have spent on a whole strop.
The difference is that you will be working with a quality tool.

I would say that I didn't take this route - I made my own and it still works fine. I also do not own an srd strop.
If someone asks about making a strop I gladly tell them how I made mine, and that after a year of use it is slightly scarred but very usable.

I also believe the guys in it to save money probably buy and learn what they need to, then drift away from the forum, so we have a demographic formed more of hobbyists than purely people who use a straight razor.

G'day Ed, Have a look at Star Shaving. They are the mob in the US that sell the new Geissen & Forsthoff razors for under $100. What they also have is very attractive 3 inch double sided strops, either English bridle or black Latigo, 2nd side being a felt/wool. They are less than $50 bucks. Maybe not as pretty as the Dovo or the SRD, but they are good, work, and the price makes them a feasible purchase in Australia, just have a look, starshaving.com

Regards Bob