How's it goin eh!

Okay, now that I've established my Canadian heritage,

Alright, first me. Yes Canadian, live in Calgary Alberta (okay just outside of Calgary) 30 yrs old, working as a residential service Electrician, writing my Master Electrician certification exam in a week. 1 Dog, several live corals and fish in a 120 USG salt water aquarium... building a deck in the yard this spring/summer and hopefully a DIY arcade machine fall/winter.

Now why I'm here,

Just starting to get back into the world of the wet shave. I know, I know, why did I ever leave. :banghead: After a disastrous fling with electric razors (the allure of a quick decent shave in the morning proved false) I have finally had enough of the ingrown hairs and razor burn generally along my neck and jawline. About a week ago i pulled out my old Mach 3 Razor and a can of shaving gel. Better than the electric but not what i wanted it to be. Then this weekend pulled out my old Wilkinson Sword brush (not amazing i know but hoping it will do for the next while) and the soap that it came with. With a little preparation, best shave i have had in quite a while... and still not as good as i know it can be. More to the point... I am now looking seriously into the world of Straight Razors, having been professionally shaved (shaven?) by barbers in the past i know just how great of a shave this can be. As much as i would love to just jump in and buy a reputable high quality kit with everything i could possibly need... that's not where I am just yet. And so i am going to ask a few quick questions here in my Introduction hopefully they find some answers.

Firstly.. my existing equipment:

Schick Wilkinson Sword Shaving Brush All of $5 at wal-mart a few years back. Still seems to be holding up okay, should i replace this with a higher quality one or should it be okay for now?

Wilkinson Sword Shaving Soap - I'm not terribly happy with this.. it lathers up okay but it comes in a strange case that is a pain to use. So knowing I want to try something different, are there quality affordable shaving soaps/creams out there that you would recommend. Also, soap or cream? Or is this one of those try it out and make a personal preference choice.

really I guess that is all i currently have. Now i have done a lot of reading and read a lot of different opinions, but wanted to ask anyway.

Some people say, buy a great SR and take it slow learning to use it. I love this idea, but to get a good shave ready razor a quick search looks like anywhere north of $200 - $250 is where i would be looking to start. And then on top of the learning to not peel my face off while shaving i would be working on stropping technique and ideally honing at the same time.

And so... and please give me your opinion here. I am thinking....... start with something like a Dovo Shavette in the $40 range while i learn the SR shave and then down the road decide if i want to stay with the replaceable blade, or Man up and go to the real thing.

Also would love peoples thoughts on pre-shave and after shave rituals. Currently pre-shave consists of a hot shower (occasionally hair conditioner on the facial hair) warm cloth on face then lather with exisiting soap and brush and go from there. I am hoping to order a SR either replaceable blade or not sooner rather than later, and some cheap disposable razors to Finish the shave while learning rather than dropping dumb money on replacement cartridges.

Well, that was a quick me and why I am here. Any advice would be awesome, and if you have any questions about me or anything else feel free to fire those my way too.

Welcome. There are a few Canadiens here and several Albertans. You may want to do a little reading in the library section. There is a great bit in there on buying your first straight razor.

There are some great inexpensive shave soaps and creams , it's going to be personal,opinions on the scents , but look at Proraso really a good cream in a tube ,, if I hadn't started using the high end stuff I would still be using it. As far as the brush if it's doing a good job , stick with it for a bit till you find out what you want out of this journey,as far as a shave tote ,I can't comment I went from DE,s to straights , if you get to where you want to try a reasonable straight they sell here all the time from guys who will treat you right. And might even give you a loaner to use , Never know!!! Have a great time with it. Tc. If you ask there are a few guys in Canada who would probably help you along ,

Welcome from Michigan. You will get lots of opinions from more experienced guys, my take when I started the straights, for the second time, was that the shavette style took one worry bead off the string (is it sharp?), it added another (blade angle). The shavette route can be more economical as you don't need a strop or hones.

First thing though is get your prep down - decent cream or soap applied with a brush, cream is easier for a noob, at least with harder water, and may be generally slicker which helps with the straight.

