Hello from Sunny California (although a bit too sunny right now)

Hey,

So, I've been looking through a lot of this stuff for the past day or two, and to start off, I'm 20 and currently using a Gillette cartridge 4-5ish blade shaving thing, and was looking into either double edge or straight razor stuff.

In all honesty, I am somewhat pleased with what I have at the moment, but of course, the blades do dull out faster than I would like them to, and if there's a better way that I can "switch to and never look back!," that would be amazing since I love things like that. I do love shaving in general, but I only shave about ~2 times a week at the moment, being younger and all that perhaps.

My questions I guess would be, what is the true investment of everything, since I'm looking through, and here's what I'm getting:
Shaving brush= ~13 by what I'm seeing on Amazon with good reviews etc.
Strop= ~30 by what I'm seeing on Amazon as well
Shaving soap, vs the foam I have right now = ~10, but haven't looked at this as much as I should yet. Not sure if I even need to switch, since people say that shaving soap or shaving cream is a lot better but at the moment I'm able to shave comfortably with even just water and nothing else, but shaving cream+brush does sound nice.

Straight razor= ~this is what I want to know more than anything
Unfortunately, I'm not 100 percent sure if I'm going to be falling for this as much as I think I am so I'm not going to be dropping 200-300 dollars at the moment on one. Some questions would be here would be whether you guys are still cutting yourselves years later, even by accident, and how long a shave takes for you guys who have years of experience. I'm sure it would be a lot more fun to shave with a straight razor all the time, but I wonder whether if I had five minutes to shave when running somewhere years from now, whether I'd be able to do it as effectively as I might be able to do now. As you can see, Amazon has been amazing to be in the past years with just pointing to one item at the top with its 10000 4.9 star reviews but I understand this is one of those items that I need to find to see what works with myself.

I would say that your best bet is to go the DE route. A decent double edge razor can be had for under $75 and a sampler pack of DE blade to find out which kind you like is also very economical. Go to a discount store, Walmart or drug store and opt for the Van Der Hagen brush and VDH soap/bowl set, should be under $30. Since you are not sure you want to go the straight razor route this would, at least get you away from the current method you use. There are many SRP members that are DE and SE users exclusively and there are threads devoted to just those users. I suggest you read them to get an idea of what to expect from a DE or E. I am a straight/DE/SE user as the mood hits me or my skin says switch and I've been pleased with all the methods I shave with. But then, as we say, YMMV. Read the wikis and ask a lot of questions. We all like to answer and help out where and when we can.

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Originally Posted by Razorfeld

I would say that your best bet is to go the DE route. A decent double edge razor can be had for under $75 and a sampler pack of DE blade to find out which kind you like is also very economical. Go to a discount store, Walmart or drug store and opt for the Van Der Hagen brush and VDH soap/bowl set, should be under $30. Since you are not sure you want to go the straight razor route this would, at least get you away from the current method you use. There are many SRP members that are DE and SE users exclusively and there are threads devoted to just those users. I suggest you read them to get an idea of what to expect from a DE or E. I am a straight/DE/SE user as the mood hits me or my skin says switch and I've been pleased with all the methods I shave with. But then, as we say, YMMV. Read the wikis and ask a lot of questions. We all like to answer and help out where and when we can.

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Why do you use all of them if you don't mind me asking?

If you check my bio you will see my age. Over the years I've tried just about all the different methods plus not shaving for a goodly number of years, just trimming around a beard. I have always like variety is one reason I use the three types. Another is I have sensitive skin and a wiry beard and every so often, because of irritation, I like to switch razor types to give my face a short rest. And since there is really no one way to do things then variety is the spice of life (shaving).

