newbie needs some serious help

Hey Everybody,
I am brand new to forums, posting and straight razors!! I finally decided to take the plunge and start shaving with a straight razor. While on vacation in the Smokey mountains we stopped at the Smokey Mountain knife works and after some serious prodding from my wife I decided to buy a razor. I am certain she was tired of hearing me talk about doing it!!!!
I purchased a Hen and Rooster. However the salesman could not tell me what size it was, what metal etc. When I asked if it was shave ready he said " I dunno but it's pretty sharp." That should have been my first clue. After 5+ e-mails with customer service at Frost Cutlery I finally found out it was steel and full hollow. I have read some stuff on here and have learned that a full hollow is NOT the way to start and I usually shave with a double edge with yellow Feather blades so I kind of know what sharp is. The straight razor did not, cut instead it was more of a yank out.
I am hoping somebody out here can help. I am looking to get my current razor shave ready and need to purchase a proper starter type. Since I am a complete newbie you could take complete advantage of me but from what I have read here I don't believe this is that kind of place.
So, if someone can contact me and help with this I would love it! Hopefully I will here from somebody soon.
Respectfully,
Mark

I don't recall reading anything that would discourage someone from starting out with a full hollow; different grinds really seem to be a personal preference and not necessarily one of the big factors in choosing a first razor. On the other hand, I do seem to recall reading a thread sometime ago discussing Hen and Rooster; I think the general consensus was that vintage Hen and Roosters were very nice shavers but that the new ones being sold under that brand are made of poor quality steel that does not take an edge very well. You might try doing a search at the top of the page for Hen and Rooster and see what you can find. For honing services, check the "member services" section of the classifieds; I think there may be a number of experienced guys in your area that may be able to help out. If you're looking to buy a good second starter razor, check the classifieds for that too. Most of them come truly shave ready (the ad should clarify) and a lot of the guys selling them are very experienced and are generally a pleasure to deal with. Also be sure to read the beginners section of the wiki, if you haven't already. Good luck!

Hi and welcome. Most of the good lower cost new razors are full hollow and lots if us start on them. The wiki is in the library along with lots of helpful info. You will also need a strop to maintain the razor. Would also be a good idea to check out the lists of good razors and razors to avoid in the wiki.

Hello and Welcome

I'm also new to Str8 shaving and my first razor was a Dovo Bismarck 6/8 full hollow from SRD. After reading many, many posts and beginner recommendations, I gathered that having a "shave ready" razor, strop, and learning proper technique should be the main focus vs full hollow, half hollow ...ect IMHO. Once technique has been mastered, then you can try different grinds to determine your preference.

Are you saying that you want someone to talk to you and give you some advice to help with purchases? I can do that. Just send me your number via private message and I will call you.

Michael