Thread: Tired of Newbies yet?

My name is Rick Stowe and I'm such a newbie, I don't even have a razor yet (or strop or hone or even barber towels).
I don't remember which straw broke the camel's back, but just before Christmas I found myself looking online for Straight Razor information and finding Classicshaving (what a great site!). I read everything they had to offer, then asked for a bunch of stuff for Christmas. Of course, I didn't get anything. My wife had already finished shopping for me, plus I still have to convince her and my in-laws that I won't kill myself using one (you think I'm kidding). Then I found this site (another great site!), read through all the forums and got so excited to do SOMETHING that I went to the local Brook's Pharmacy a bought a "Shave Set" from van der Haagen Enterprises. This is a small boar bristle brush, ceramic bowl, and cake of soap for $9.50 incl tax. Cheap (and I didn't really like the soap), but the difference between that and the can of shaving cream I used to use.....amazing! I can't wait to actually get a badger brush and a nice "T" soap.
Unfortunately, the razor and strop will have to wait. With a baby on the way (our first, she's due in May), and trying to find a new house (our second), our funds are pretty preoccupied right now. Oh well, all in due time.
Meanwhile, I just wanted to say "hi" and start getting involved in the forums. I found a shave cream at same said pharmacy that I haven't seen any threads on, so I'll add my opinion right after I finish here.

welcome, i'm also new and from CT myself. everyone here is very helpful and friendly, not too mention the links, videos and help files sections as well.
James

US,

What type razor are you currently using? I don't have a straight I could send you to borrow (I just loaned two out), but I would be happy to send you a DE to work with for the time being. Also, while Ray does have some beautiful razors at Classic, I would recommend going the used route and buying from someone here who can sell you a shave ready razor. For stropping, you can use an old flat leather belt. Or make your own. Ultimately, I would say look in the User Gallery for Gear For Sale and check with Tony Miller. He offers "starter" sets that are an outstanding value. This allows you to buy "tools of the trade" from someone who actually uses them.

Best of luck and hang in there.

RT

*Edit* Just hiding blindness and stupidity!

Welcome Rick,

And no were not tired of you'all. Were glad your here.

RT,

Hopefully, my signature is working now. Currently I'm using a Mach 3 Turbo. Thanks for the offer on the DE; maybe I'll take you up on it. I was just thinking earlier that I remember my dad using one when I was a kid (my first memories of watching him shave).

The last time I was at BJ's I actually bought Sensor blades thinking that 2 blades would be better than 3 (closer to a DE experience), but I think I actually like the turbo better. Less irritation. Is that common and if so, is the DE a completely different animal?

Originally Posted by USNA92

My wife had already finished shopping for me, plus I still have to convince her and my in-laws that I won't kill myself using one (you think I'm kidding).

Until the middle of the twentieth century, THERE WAS NO OTHER WAY TO SHAVE and we don't ever hear of accidental sucide. Lay that one on them.

X

X,
Good point, they're just worried that I'm a little klutzy (which is true), but I very very rarely cut myself with my cartridge razor, or any knife for that matter. I tend to pay more attention and am more careful then.

James & AF,
Thanks. It's good to be here. I've already learned tons reading the forums and I've already looked through a lot of the help files. I couldn't ask for a better place to educate myself.

Originally Posted by USNA92

RT,

Hopefully, my signature is working now. Currently I'm using a Mach 3 Turbo. Thanks for the offer on the DE; maybe I'll take you up on it. I was just thinking earlier that I remember my dad using one when I was a kid (my first memories of watching him shave).

The last time I was at BJ's I actually bought Sensor blades thinking that 2 blades would be better than 3 (closer to a DE experience), but I think I actually like the turbo better. Less irritation. Is that common and if so, is the DE a completely different animal?

Rick,

I read your name IN THE FIRST SENTENCE OF YOUR POST and then went blank! Pardon my idiocy! Shaving with a DE is different, but could be helpful with using a straight. The DE requires proper angle, your face will have to adjust to it, and the blades are much less expensive! Plus, if like me and a few others here, when I am short on time, I will use a DE to shave instead of a straight. I have a number of DE's that I rotate with just for variety. If you want to try the DE, drop me a PM with all required information so that I can send it. My only request is that when you tire of it, you pass it on to someone else to try, or you can return it, either way. My goal is that it gets used.

RT

Rick,
First I'd like to say welcome to the group. Now I'd recommend that you take up RT on his DE offer. I went right from the Mach 3 to a straight and it has taken a while to get the process down. I cut myself twice, nothing too bad, but I have a few marks. I think this is due to passing up the DE phase when learning to straight shave(I think most people go from DE to straight). I had always applied pressure when shaving with a Mach 3, something you should never do with a DE and only mildly do with a straight. Knowing what I know now, I'd go back and spend a month or so with a DE before switching to a straight. I use a DE on days that I'm in a hurry just like many people in here, but nothing beats a straight razor shave!
BTW-I too spent some time in the Navy and before I started wet-shaving, I had loathed it. Since I've learned to shave the real way, I've only missed a few days in the last 4 months.
-Fred

Originally Posted by cudahogs

BTW-I too spent some time in the Navy and before I started wet-shaving, I had loathed it. Since I've learned to shave the real way, I've only missed a few days in the last 4 months.
-Fred

Fred,
Thanks for the welcome and advice. I agree and will send a pm to RT right away. Like I said before, I used to watch my dad use a DE and he would give me shaving advice. I've forgotten most of it over the years ,but one of the few pieces I actually remember was to "let the weight of the razor shave you".
Like you, I would purposely skip at least one day a week if I could. I HATED shaving. But even since I've started using the brush and only shaving with the grain, it's definitely been a much better experience and look forward to using a real razor.

RT,
You should have a PM now. Incidentally, my mother's birthday was May 12th, and my favorite cousins birthday is May 13th. I guess I get along well with Tauruses, which is good because my daughter is due May 5th.