The DE is going top be an easy transition and the cost is minimal. A straight would give you a cool factor of 10 but then there is the maintenance and learning curve that goes with it. I can shave just as fast with a straight now as I did a cartridge because I don't have to rinse the blade until I change sides. Time may be more of a factor for you if you get in a hurry to get done in the bathroom and get on to the party or whatever. A straight is not something you want to use when you are in a hurry , EVER. Your estimate of 200 or 300 is very high for a beginners razor. You can get them a lot cheaper and shave ready. Look in the classifieds here for great deals. You can always sell it if you don't like it. You might be able to get away with plain water now but after your beard matures and your skin is not so resilient you will love using a puck of real shave soap.
Start with a DE a good brush and soap and see if your face doesn't feel better. Your blades are going to be a lot cheaper that's for sure.

And yes the wind has blown in a lot more heat than I ever prefer.

Hi and welcome. If looking for a cheap start to straight shaving then whipped dog is probably your best bet. De is going to be a much easier transition than using a straight. If looking for speed and easse of use then a de is the way to go. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

Hi Mr. Actuary,

Welcome to Straight Razor Place! I'm only 27 and I started shaving with a straight razor when I was 25, and before that I was using a double edge razor and Gillette cartridge razors. Now there is a little learning curve from cartridge to a double edge razor, but you will pick it up much faster than a straight razor. So with a double edge razor you have to make clean one movement passes because you are more likely to cut yourself then you would with a cartridge. The blades last much longer than a cartridge, and are less expensive to buy as well. The one thing that I still would get with the double edge razor was razor bumps, and I don't get that with a straight razor.

I know time is something important for you and you want a fast shave, and because of that I would say stay with the double edge razor. If you have time and want to learn how to shave with a straight razor then do it, but it will take you about 100 shaves to really learn your face and how to shave with your razor. Shaving with a straight razor is not something you just want to fly by when you are just learning because you will cut yourself very bad! Now that I have been shaving with straight razors for the last 3 or 4 years I can get up in the morning and shave just as fast as if I was using a double edge razor. Also, if you invest in a good straight razor you will never have to buy another one again. You will have to get it sharpened every year, but think of all the money you will save by not having to buy new blades every week. One thing when getting a razor you do need to get a quality razor and you need a strop!

You can buy a double edge razor at Wal-Mart or Target for cheep.

On Amazon I only found one razor that was worth buying and ti was a Dovo 5/8'' for 149. I am more of an ebay person so check this links out :
Dovo "Best Quality" 6 8" Carbon Steel Straight Razor Ivory Color | eBay
Dovo Solingen Col Conk 506 Straight Razor Red Handle 6 8" Carbon Blade | eBay
Dovo Straight Razor Paste Brush Soap Mug Leather Strop Stone 9 Pcs Shaving Kit | eBay

Sorry for such a long message, but hope it helps.

So I went out and got that VDH kit from Target and now probably will go and get that double edge razor. At some point in time I see myself using both the straight and safety razor but this might be the best way to start. Target unfortunately only had the VDH double edge and nothing else so I'm going to look on Amazon or elsewhere for a good one and get back to you. Thank you for all your help.

Edit: Looking at the feather double edge razor on Amazon. I read good reviews in this forums and my question is where I might be able to find razor blades at a good value because I didn't see any at target.

Feathers will probably be an on line venture,
Pick up a sampler from somewhere (SRD?)
find what you like then dropping a few bucks to make the purchase more than worthwhile won't be bad at all.

As far as your original post,
I can shave with a straight prep to clean up 8 min for a DFS day at work, ( I prefer not to do this)
I nick myself less than I did with a cartridge.

Looks like you are going to start with a DE and I would say the results will be similar as most things are equal on the prep side.

Welcome to it, patience pays off.

Pat

So I looked into all of it more and I initially thought straight razors were at the 150 and up range and looking at whipped dog again, the straight razors he have are so cheap and apparently have good reviews on this website as well. I feel in the FAQ, should just post his razor as the one to start with, rather than showing all the options and just asking them to pick one among a lot. I'd just add in that razor and the VDH shave set as the beginner set.

Welcome from southern California. Yeah I say take a shot with the straight and see if you like it. Looks like you've found some places for good deals.
If you're still wondering about the Feather blades for the DE, obviously online or you can get them locally here in the south bay at the Shaver Shop on Hawthorne, but not sure where in so cal you're located.