Whipped Dog sells very economical sets for beginners,

Me, if I was starting all over, I'd get a shave ready conventional straight and a starter stop

Hey and welcome to the forum. I used one of those Wilkinson brushes for years, till it fell apart, along with Wilkinson shave soap in the green plastic bowl. Not a problem to get a good lather with that combo once you learn how. So I'd say they should be good enough for now. Still have a blue plastic bowl of Wilkinson shave soap in my rotation of soaps and use it with straights.

In the interim maybe get a decent DE safety razor and an assortment pack of blades while you research what you need for straight razor shaving. Getting a straight is only the tip of the iceberg as far as costs associated with that style of shaving goes.

If you do go to shaving with a straight be prepared to go a long time before you even begin to get close to a barbers shave in quality. Not trying to discourage you but just saying to keep expectations reasonable and that the learning requires a whole lot of patience and tolerance for frustration. Other than that it is easy.

Bob

Hi, and welcome to SRP!

I'll see if I can cover a few of your questions here...

Your brush: if it works then there's no need to change it! By all means if you want to experience a different brush and see how different types affect your lather, then go for it. But it certainly isn't 'needed'.

Shaving soaps, creams: there are many reasonable options out there. Some of my favourites that don't break the bank include the proraso products that have already been mentioned (you should be able to find those at Shoppers Drug Mart) and Body Shop's Maca Root Cream. They'll all work well and so much of it is down to personal preference re scent.

Razor: $200 will definitely get you a quality razor, but there is no need to spend that much. Check out the classifieds here at SRP. There is also Whippeddog.com's deals. They won't be pretty, but they will work. In Canada, Classicedge.ca is a good choice as Phil will put a great edge on your razor before shipping it. Wherever you choose to buy your razor, do make sure it has been properly honed by a pro. Razors from the factory typically don't have very good edges.

Should you start with a shavette? That's entirely up to you of course. I have never used one and so cannot really comment on them, but I do know they give a different experience. Personally I feel that if you want to use a true straight razor, you might want to put that $40 (plus cost of blades) towards the razor you really want. *BUT* if you want to try the shavette, then that's what you should do.

Another consideration when buying a straight is that you'll need a strop.

Your pre-shave ritual is exactly what a lot of guys do. So if you don't like your soap, I'd suggest upgrading that and leaving the rest as-is. Keeping things simple helps. :)

Another option rather than the cheap disposables to finish off: a DE or safety razor. You can pick up a razor for not much more than some disposables (I have one of Brad Maggard's razors and really like it: Maggard Razors). The single blade will give you less irritation than a disposable, and as a bonus DEs are great for travel or (at first at least) when you don't have time for a straight shave.

Happy shopping, and good luck!

Wow tons of info an quick too. I already love this site. Will definitely check out whipped dog and classic edge. Seems like people would recommend just get a decent first straight. So will probably do that. I like the DE option for the finish then at least I'm still dealing with a nice blade. Thanks again.

As others have said, Proraso is not only one of the best, it's one of the least expensive. Anything by them will serve you well, I saw some in the local Wallmart last week. I use a cheap boar bristle brush and am very happy with it, the brush you have is more than good enough to start and you can put off treating yourself to something nicer in the future.

I'd think if your goal is to use a straight razor then you should skip the shavette and get right to business. The suggestions others have made are all great.

Looks like everyone has offered you some good advice here. The only thing that I would add to what has already been said is to change only one component at a time. I've known a few guys starting out that got "brand fever" and changed up their pre-shave, cream/soap and post-shave all at once just to use products by the same manufacturer or try something that works for someone else. Then when they had some issues they didn't know which product was problem. Start with something simple, tried and true as the products suggested previously in the thread. Then get used to using that before changing one aspect of your process for a good comparison. Just my thoughts and I hope it helps. Enjoy the experience my friend...

Hi and welcome. I too would recommend going right to the SR. The classifieds or whipped dog would see you with a good serviceable razor under 50 and starter strops can be had for about 40. Hones are best left alone to start with but some crox(quite inexpensive from kremer pigments and enough to have a LOT of pasted strops -http://www.kremer-pigmente.com/en/pigments/pigments-of-modern-age/chrome-oxide-green-44200.html) would keep your razor sharp for quite a while.

