I'm suprised too ...

When I started wetshaving 4 years ago, I told myself that I would never use a straight. I was of the opinion that "cut-throat" razors were from a bygone era where most men had facial fur, those who did go "clean" shaved once a week and the shave was invariably provided by a barber. This helped me to wrap my mind around why someone would put an awkwardly held and extremely sharp blade to their face before their morning cup of Joe.


But there was always curiosity. As someone who does shave videos occasionally, I found myself scouring YouTube and watching guys like Lynn Abrams and Geofatboy shave with these gorgeous instruments of stubble reduction. There was just something about mastering the art of shaving in this way to me. Intimidated by the honing and stropping business, I picked up a Parker shavette. It wasn't a great experience. I probably gave up on it too quickly, but it just confirmed what I thought I already knew: why practice at misery when my multitude of DEs yielded amazing results almost every time.


Recently I have noticed a huge surge in straights on my Facebook shaving forums. My most trusted shave buddies are using straights daily. And so, I went back to the videos, talked to some friends and I'm willing to give it a shot again.


Now to find a straight and a strop. I've got this forum so at least I've got that going for me. Which is nice.

Welcome to SRP!

soon you will being doing other things "from a bygone era" : complaining about the unshaven masses, wanting to shave twice a day, wearing a hat not a cap, carrying a concealed weapon, helping little old ladies to cross the road, instead of complaining about the government you will actually vote and do other things to minimize it's role in your life.

yes, facing 3 inches of naked steel first thing in the morning has a civilizing affect :)

As for your first razor, please make sure it is from a reputable manufacturer and that the vendor is a straight user themselves and ensures that it is honed before selling it to you. Most brand new razors are not quite sharp enough for a comfortable shave. if you are purchasing a vintage razor try the classified here or the fine vendors who advertise on this site.

enjoy,
jim

Hi and welcome. As said check out the library for all the starter info and the other basics of Sr shaving. Any questions feel free to ask. Start slow and work the straight into your existing routine and you will find that before long the straight will be all you need. Good luck

Welcome to the most friendly, helpful and informative site on the web!!

You will find members here of all different backgrounds, ages and occupations from all corners of the world and all with a quest for more knowledge about using and maintaining a straight razor!

there are a couple of your countrymen that I'm privileged to be acquainted with! I'll send you a PM with the link to them here at SRP!!

You never know if one may be just down the road and able to help you!! They may even have a razor to either loan or sell to you and hopefully one of them will be able to sit down and show you how to prep, strop and shave! Later even help you learn to hone! Hands on Learning will teach you more in a few hours than you can learn from months of watching videos and reading here!

Sanfte Rasur, mein Klingenbruder!:tu

I got a couple of DEs in a lot buy on e-bay. They do deliver a nice shave with Dubl Duck blades :<0) I rarely use them even though they are easier,, okay maybe just a little easier than a straight. I don't think they are any faster that's for sure. Once you get comfortable with a straight you'll love it. I also have a couple of shavettes. They have never cut a hair off my face. Why do I have them?? They are Ducks. I am not going to push any brand names but I do know what's best :<0) If you grab one out of the classifieds you will do well. I have never heard a complaint about a purchase out of there.