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Originally Posted by RoyalCake

Welcome from southern California. Yeah I say take a shot with the straight and see if you like it. Looks like you've found some places for good deals.
If you're still wondering about the Feather blades for the DE, obviously online or you can get them locally here in the south bay at the Shaver Shop on Hawthorne, but not sure where in so cal you're located.

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Wow that is really close to me I think. Where from SoCal are you from.

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Originally Posted by MrActuary

Wow that is really close to me I think. Where from SoCal are you from.

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I'm in Torrance. That Shaver Shop on Hawthorne actually has quite a few things. They have Dovo and Boker straights, tons of brushes and DE stuff. Their prices for straights seem very "list". I haven't bought from them except Feathers for my dad. But if I were to buy a new straight I'd consider them to give support to a local business.

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Originally Posted by RoyalCake

I'm in Torrance. That Shaver Shop on Hawthorne actually has quite a few things. They have Dovo and Boker straights, tons of brushes and DE stuff. Their prices for straights seem very "list". I haven't bought from them except Feathers for my dad. But if I were to buy a new straight I'd consider them to give support to a local business.

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Alright I'll check them out. I only live a few blocks away from you I think, since I'm few blocks away from the shop, pretty small world. Either I'll get the DE feather safety razor or whipped dog DE, if you can help me differentiate between the two 17 dollar DEs, and then go for the straight on whipped dog as well.

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Originally Posted by MrActuary

Alright I'll check them out. I only live a few blocks away from you I think, since I'm few blocks away from the shop, pretty small world. Either I'll get the DE feather safety razor or whipped dog DE, if you can help me differentiate between the two 17 dollar DEs, and then go for the straight on whipped dog as well.

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Haha wow yeah small world. Unfortunately I don't know much about DE's since I don't use them but maybe someone else can chime in. If you need anything related to the straight let me know. I'm no expert at honing but I think I've become fairly proficient, so if you need that too feel free to hit me up.

Shane

Greeting fellow so cal brother.

I made the switch maybe 6weeks ago.

I am at ~140 deep. Including bowl brush and soap (van der hagen kit) strop from amazon, three straights all vintage I got at an antique shop, and three various stones for doing my own honing.

If you set your mind to making this part of your life you will succeed.

I can't speak on the DE route. However on the SR side of things I'm no expert but I picked it up pretty quickly and shave six days a week. My total time including shower, shave prep, shave and dressed for the day in ~30 minutes. ~10 of that is the prep and shave.

Most days I'm cut free but I shave with a square point that has a little bit of a spike that likes to remind me to keep focused.

There are a lot of guys from so cal on here with loads of experience that will always be here to help.

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Originally Posted by ncraigtrn

Greeting fellow so cal brother.

I made the switch maybe 6weeks ago.

I am at ~140 deep. Including bowl brush and soap (van der hagen kit) strop from amazon, three straights all vintage I got at an antique shop, and three various stones for doing my own honing.

If you set your mind to making this part of your life you will succeed.

I can't speak on the DE route. However on the SR side of things I'm no expert but I picked it up pretty quickly and shave six days a week. My total time including shower, shave prep, shave and dressed for the day in ~30 minutes. ~10 of that is the prep and shave.

Most days I'm cut free but I shave with a square point that has a little bit of a spike that likes to remind me to keep focused.

There are a lot of guys from so cal on here with loads of experience that will always be here to help.

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I don't understand why you bought three razors starting off. To me it's like buying three toothbrushes when they all do the same job. I know they say to buy two to use one as reference (which still sounds excessive to me) but three is surprising. Which ones did you get such that all those supplies added gets to 140?

Also when you do happen to cut yourself during those initial shaves is it bad enough to show throughout the day or is it just seeing the blood then and there and a slight stinging perhaps during the shave.

