Thread: want to start with straight razor

I've decided to try shaving with a straight razor, I guess I am tired of my mach 3. After spending my weekend reading through this site I decided I will probably start with:

a Vulfix pure badger brush
one of those 4000/8000 wet stones
classic shaving's shave soap

...but I still will need to find a shave ready razor and a strop. I was wondering where I could get such a razor, what would be a good strop for someone just starting out, and if there is anything that I am forgetting/better alternative to what I found.

Thanks

Tony Miller offers some excellent beginner's packages. I have one of his 4 sided strops and I am extremely pleased with it. I would recommend his products to anyone.

I'll second that. I'm planning on ordering one of his paddle strops. He has some pretty nice stuff. Good luck.

-Nick

Originally Posted by zach

a Vulfix pure badger brush
one of those 4000/8000 wet stones
classic shaving's shave soap

...but I still will need to find a shave ready razor and a strop. I was wondering where I could get such a razor, what would be a good strop for someone just starting out, and if there is anything that I am forgetting/better alternative to what I found.

Welcome to the club!

I agree with the previous guys. Tony Miller has some great starting packages. Check out Tony's gear in the gallery.

Tony is a big believer, as am I, of using pasted strops to maintain an edge. If you are starting with a new razor or restoring a damaged edge, you will need a stone. If all you are doing is keeping a sharp edge sharp, pasted strops work fine.

Tony Millers items can be found on this site in the
Gallery>Gear for Sale>Tony Miller.
Also on Ebay, his seller ID is heirphoto

Tony Miller and Ray at Classicshaving have many satisfied customers.

Feel free to ask any questions that you may have!

Originally Posted by zach

I've decided to try shaving with a straight razor, I guess I am tired of my mach 3. After spending my weekend reading through this site I decided I will probably start with:

a Vulfix pure badger brush
one of those 4000/8000 wet stones
classic shaving's shave soap

...but I still will need to find a shave ready razor and a strop. I was wondering where I could get such a razor, what would be a good strop for someone just starting out, and if there is anything that I am forgetting/better alternative to what I found.

Thanks

That sounds like a good setup so far. You'll definitely need a strop and Randy below is keen to point out that Tony Miller and Ray (classicshaving.com) are excellent sources. I'd also point out that Lynn (adjustme69) is currently selling razors (see user gallery>Lynn). They'll go fast since they're so awesome. I got my first from him and it shows you what you should be aiming at. But there are other members who sell razors too: David, Tony M., Bill Ellis, et. al., all for very reasonable prices. If you have more questions please do ask, we love to help.
Best,
Mark

Originally Posted by zach

I was wondering where I could get such a razor, what would be a good strop for someone just starting out, and if there is anything that I am forgetting/better alternative to what I found.

Getting a honed razor from one of the masters is the best starting position.

Bill Ellis is here http://www.billysblades.com/Straighr%20Razors.htm I just got a razor from him and it's a work of art!

Tony Miller even has complete starter kits! Best quality at a very reasonalble price, The One Stop Strop Shop! For hanging strops you might want to ask about his "seconds". I put some cuts into my first strop and it seems like it's a fairly common newbie mistake. The second would be a bit cheaper and you won't cry so much if you damage it. Just a thought.

Lynn, The Chief Honemeister even has some blades for sale in his Gallery folder (not within the Gear For Sale, under Lynn instead).


X

Originally Posted by zach

and if there is anything that I am forgetting
Thanks

Styptic pencil, bandages and maybe a spare ear. Only kidding. Best way is to just go for it. You'll probably like your first razor and love the next three you buy.

Originally Posted by Dr_Phong

Styptic pencil, bandages and maybe a spare ear. Only kidding. Best way is to just go for it. You'll probably like your first razor and love the next three you buy.

You forgot the cell phone with the emergecy numbers on speed dial and a picture of your face before, so the plastic surgeons have something to work from.

You forgot the cell phone with the emergecy numbers on speed dial and a picture of your face before, so the plastic surgeons have something to work from

Like Robin Williams said, "Reality, Wow, what a concept!"

Randy