Thread: New from California

I literally just joined this forum 30 seconds ago. Hello everyone! I heard about this forum through one of your current members, Mister Moo, who is also a fellow member of mine on the Pipe Smokers Forum. I was discussing with him my interest in delving in to straight razor shaving and he pointed me here. I started doing some browsing on this site, and everyone seems extremely cool and helpful. I'm a serious newbie, in every way imaginable. I just started doing research yesterday on technique and how to get started. First order of business is purchasing a straight razor. I am open to any and all suggestions! Thanks for having me, I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Wellcome Homie,where in Kali are you?

Currently residing in the armpit of California known as Fresno!

Originally Posted by Bee24

Currently residing in the armpit of California known as Fresno!

Well hang around, I know fresno well,I spent a year there one weekend

I used to go down to Fresno to fly rockets here
TCC (Tripoli Central California)
Welcome!

haha! Sounds about right. I was born and raised here, but spent the last 8 years living in the Long Beach area. Just moved back a little less than a year ago with my wife and son to be a little closer to family.

Bee,

Hello and welcome to Straight Razor Place. I am another Californian, San Franciscan, that is. Former Californian, I should add, since now I live in Milwaukee. Still, no matter where I go, San Francisco will always be home. Anyway . . .

You have already started your research and that is good. All you need is a quality straight razor, a quality strop, a quality brush and a quality soap or cream. Practice takes care of the rest.

By the way, Pix makes great brushes and is quite knowledgeable about the world of straight razor shaving. And you're almost neighbors — well, at least living in the same state.

We're delighted to have you with us.

Hey Obie,

Thanks, man! I'm pretty well set on a badger brush and a quality soap. I use Pre De Provence currently, and I love it. I'm hoping that translates well into the world of straight razor shaving, but time will tell.

Here is the million dollar question, where can I find a quality straight razor? I don't feel comfortable purchasing on ebay because I have no idea what I would be looking for in way of defects. I've read the article posted on here about quality brands versus crap brands, but that is merely the beginning. I would imagine like most newbies, I don't want to break the bank. If I end up cutting my ear off or something I would rather have done it with a $25 razor as opposed to a $250 razor. haha

Bee,

For a straight razor, select a blade size of 4/8, 5/8 or 6/8 inches. Round point will always work well in the beginning. By all means, stay off eBay until you know your way around the straight razor world.

The Classified section will offer some good vintage blades. Or you can peruse the vendors noted here at Straight Razor Place. If you are thinking of a new razor, try the Ralf Aust 5/8 or a Dovo Best Quality 5/8. You won't go wrong with those, and they are reasonably priced, although I am partial to the Ralf Aust.

Purchase a quality 3" strop that is not too expensive. Yes, you can get a "cheapo" strop, but your results will be "cheapo," too. Even though in the beginning you're likely to nick your strop, that does not mean you should waste your money on something that might limp along as strop.

View as many quality videos as you can on stropping and shaving, although beware of the video's quality — there is a ton of low quality stropping and shaving videos to avoid. Beyond that, ask question and we'll all try to help you out.

Welcome from Riverside California!!!


Cruise the classifieds here and you'll be making a safe purchase. Otherwise do a lot of research and take. Chance on the bay and have someone hone it for you.

All my razors have been from eBay and I have some great shavers none of which cost me more than 20$.