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Originally Posted by MrActuary

I don't understand why you bought three razors starting off. To me it's like buying three toothbrushes when they all do the same job. I know they say to buy two to use one as reference (which still sounds excessive to me) but three is surprising. Which ones did you get such that all those supplies added gets to 140?

Also when you do happen to cut yourself during those initial shaves is it bad enough to show throughout the day or is it just seeing the blood then and there and a slight stinging perhaps during the shave.

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I had the same thought. Why would anyone want more than on razor... Well I bought one first and it was a great shave and one of the scales broke. So I bought another to use while I fixed the handle on the first. And the second one had a chipped blade that I fixed.

Anyways one is a wedge one is a full hollow so the shave is a bit different.

Because there are so many different razors I personally want to try several to see which works best for me. Kinda like choosing between Schick, Gillette and bic. Only there are more options and more variables.

The two that I currently shave with are a dubl duck satin wedge, and a case red imp #133.

Paid 18 for one and 25 for the other.

The third I got to practice honing and stropping.

So my kit goes like this

Strop - 18 on amazon
Vdh shave kit- 10 at Walgreen's
Red imp - 25
Dubl duck- 18
No name razor- free
King 1k/6k combo stone- ~40 on amazon
Barbers hone- 15.50 on eBay
Chinese 12k finisher- 25 at woodcraft

I don't have to pay to have my razors honed now. And if I chose to only use what I have I'd only have to buy shave soap the rest of my life. But I like the hobby aspect of taking a beat up razor and giving it new life.

And your supposed to give your razor 24-48 hours between shaves to not work harden the edge. Thus multiple razors

Pretty sure that's it.

Oh wow that makes a lot of sense. Where did you find your razors and were they not shave ready?

I sterilized and stropped the dubl duck before first use and it shaved OK. The red imp had a chip in the edge and had some blemishes.
I've since rehoned the dubl duck and restored the imp.

I am kinda headstrong so I take advice and try to prove it wrong or right.

I didn't subscribe to the get it pro honed or shave ready ideals because I wanted to make a hobby of this and to do it somewhat on my own.
This was good for me because it generated more questions then I'd have with everything perfect from the beginning which has helped me to learn a lot in a little bit of time.

Remember just because your switching over doesn't mean you have to completely depart from your current means of shaving. If you feel like the shave is going wrong stop and use your Schick quattro or Gillette fusion and when your done assess what went wrong with your straight. Like watching back game film. Assess what you were doing and compare to others experiences or instructions and make adjustments.

The truth is no one has perfected the straight razor shave yet. And I mean no one. Everyone is searching for it and everyone continually grows and gets better at it.

There is a lot that you learn in the first stroke of a first shave.

If your uncomfortable with starting out doing it all there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting a shave ready razor or having one honed professionally. But it'll cost 15-30 to have it done and most guys muff the edge learning to strop.
So my logic was to learn now and spend a little time and money then to have 100 dollars in honing services my first 6 months.

Another thing s-t-y-p-t-i-c. Most cuts are very minor and generally bleed very little however if you are in 90% of the DE/SR community that experiences a slice or cut it bleeds a lot and can scab. But the blade is so sharp and thin that it heals very fast and most the time is not noticeable.

Styptic pencils are found in the shaving section of grocery stores and pharmacy's. They are aluminum sulfate and when dipped in water and rubbed on a knick or cut will cauterize it and stop the bleeding. Burns like an MFer but only for a second

[QUOTE=ncraigtrn;1340418]



The truth is no one has perfected the straight razor shave yet. And I mean no one

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QUOTE]

Oh? Some may take exception to that statement!:roflmao

[QUOTE=sharptonn;1340428]

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Originally Posted by ncraigtrn

The truth is no one has perfected the straight razor shave yet. And I mean no one

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QUOTE]

Oh? Some may take exception to that statement!:roflmao

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:cheshiregrin: not trying to start problems simply stating that its advisable to adapt to your needs as there is no one right way. Only a better way.

