Newbie from Brisbane, Australie

Hello All, and thank you for this site, and for al the fantastic information I have read so far (and thank you for having me)...

I have never used a straight razor before, but have been researching it over the last few months and ready to take the leap of faith... I am hoping for recommendations from members of where to start. I would like a good quality blade which will provide a good shaving experience for years to come. I am not fussed on brand etc, and am even open to damaged / imperfect items as I would be happy to replace the scales etc down the track when finances are a little stronger.

I do NOT want to buy a blade and then upgrade it in the near future due to being cheap, nor do I want to buy something cheap and have a bad experience that will turn me off using a straight razor. I love the "essence" for lack of a better term, of a shave with a straight razor. I have had a number of straight razor shaves in the past from barbers etc, and was a great experience, not only the close shave, but the "old-school" feel and feeling like a refined gentleman during and after :) I actually feel I should have been born or lived in the 1920's, when men wore nice suits, shoes, hats and had traditional shaves... bring back those good old days I say.

I would also like to use this opportunity to extend my hand in friendship to other members of this great site, and in particular those who may reside or frequent Brisbane, Australia or nearby. From other hobbies/activities, I have found that others interested in the same topic often have a similar "vibe" to myself, often resulting in long lasting friendships, whether it be online or face to face.

If anyone has a great razor that they don't use, I would also be happy to exchange for website design or anything else I could offer such a person.

I look forward to meeting you all.. Im not the coolest guy around, but I am a nice guy and always here to help another nice guy when I can.

Hi AndrewJM and welcome.

I live not too far from you on the Sunshine Coast. I'm sure the other guys from the area will introduce themselves shortly. I'm fairly new to straight razor shaving compared to many of the gentlemen that frequent this site, but I have to say that SRP is an excellent resource. The wikis etc are very useful.

Well you seem to know what you want so it's hard for me to recommend a particular route as regards straight razors, but what ever you do I would recommend getting the razor you choose (either new or vintage) professionally honed.

It will give you a sharp edge so you will know what to expect from the beginning. Many new razors are not shave ready from the store, so if you do go that route, send it out to get it honed first, Im sure a member or two will help you with that also, just feel free to ask.

Please also bear in mind that using a straight razor is not for everyone, and the early days can be challenging. I know I almost went back to the familiar many times, The nicks and cuts and the serious irritations to my poor skin almost ended my obsession on many occasions. You could buy the most expensive razor right now and have a terrible time, or the cheapest and love it, or vice versa. All I know is when I started I had no idea what I wanted. I prefer a 6/8 now but thats not what I started with.

Take your time, you don't have to pick your lifelong razor partner yet, maybe you never will, it seems many here have literally 100's of razors. I have a shavette and a vintage that were my first "straights" and both cost less than $50. I will never part with either of them. My latest razor cost $200 and it is a great razor, it looks the business, but the cheap one I first bought is as sharp and shaves as close.

Now is the time to take small steps, to practice lots , take your time, but most of all enjoy the experience. Welcome.

Kev.

Hi Kev :)

Thank you for the reply... My first lol. Great advice... personally, the thing I worry about, is getting hooked on this and ending up, like you mentioned of other members, acquiring a number of razors. Ideally I would rather spend a bit more and get one razor I can use everyday... but I am also wondering whether to perhaps start with a cheaper razor (100-200USD) suitable for learning and then getting a better one when I have improved my technique? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Where on the Sunny Coast are you? I'm in West End Brisbane if you know the area. Love it here, but no sandy beaches (or bikinis)

Welcome Andrew

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Originally Posted by AndrewJM

Hi Kev :)

Thank you for the reply... My first lol. Great advice... personally, the thing I worry about, is getting hooked on this and ending up, like you mentioned of other members, acquiring a number of razors. Ideally I would rather spend a bit more and get one razor I can use everyday... but I am also wondering whether to perhaps start with a cheaper razor (100-200USD) suitable for learning and then getting a better one when I have improved my technique? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Where on the Sunny Coast are you? I'm in West End Brisbane if you know the area. Love it here, but no sandy beaches (or bikinis)

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To be honest I was pretty unsure about straight razors. As a boy I had seen relatives shave with them and I had also had many barber shaves. I loved the idea, I loved the "man" factor, I love the nostalgia and the smells of my youth in UK barber shops. I knew that one razor blade was better than 5 in a row as i used a DE razor for a log while, but was a straight really better or just based in nostalgia.