Well, it is starting to look like bypassing the shavette, and grabbing a razor and strop from Whipped Dog for my first time around. I will be keeping the Wilkinson Sword brush but will swing by the local drug store and see if I cant find some Proraso cream. One quick question on the strop situation. I've read a few different things on the stropping but have noticed that lots of strops have both the leather and a synthetic webbing strop as well. My question would be why? Is there any advantage to the Poly strop? I ask because for a fairly small price difference I could go with the two strap leather/poly strop rather than just a leather one. Or is that something I shouldn't be worried about until later down the road? Again thanks so much for all the information you guys have been great

Welcome to SRP! The poly webbing or linen on a strop is for cleaning the blade prior to stropping on the leather portion of the strop. You might do say 40 passes on the poly webbing then 60 on the leather for example. Does that make sense? Good luck on your strop purchase. :)

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Originally Posted by Speedster

Welcome to SRP! The poly webbing or linen on a strop is for cleaning the blade prior to stropping on the leather portion of the strop. You might do say 40 passes on the poly webbing then 60 on the leather for example. Does that make sense? Good luck on your strop purchase. :)

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That actually makes a lot of sense... I may just suck up the extra $10 and get the one with the poly strop as well. Thanks :)

For sure. Sometime over the next month or so pick up a chromium oxide stick so that you can refresh that razor when it starts pulling. Read about treating the inside of the webbing with the stick or watch Lynn's video on stropping / refreshing a razor. That will save you from spending your money on honing for a while.

Hi, and welcome to SRP, as you can see you get some great advice here. I would go for the straight IMO. The above post has covered everything else. HAPPY SHAVING !!

Just fired an Email off to Whipped Dog to get a razor on the way, seemed like the easiest place to start on a budget. Let the Adventure Begin...

A 2 part strop is definitely worth the extra. Your edge will thank you

sooo... basic forum etiquette question here... lets say I took a quick search of the members list and found some local people... is it considered acceptable to fire someone who is a senior member to just say hi and see if I can get some info about local availability of things......

Just officially ordered my first Razor along with Strop (and a second strop for when I cut up the first one) from Whippeddog.com should have it in a few weeks. My plan for the next while is to practice using my left hand for some more things to help build up the finer motor control I am going to want in order to shave with it. Any suggestions on what types of activities I should make a point of using my non dominant hand for?

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Originally Posted by WildeTee

Just officially ordered my first Razor along with Strop (and a second strop for when I cut up the first one) from Whippeddog.com should have it in a few weeks. My plan for the next while is to practice using my left hand for some more things to help build up the finer motor control I am going to want in order to shave with it. Any suggestions on what types of activities I should make a point of using my non dominant hand for?

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Try doing all your shaves in the meantime with the left hand ? Also, start practicing skin stretching if you don't do that already, much more important in straight shaving in my experience

Hello and Welcome to the forum Trevor.
Glad you dropped in and looking forward to meeting you here in CowTown.
Word of warnng,.....this can be a bit addictive, not that I would know first hand but I've heard.

Haha thanks I fully expect it to be addictive. Thanks for for being local and willing to help with the journey look forward to meeting and taking a look at some blades.

Huzzah for local peeps.

Okay, I am very likely getting way ahead of myself, since i don't even have possession of a SR yet, but........... In reference to first pass when shaving. Everyone says WTG for first pass and 100% that is the way to go, but I also see people saying that you want to make sure you are going N-S on the first pass. Now everyones face is different and so i wanted to get some opinions. When I get my hands on my SR which of those rules is best to follow. For sideburns and Most of cheek n-s is wtg but as soon as i am below the jaw line (no i wont be there on my first shave.....well..... i will try to stop) N-S doesn't even come close to WTG. My thought is ignoring actual direction across my face it is more important that i learn the direction my facial hair grows and follow the WTG XTG ATG progression????