So why are there barely any reviews for http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003YJ...&pi=SX200_QL40 on this website? Amazon has good reviews but there really isn't any discussion in this site about it.

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Originally Posted by MrActuary

So why are there barely any reviews for http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003YJ...&pi=SX200_QL40 on this website? Amazon has good reviews but there really isn't any discussion in this site about it.

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I can't be much help a I know nothing about DE but I will say you should start a post under the shaving equipment section under razors. More responses a lot faster. Use a creative title like "check out this feather DE I saw on amazon."

Trust me it'll be about ten minutes and you'll get responses

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Originally Posted by MrActuary

So I looked into all of it more and I initially thought straight razors were at the 150 and up range and looking at whipped dog again, the straight razors he have are so cheap and apparently have good reviews on this website as well. I feel in the FAQ, should just post his razor as the one to start with, rather than showing all the options and just asking them to pick one among a lot. I'd just add in that razor and the VDH shave set as the beginner set.

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Don't think that will happen. Most want to see what they are buying. Most also would like quality and not something with wear or corrosion issues. I suspect many would like new, many would like fine vintage, etc.
It is a personal choice, a cheap one. Not the best choice, IMO.

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Originally Posted by MrActuary

So why are there barely any reviews for http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003YJ...&pi=SX200_QL40 on this website? Amazon has good reviews but there really isn't any discussion in this site about it.

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Well first off while there is a ton of DE info here, it is a straight razor forum so you may find less info on the DEs.
That model was brought up in a thread I started in December (sorry can't figure how to link on my phone). There was at least one member who recommended it. It's actually kinda cool cause it's a twist to open which is not all that common on new DEs. If the plastic handle is ok with you then I don't see a reason why you should avoid it.

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Originally Posted by ncraigtrn

I can't be much help a I know nothing about DE but I will say you should start a post under the shaving equipment section under razors. More responses a lot faster. Use a creative title like "check out this feather DE I saw on amazon."

Trust me it'll be about ten minutes and you'll get responses

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Alright I'll be sure to try that instead. Just surprised with so many reviews on Amazon there wasn't already a lot of threads here, but I suppose I'll be the one to start one.

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

Don't think that will happen. Most want to see what they are buying. Most also would like quality and not something with wear or corrosion issues. I suspect many would like new, many would like fine vintage, etc.
It is a personal choice, a cheap one. Not the best choice, IMO.

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Oh, alright, that makes sense. I looked them up on this site a lot more and I understand there's a lot of wear and tear that comes with the razors, even if they are shave ready. Classifieds might be better at the same price range since there's stuff like this that I'm looking at and I think it would be a better decision.

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Originally Posted by RoyalCake

Well first off while there is a ton of DE info here, it is a straight razor forum so you may find less info on the DEs.
That model was brought up in a thread I started in December (sorry can't figure how to link on my phone). There was at least one member who recommended it. It's actually kinda cool cause it's a twist to open which is not all that common on new DEs. If the plastic handle is ok with you then I don't see a reason why you should avoid it.

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Yeah I found it. It seems like a good place to test the waters, and plastic isn't a concern for me, unless maybe plastic might be something causing some weight problems or something or another. I'll post a thread purely asking about this razor and see what I get, thanks.

Alright, first DE shave down, and second time using my brush/soap kit. With the VDH Soap, wow, this kind of smells pretty good. If it was a separate deodorant or cologne or something, it might be something they might be able to pull off, haha.

With the Feather DE razor + Astra blades I got, it was a pretty good shave. Just learning right now, but I don't think I cut myself except for the mustache area, and even that was minor and disappeared within 2 minutes completely. And it is sharp but not so unbelievably dangerous that I'm cutting myself all the time. Sometimes, with the cartridge razor, I realize an hour later that I missed a small spot, so I just wet the razor a bit and use it on my dry skin to clean up without a problem, and I didn't imagine being able to do it with the DE razor but I was, so excited overall. It just took a while, but first time, so I was being super cautious until I realized this isn't as sharp as I thought it would be.