Because of this I started at the cheaper end of the market, first with a shavette then a vintage, sight unseen vintage razor from Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment. Larry at whipped dogs advice and his poor mans strop kit stood me in good stead, and I learned without the worry of wasting money If I gave up. Larry will take the razor back.

If I was starting out now, I know I would buy a basic Dovo 5/8 or 6/8 for $125 or so, and get it honed, but I would still buy a poor mans strop kit from Larry as you will cut it for sure.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and all budgets are different, I'm glad I went the way I did because the learning curve was enjoyable and still is. Recently my wife bought me my first new straight razor for Christmas and I found could hone it and shave with it. I learned these skills on a cheap - no risk razor. My christmas gift is a pleasure to use and i'm not worried about damaging it, that would not be the case if it was my starter razor.

Hey get a new Dovo, or get a vintage from the classified ads on here, or from SRD or one from Larry. its down to you at the end of the day its your money. Just make sure its been pro honed thats my only advice really.

I'm in Mooloolah..by the way….

Thanks, good advice.

What's the practical difference between 5/8 or 6/8? I read a lot about Whipped Dog on this site... must be a reputable supplier I'm assuming? Is "Whipped Dog" some sort of clever take on shaving technique? I only ask because I am extremely passionate about promoting animal welfare, and wouldn't want to support any supplier who may think a whipped dog is anything less than abhorrent. I.e, Im assuming nobody would buy from a supplier with "hitler" or "pedophile" in their business name.

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Originally Posted by AndrewJM

Thanks, good advice.

What's the practical difference between 5/8 or 6/8? I read a lot about Whipped Dog on this site... must be a reputable supplier I'm assuming? Is "Whipped Dog" some sort of clever take on shaving technique? I only ask because I am extremely passionate about promoting animal welfare, and wouldn't want to support any supplier who may think a whipped dog is anything less than abhorrent. I.e, Im assuming nobody would buy from a supplier with "hitler" or "pedophile" in their business name.

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The blade width of a 6/8 is fractionally bigger that a 5/8 by 1/8 of an inch. Straights come in many different widths and some vintage razors are much narrower then when they were manufactured due to honing. Most say start with a 5/8 as its a very popular size. My first was a 5/8 and i felt it was a bit small.

I'm not sure where the "whipped dog" bit comes from but as far as i know Larry is animal friendly. Larry supplies a "niche" mostly newbies starting out and he has started many a lad on the straight razor path as it were. His vintage razors are sharp and functional, not usually pretty but they shave. He offers exceptional value, but remember he's not the only supplier of vintage straights. It depends on your budget and what you like really. New razors are great as well. I have a Dovo but there are many other great manufacturers I would buy from.

I would steer clear of ebay. If going vintage use larry or the classified here, or if going new there are several good suppliers in Australia, My favourite is www.mensbiz.com.au or www.theshaveshed.com.au but there are many more.

thanks heaps Kevin, I really appreciate the time you took to help me.

Andrew

Hi Kev, me again, was wondering what your thoughts may be re this razor for sale: (from this site)

7/8" Custom Koraat in Desert Ironwood scales - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Andrew

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Originally Posted by AndrewJM

thanks heaps Kevin, I really appreciate the time you took to help me.

Andrew

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Your very welcome, if i can help further please feel free to msg me.

Kev

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AndrewJM

Hi Kev, me again, was wondering what your thoughts may be re this razor for sale: (from this site)

7/8" Custom Koraat in Desert Ironwood scales - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Andrew

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I have to be honest Andrew Im no expert on vintage razors and I don't know the member offering the razor, Maybe someone will be able to help with this….