As a side note, until this week when i actually started paying attention i never realized how erratic the hair growth on my face and neck was. Getting better shaves with $0.25 disposable razors lately than ever did with electric face peelers.

You have it figured right - N-S is the usual WTG above the jaw, below can be different. Mine actually goes a couple directions on the neck. With a DE I always went out and down from center on the first neck pass, and that seems to be best for now with a straight. You can always experiment with pass direction with the disposable while you are waiting.

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Originally Posted by WildeTee

Okay, I am very likely getting way ahead of myself, since i don't even have possession of a SR yet, but........... In reference to first pass when shaving. Everyone says WTG for first pass and 100% that is the way to go, but I also see people saying that you want to make sure you are going N-S on the first pass. Now everyones face is different and so i wanted to get some opinions. When I get my hands on my SR which of those rules is best to follow. For sideburns and Most of cheek n-s is wtg but as soon as i am below the jaw line (no i wont be there on my first shave.....well..... i will try to stop) N-S doesn't even come close to WTG. My thought is ignoring actual direction across my face it is more important that i learn the direction my facial hair grows and follow the WTG XTG ATG progression????

As a side note, until this week when i actually started paying attention i never realized how erratic the hair growth on my face and neck was. Getting better shaves with $0.25 disposable razors lately than ever did with electric face peelers.

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My WTG would be nose to ear for my cheek but I still start out NS, XTG. I usually only do one pass, across. If I do two then the next is against.

Eeep. Thanks to member Raol I now have a shave ready razor in my possession ahead of my strop. Now to dig through the house and find an appropriate make shift strop for the mean time. Attachment 161153

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Originally Posted by Hart

My WTG would be nose to ear for my cheek but I still start out NS, XTG. I usually only do one pass, across. If I do two then the next is against.

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Wondering, did you get that backwards? Or are you referring to how your beard grows? North-South would be WTG, as in sideburn to jawline. From nose to ear, i.e., E-W, would be XTG, and S-N would be ATG. Then you get into NE-SW for your scything pass?

Usually, for me at least, I start with an all over WTG, then I re-lather and go ATG all over, re-lather again and go XTG on the cheeks and an ATG pass again on the neck line. Sometimes I'll also add a scything stroke along the cheek and neck area as well.

If you have a proper leather belt with a smooth surface it should work just fine. Avoid those glossy dress belts though. Another tip: if you play guitar you can use a nylon guitar strap as a material strop (in place of linen/cotton/canvas) and if the strap is leather that can be used as a alternative as well.

Oh, and welcome from a member in Edmonton :)

Ooh I never even thought about the guitar strap. Good call

I got a shavette type straight with the disposable blades with my straight tried it didn't like it very very sharp but almost over sharp and I had to be quite aggressive on my angles. The straight was much nicer to use granted I've had a few nicks learning but now I'm down to 2-3 nicks tops per shave on my second week of proper use doing my whole face. I would say get into it very close shave no replacing bladed feels great and you get a lot of satisfaction out of getting better and learning the art :-)

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Originally Posted by Phrank

Wondering, did you get that backwards? Or are you referring to how your beard grows? North-South would be WTG, as in sideburn to jawline. From nose to ear, i.e., E-W, would be XTG, and S-N would be ATG. Then you get into NE-SW for your scything pass?

Usually, for me at least, I start with an all over WTG, then I re-lather and go ATG all over, re-lather again and go XTG on the cheeks and an ATG pass again on the neck line. Sometimes I'll also add a scything stroke along the cheek and neck area as well.

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Heh, all those acronyms get confusing. The reality of my facial hair is that everything grows almost straight across from the center line of nose, lips, chin towards my ears with a very slight downward tilt including my neck. Except my mustache and chin which grow downward (NS?) but mostly straight out think Lanny McDonald or Friedrick Nietzsche and is like cutting a corn broom if the razor isn't at its best.

Same here other than right beside my ear and a strip right down middle of my neck most of hair is down and out. Almost 45 from centre out.

Well provided today went well soon I can call myself a Master Electrician. Skipped my shave last night and celebrating with sports and adult bevvies tonight then tomorrow afternoon nice relaxed first straight razor shave :)