Hello from Huntsville Alabama

Greetings from Northern Alabama. I found this site while I was searching for a good beginner straight razor and thought if anyone knows what to look for it would be a group of dedicated individuals practicing the art. I've been interested in becoming a practitioner for years. I remember both of my grandfather using a straight razor and think it would be a great practice to preserve. I would welcome any recommendations on what to start with. That includes everything from shaving soaps, brushes and razor strops. I'm also looking for recommendations on whether to hone a razor yourself or send it to a professional to be honed. I look forward to hearing from you all!

Warm regards,
HG

Welcome to SRP!

This is a good place to start; it will answer many of your questions.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...eginners_Guide

Welcome to the form HG :chapeau
Leatherstockiings pointed you in the right direction.
As far as Brushes, soaps/creams, and even strops you will get as many answers as there are products.
You will have to try a few and see what you like.
Williams soap and Van Der Hagen are inexpensive and should be available locally for you,
C.O Bigelow cream (Proraso) is available at Bath and Body reasonably priced ($5 for the small tube $10 for the big tube)
and a really good deal if you can get it on the buy one get one sale :p.
Illinois (Fromm) razor strops are a good value, I like the #827 Russian leather one.
I prefer badger to boar, and Silvertip to pure or best.
Each has its own qualities that loft and density also play their part in.
(Again VDH has a Boar Brush that is an inexpensive brush),
I used mine for the first year and a half and still have it and use it on occasion)

Now for the honing most will recommend learn to Shave and Strop first,
and to get it pro honed to start. I cannot argue with that advice.

But Take your time and enjoy the journey.

Regards
Pat

Thank you both for the welcome and your suggestions. I really appreciate the advice.

welcome. I have preferred super badger myself. cella is also a great soap to try and reasonably priced. the srd modular paddle is a good all in one stropping and touch up tool. wish I had never sold mine. enjoy the ride!

Hi and welcome. Looks like the basics are covered so I will just point out the search. It is great for finding answers. Also check for the do not buy razors as you won't get any joy from them. Good luck

Welcome. Good place to start! ;)

Welcome to SRP! There are so many products and vendors out there that it really just comes down to price and preference. As you will certainly read in the library, just be sure to buy your first razor from someone who does honing (factory edges are never really shave ready). Start with the vendors who advertise on this forum (SRD, for example); also check the classifieds. Green Mountain Soaps are made in Huntsville, and many guys really like them. I've not tried them yet, but they're definitely on my list. Their website lists stores who sell it locally which would allow you to check out the different scents. Have fun and Roll Tide!

HG, I too am fairly new to the world of straight razor and even the art of wet shaving, itself. After thirty years of multi-blade disposables, I purchased a Merkur 180 safety razor about 3 months ago and really liked it. One of my Army Buddies suggested that when I became really comfortable with using the safety razor that our research straight razors and to purchase high quality steel razor. I purchased the American Steel razor with 01 HC61 steel. I've actually worked up to and just completed my second full-face shave with it. I learned quickly, the hard way that I needed to strop the "shave-ready" tool before attempting to remove stubble. Its been good and I am still learning. I'm living in Elkmont and travel to Hville often. If you like fine cigars and scotch, there's a great older espablishment on S. Memorial Pkwy.