G'Day AndrewJM and welcome to SRP.
I have a few razors of various sizes and grinds that you are welcome to try out to see which suits you, if you like.
I'm sure we can work something out 'cause I don't know much about websites.

G'day Andrew, with regard to the link of the razor you're looking at, my suggestion would be looking for something a little more beginner friendly. That one is nice, but has the potential to bite if you're not on your game. There are also cheaper that would be equal to the task. if you were looking at spending that much money, I would seriously recommend that you look into getting two razors. Perhaps a 5/8 and a 6/8 from Dovo (although I would personally go for a paired 6/8 set as I like that as a minimum size, but that's my taste, not yours). Two razors, pro honed (onimaru55 in Sydney, or if you ask nicely, one of the local blokes, Geoff [Havachat45] or James [Jimbo], might do a bit of honing for you) will be a far better decision than one really expensive one.
I don't have a large collection myself, and indeed, I never intended to have more than one myself. I found two to be more practical. Then over the years I ended up with a few more in trades or really great prices not to be passed up. These days I find myself alternating between two regularly and dig out one of the others occasionally, just so that it feels loved.
I would take Geoff (Havachat45) up on his offer to help. It will make for a far smoother transition and help in purchase decision making. And of course, if I can help in anyway, just let me know. That's what I'm here for.


Mick

Hello and welcome from western Australia.
Please take up geoffs offer, having a chance to trial a few different types and sizes will really help to inform your decision, especially if you do spend $400 or so on a razor.in the end.
Mick is also right in saying that having a second razor is worthwhile even if it only flyers used in emergencies. Your second razor could be a rough looking cheapie as long as the blade takes and.holds a nice edge.
I initially thought one was going to do it, then I thought three would be a good number, but now I have 3 I am realising that two is plenty.
Don't forget to allow for a strop, soap and.brush, if you don't have all of these items already.

Hi and welcome from the other Perth Ed(got me again). Take Geoff up on the offer. The blade will be shave ready and you can then make a truly informed decision. I own 18 or so razors between 4/8 and 7/8 in round and square point and can shave with all of them but have found 5/8 to be my sweet spot but wouldn't know this without all of the blades to trial. You probably only need two razors but I like a choice. Good luck and any question just ask. Ed

Thank you for your kind offer, I may in fact take you up on that when I have some time available.

That kit would do nicely.

James.

G'day and welcome to the forum. Nothing wrong with buying a "starter" razor. Once you've decided that straight shaving is something you want to keep doing, you should be able to sell the starter razor for what you paid for it, or close to it.

thanks James

Have you looked at the classifieds, there are some quite nice looking larger razors there too. I am not passing comment on how good or bad any of them are, as I don't know, just more options. Maybe someone with more experience will dive in.

Thank you to all again for your suggestions... I have placed an order (or emailed straight razor designs to place order anyway). I went with the starter kit, but upgraded the brush to HEINRICH L. THATER 21MM FINEST BADGER SILVER TIP TRAVEL BRUSH. I figured the Ralph Aust would be good beginner razor to practice on, and learn stropping etc. Also, will be a great blade to invite friends to try , both shaving and stopping. I am keeping my eye out for an "eye-candy" piece, such as old restored vintage or the Charlie Lewis mentioned in an earlier post.
When the kit arrives, Im happy to extend an invite to any beginners near me, to come and try it, or just to look at the blade or brush.

Would still appreciate anyone's feedback in regards to a nicer piece to get. My disposable income isnt great, so Im always looking for a bargain, but realise that quality costs money. Im simply justifying this by the longevity I will get from a good blade, how nice it will be to shave with, and the aesetic appeal. I was comfortable going the more expensive brush straight away, as I figure Ill have it for years and friends or I wont damage it as beginners.

I think you have made a very sensible decision, I believe austs are good razors.

Hi All,

a quick question before I get invoice from SRD, the kit comes with 2" basic strop, with option to upgrade. A lot of people mention Larry's poor mans strop, so was wondering if I should upgrade the strop to something better, to put away until I learn how to strop, and buy a poor mans strop as well, for immediate use.
If so, which strop from SRD would be good to put away until im better? ie there's a long strop, roo stop etc.

