Hellow all, NY Newbie here

Hey all,

I'm still not sure exactly where the idea spurred from but I got the wet shaving bug right before xmas. I just purchased my first round of wet shaving supplies Friday and the anticipation is killing me! I spent a month or 2 researching and here is what I decided to start with.. any advice/input is appreciated!

Vintage Blades LLC. Straight Razor Kit:
Razor: Dovo Ebony Scaled/Gold Etched Bismarck
Strop: Upgraded to Hanging 3" Latigo (Seemed a worthwhile upgrade from what I've read)
Brush: Vintage blades pure badger (Black)
Brush Stand: Acrylic
Mug: Black Super Mug
Soap: Col. Conk 2.5oz puck

Add on:
Cream: Cella, Almond Scented

Georgetown Pottery
Scuttle: G20 w/ Hamada glaze


I'll add pictures just as soon as they arrive


My only concerns are as far as razor maintenance/care. Should I have bought some Razor oil or a moisture free pouch?
I plan to use the razor as my only daily shaver. Should I have bought paste for the strop or a stone? or would I be better off getting a professional hone the first few times?

Thanks all!

-Ryan

Hi Ryan, and welcome to SRP!

You have chosen well. :) Dovo makes quality blades, and buying from that vendor means it should arrive fully shave-ready.

Don't worry about strop paste - you don't need it. Just rub the leather with the palm of your hand, and the oils from your skin will condition the strop. And you've made a good call *not* getting hones yet. By all means aim to learn to hone your razors one day, but for now let the pros handle that side of things and focus on your prep and shaving technique. Then, once you are comfortable with your technique, then look into learning to hone. Honing isn't rocket science, but it does introduce another variable into the equation which you'll want to avoid at first.

For maintenance, you probably would do well to get some oil, but you don't really need specialty razor oil. Lots of guys use eucalyptus oil, mineral oil, and other light oils. However, I'm a bad guy to ask as I don't use a thing on mine. :) Hopefully some of those who do oil their blades will chime in soon. If not, do some searching using the search box at the top-right of the page, and you'll find plenty of info on oiling blades.

Hi and welcome. +1 to everything Cangooner said. Learn to shave and strop then worry about maintenance honing then full honing if you want. I use baby oil on my blades. Good luck. Ed

When u say NY do you mean NYC ?
A bunch of us NYC guys get together very frequently. You are welcome to join us and have one of the guys answer any questions or concerns you may have

Pm me and I'll give u our schedule of meet ups

Hey Cangooner and Eddy thanks a bunch for the welcome/advice.

SVcaramia: I did not mean NYC, I do however only live an hour train ride away (Near Middletown, NY) and travel there quite often. So let me know.

Actually, I'm in NYC as well, and would love to attend a get-together.

Best,
Alan