Thread: Howdy from Shanghai

Hey everyone! I thought I would start out with a quick introduction and a couple of questions.

My name is Brandon and I am thinking about trying my hand(s) at wet shaving. I am an American living just outside of Shanghai, China and I have been over here for ~8 years. I work in the Auto industry and enjoy playing acoustic guitar. I used to shave my entire face and head (Mach 3) before moving back to China when I let my hair grow back out for work. I have been using a Braun electric for the last couple of years on my face.

For some reason I have caught the wet shave bug and am interested in learning how to shave with a straight razor. It is likely to do with the poor shave quality and razor burn I get from the electric. But it is also for the therapeutic and artistic value of shaving this way.

Ok, so that was a little long winded, but I still have a couple of questions left.

• First, I am looking at the Dovo Master's 6/8 from SRD. I have not seen many reviews on line regarding this razor. Does anyone have some first hand experience with it that they might share? I have learned in my past hobbies that I am typically pretty good at sticking with stuff and decent quality of gear does make a difference. With that said, I don't think I want to go out and get a Damascus or custom that I could potentially render useless with my inexperience in stropping, honing, care, etc.
• Second, are there other kits that I should be looking at? I saw a TI one on the Invisible Edge site. I want to stay with a kit because of my location. Having it all sent together will be much more cost effective.
• Next, I have a fairly oily face and get the occasional pimple here and there (yes, even at 34). Will stretching techniques help to keep me from shaving holes in my face or is it something that I am just going to have to deal with?
• Lastly, are there any meet-ups or mentors in the Shanghai area that I might be able to contact after I get my kit? I assume that I am going to need to learn the whole shebang given where I live. I highly doubt I could reliably get my razor honed where I am living without sending it internationally.

Well, thanks for wading through my terribly long post. I am looking forward to chatting with some of you all on line.

Cheers,

Brandon

Welcome to SRP!
Check out the Beginner's Section in the Library. There is a lot to read and watch in there, but it will make your shaving experience more enjoyable.
If you have questions, feel free to ask, we are here to help.

On to your questions
I don't think you can go wrong with a Dovo or a TI. A 5/8 or 6/8 round tip is the place to start. The Master's is a nice razor, the Dovo Best is another good starter for about half the price but it just has a plastic handle and no cool etching.

Most razor sellers have a beginner's kit. Another site that a lot of people start with is whippeddog.com. Larry's razor kits are not pretty, but they are cheap and the blades are reliable.

Most of my pimples cleared up when I started using a straight. Better soap and less facial abrasion I think played the biggest part. There are soaps for oil skin available - check out the Soaps forum on this site.

I can't answer the questions about Shanghai, but hopefully some one will speak up.

Good luck on your journey to a better shave.

Brandon, Welcome to SRP!
I have never owned the Dovo Master so I can't give advice on that particular razor, but I have purchased a razor from SRD. They sell quality razors and put a great edge on them. You might also consider the Ralf Aust razors if SRD has them in stock. Pimples are usually not a problem. My strategy has been to be aware of them while shaving and use a light touch. Good luck.

The Short answers just echo the above.
Check out the new shaver section on the left side of the start page.
For new razors - SRD is a great place to start, and I'm with Leatherstockings, if they have a Ralf Aust in stock in 5/8 or 6/8 Round point consider it.
If you don't have a DE think about it - helps to "clean up" when you are learning and they are just handy.
Many of us see our skin getting better with DE and Straight Razor shaving after using a M3 or electric.

And most of all, welcome to the forum and the world of Straight Razors...you will enjoy it..

Smooth Shaving...

Thanks for all of the replies so far. I will definitely check out the Ralf Aust and maybe even a DE. Also, I was hoping that it may be the case of my skin getting better with a different shave.

Absolutely let me second, third or 4th your welcome to SRP.

I'd say R. Aust or Dovo "Best Quality" is the best starting point. Otherwise you're paying for fanciness, but getting essentially the same edge. Second make sure it is shave ready, honed by a professional, and SRD does that. Third, on skin, I'm in my 60s and still occasionally have "pimple" problems, but have found that the attention and time that you spend on yur face with prepping, lathering, etc, helps. On the shaving part, if I have a blemish, I just avoid it or hit it with a very light and cautious touch.

Good luck, and welcome again!