Thread: 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

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)

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.

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.

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

Originally Posted by AndrewJM

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

Andrew

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

Kev