Stick with the kit, upgrade your strop to a 3" of any but the 'roo hide strop. I would recommend English bridle as a starter because Latigo, I feel, has a bit too much draw for a beginner to learn the light touch needed for stropping. I don't recommend 'roo hide for total beginners who may be heavy handed and who are also lacking the required co-ordination for stropping. 'Roo hide is thinner than other leathers.
Now that we've got that out of the way, SRD sells replacement straps for about $25, so go the 3" for the hardware, and replace the strap, if and when you need to, in the future.


Mick

Thanks, good advice.

Andrew

You could also order a replacement 3" roo strop leather (or any other for that matter) and put it away, that way you could save on postage. But I don't know what sort of cost saving would be involved so it may not be worthwhile.
Either way enjoy your new gear when it arrives.

Thanks Mick and Ed, I have emailed SRD and upgraded to the English bridal strop as per your recommendation (I really appreciate it) with a spare leather strap. Will maybe explore other leathers down the track but I think this will be more than adequate for now, as Im a beginner and likely to carve it up a bit from what everyone says.
Andrew

Sounds like you are set, well in a week or two anyway. I assume you get soap/cream and a brush with the kit.
Some other things you might want (if not included) are styptic pencil, alum or witchhazel, and aftershave.

Well, thanks to all at SRP, I think Im starting to put together quite a nice kit, apart from the starter razor, which will be a great starting place. Im not worried about shaving bowl or scuttle at the moment, just going with the cheap one included in SRD kit, as I have other nice earthenware suitable for the job. So far I have ordered the beginner Ralph Aust razor, the English Bridle strop with spare leather strap, the Heinrich L Thater 21mm finest badger silver tip travel brush, with the other basic starter kit (shave cream, classic mug etc).

Still looking for a better razor, but not in a hurry for that anymore. I think I may take up Geoff's very kind and generous offer to look at his Razors before spending too much money (which I could certainly find alternative uses for).

Thanks again to all, and would still appreciate any other feedback or suggestions.

I can see how this can be come quite addictive... Will be interesting in a year or two to see how many razors I have acquired lol

Andrew

Thanks Ed. The kit comes with some shaving soap and I ordered a few cheap samples of other soaps from SRD. The kit comes with styptic pencil, but I havent done anything re aftershave yet. I have a few already, just stuff from bodyshop, perfect potion etc, will see how that goes, but admittedly I dont actually use them with my current shaving routine.

Hi Kev, Ed and others,

Just wanted to let you know, thanks to your advice and from others , that I have taken the leap and ordered a razor kit from SRD, I posted details to this thread. I really appreciate your advice and assistance, and wanted to send you this message so you knew your advice assisted in my purchase.
Andrew

No probs, you may not even want to use aftershave :) they were just some thoughts based on what quite a few guys here use, personally I gave my alum and witchhazel away as I sort of just stopped using them, both are quite cheap though so it is worth trying. Alum from eBay is pretty cheap, and witchhazel is avail from chemists.
A tip I got.from Mick was vitamin e cream, it is really good for healing skin, so used as an aftershave balm is nice and soothing.
Sorry that is all I have got for now.

Thanks Ed.
Andrew

Im glad your almost sorted Andrew. I bet you can't wait for the postie!!

There is so much to learn and to try out. It's almost a sport you know…and you have the rest of your life to enjoy it :)

I get great pleasure from shaving and it's great to help a fellow straight shaver as many helped me when I started and still do. This forum really is a great place and its made special by the members for sure.

I'm about to learn to hone, money for me isn't great as I have a young family and a baby business, but the saving time will give me time to read and ask questions etc, no rush still loving the basics every day and enjoying the advice and banter.

An aftershave splash on is a good way to get an indicator of how well you shaved. If it stings like a b@stard regardless of how smooth (Or patchy) you are, you were too heavy handed, you razor needs honing or both. Most likely you were too heavy handed.

If it's just a pleasant short lived tingle, give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. :)


Mick

Good luck with your new shaving routine, I can't wait to join you. I've put this off for far too long ;)
Benny.