Thread: hi all,im new here

well hello,im Rod from Ipswich qld.My first time here so a lot of questions will follow LOL.Im 63 and had the usual shaving gear through the years.

My FIRST question is as a teenager in school without money i used my late fathers shaving things.He had a double edged razor in a openning handle. i used to see a shaving strap on the wall n asking mum she said i need get some practice before i go near that kind of shave.

Through the years i gradually obtained the info that the strap is only part of it n the important part was missing.

Anyway.im 63 now n have been considering a cutthroat for awhile.Looking on google i see theyre NOT cheap.

Why are they so dear,how hard is it to use a straight cutthroat without killing myself..

What does some of the specs mean like 5/8 and anything else i need know.

Many thanks . Rod in Qld

Welcome to SRP!
Consider the cost - you can get a new straight for around $125 (USD) and it will last you a lifetime. Now how much do you spend in one year on cartridges?
In the long run the straight will cost less - at least until you get obsessed with straight shaving and buying multiple razors, soaps, strops, hones, brushes, .....

I think it would be hard to kill yourself with a straight. Most cuts are just nicks like with any other razor. The worst cut I've gotten was 1/8 inch deep and that was on my finger.

5/8 is the width of the blade from the edge to the spine and it is in inches. 5/8 is the most common size, but some people prefer large or smaller blades. 5/8 and 6/8 with a round tip are usually recommended for beginners - the round tips help to protect your ear lobes and nose.

Check out the Library. There is a beginners section that explains a whole lot and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

There is also a subforum group for all of the people in Australia that you might want to check out and hopefully some of those guys will chime in soon.

Pretty much dead on like criswilson10 said, the only thing I want to add is u could buy a straight razor from the classifieds section here on this forum.

Not much to add except to say welcome to the forum. I am 61 and started using a straight a couple of years ago so it is not that hard for old dogs to learn. Haven't had enough blood letting yet to donate a thimble full to the Red Cross, touch wood.

Bob

I strongly echo the 5/8 or 6/8 rounded tip recommendation. Your age is not a factor, whether you're 63 or 13, you're still new and there will be a learning curve, but nothing too drastic if you follow the advice in the "helpful links" section. Don't do as I did and be in a mad rush to shave your whole face! Most guys find that the center line of the face and neck, in a north to south axis, is the most difficult. The bulb of the chin was the last place that I began to feel competent. Good luck and enjoy.

G'Day Rod and welcome neighbour....hehehe
Anything I can help with just send a PM
I'm presently between jobs (except for repairing the house) and would love to help you with your journey if I can

Greetings and salutations. You will find that the library and the wiki will answer just about any question you have and some you didn't even know to have. Unfortunately you have fallen in with a motley crew of pirates and brigands that will not only teach you about straight razors and all the shaving accoutrements but will also goad you into spending your hard earned money and life savings on anything and everything SR related. We welcome you with open arms



Read my link at the bottom to find out what I really mean...

Welcome to SRP

A good new razor will set you back a bit be wary of new razors that do not. If you are looking at getting in cheaper consider the classifieds here or whipped dog.

Hello and welcome.

Hi Rod, and welcome to SRP !!