Thread: Hey look another newbie

Hello Gentlemen,

Been doing some research on the subject of cut throat shaving. I found that I would like to try it. I'm 27 years old and never cared much for shaving. This may change my mind. I found a Wade and Butcher's barbers rattler for a descent price and am waiting for it to come in so I can see first hand what I am getting into. I got a couple mugs and a brush as well. Looking for a descent strop but I saw that a old leather belt may work ok. Probly need a hone or such though. I guess we will see when it gets here. I am enjoying reading all the enlightening things here. It is very informative. I would appreciate any starter tips that any of you can give for a guy just starting out(not trying to slice his throat open). When ever I get my razor and provisions I will let ya'll know how the experience was.

Thanks for having me.
Keaton AKA kvidoo

Welcome! Nice to see you new guys posting here!

The first thing to realize is that the Wade & Butcher razor is NOT! ready to shave with. It is old and probably has not been used for a long time. Almost always the edge has started to oxidise(rust). This make's it dull, weak and prone to chipping. You razor needs to be honed before you use it.

When your razor arrives then let us know and one of us will hone it for you.
Don't even try to shave with it. That would be a very disappointing experience.

The rest of the guys will have a bunch of other comments to add to mine.


Hope this helps,

I didn't think it was going to be ready. The guy said it was his father's blade and he didn't use it that often. Maybe once or twice that he remembered. Also will probly need a new handle. He said it looked like someone hit it with a hammer. All I can figure is that it got loose and they were trying to tighten it up but we will see. On another note it is good to see another night owl here. I work nights and usually see 4am on a regular basis. So that means I will probly do all my shaving early in the morning before I go to sleep.

Welcome....yea we're getting a few newbies in here lately. Since you don't have any specific questions I'll give you a few general pointers:

Do not ever move the blade sideways or in a "scything" motion until you've been at this for OVER a year and then never sideways.

Be patient- You never hear anyone say "I'm going to try to learn how to fly and just check it out" Because they know it takes practice. Shaving with a straight takes almost as long to figure out.

It ALL has to come together and then, and only then it gets great. Sharp razor, properly smoothed edge, good prep, an experienced hand, good product support, and patience. Failing any one of the above and you'll get a lousy shave.

I recommend a "crutch" in the first two weeks...like a DE or your old "modern" razor to help with those areas you just can't get to. Then, later, you gotta dump the crutch and get on with it alone.

The old belt idea is good but keep in mind its not a strop. Its a poor substitute and you can't really base any of your experience on it. Its like saying "I wanna try bowhunting" and going to Walmart and getting the "Little Injun" bow set, unwrapping the plastic and saying "this sucks". Either way I would suggest getting some pastes to apply to your old belt and using it to sharpen your blade. A strop and a hone really aren't in the "maintenance" category of straight shaving. Skimping on them would be like buying a gun and asking the salesman for 2 or 3 bullets cuz you just wanna try it out.

On the other hand....don't buy everything at once. You'll get varied opinions later and want different stuff. Today I wish I had had a microscope and a barber hone waaaaaaaaaaaay earlier than after my 10th razor.

Welcome Keaton. I would reccommend that you send that razor to one of the members here and let them hone it for you. I've been working on my first hone for a week until I finally got so frustrated that I sent it out. (Lynn you should have them by Monday or Tuesday) I didn't get discouraged, I just realized I couldn't do it when I didn't know what it was I was trying to accomplish. Razors are a new level of sharp that you will never duplicate until you have experienced it.

Second, I highly reccommend that you forgo that belt and get one of Tony Miller's strops. They are very affordable and some of the best anywhere at any price. He's a really great guy and will do everything possible to make sure that you get the one you need.

Post us some pics of that razor (before and after reapirs) when you get it.

Louis

Just got my razor in. Pretty good for $3.50 including shipping. Someone put a new hinge pin in. I think that is why no one else wanted it. Will post some pics soon but now I have to go cook some supper for the wife and kids. Talk to yall later.

keaton

Here is my new used razor for $3.50.

Welcome to the club. I think you did very well on the purchase of your razor. Take the advise of others and send it to a honemeister. This will make it a good shaving experience and more importantly you will learn what a sharp razor feels like and how it should feel. Also get into honing and stropping, there is a learning curve but stay the course. There are many places to get hones and stropps, but you will not do any better than Tony Miller. His website is www.thewellshavedgentleman.com If you need it he probably has it. Another great source is www.classicshaving.com This should satisfy any needs that you have. There are other websites and you should check them out, but these will have every thing you need including advice and instruction. Just remember to take your time and enjoy. The folks here are the best resource you can have. They will lead you down the right path and give excellent advise. They will also be your friends, join us on our Sunday evening chat session.