Hello from DFW!

Hey everyone!

Finally tired of the acne, ingrown hairs, and other skin problems that my electric razor has caused me, I began to look for an alternative solution to a clean shaven face. I came across straight razor shaving on r/wicked_edge, and the information there led me to this gold mine of information! I've been doing my best to learn about straight razors and everything that goes into them over the past week or so, and I've decided that I'm going to go through with trying it out!

I'm going to take the advice of the FAQ (and many users here) and order a razor from the classified section so that I can have a truly "shave ready" razor. However, it is a bit overwhelming not knowing much about these razors and trying to pick one. Does anyone have any advice on which razors from the classified section would be good for a beginner? Sub $150 for the razor would be preferred, but that isn't necessarily a hard limit. I do have to buy all of the other equipment, after all! :p

Thanks!

Welcome first of all to SRP, your source for everything about wet shaving. Generally, first razor is recommended to be either a 5/8 or 6/8 round nose hollow grind. Average size and fits most hands. Make is not as important since there are so many good razors out there. One of my best shavers has no makers mark anywhere on it. Make use of the PM system to correspond with the seller if you have questions. All the listers on the classifieds are SRP members and we will, to the man, answer and guide a new shaver when requested.

Go slow to begin with. Local drug store, variety store usually offers inexpensive shaving merchandise. One of the most economical and decent is the Van Der Hagen line of brushes and soaps. Brush, a badger for about $7 and soap for about half that unless you buy a soap/bowl combo. Decent strops can be found from many sources. Check SRD for their paddle line with replaceable strops. Especially good choice when just learning to strop.

Read the Beginner's section in the Library or at least read through the FAQ. A lot of answers there for questions yet to be asked. Most of all, go slow in your learning, getting confident in what you are doing before moving to the next step. No need to rush into honing an edge when here are so many pros that can do that and give you an edge that will be a bench mark for you when you do get to that stage. And some shavers have decided that that's a stage they don't need/want to go to. Honing is a whole different ball of wax to be looked at, if you want to go there later.

But as Lynn says, "have fun" and ask questions.

Another option which might serve you is to look at the SRD site and consider the purchase of a new, expertly honed, shave ready Ralf Aust razor. The vendor and the product are first rate, and will see to your satisfaction. Classified vendors are also a credible resource. Just throwing one more option on the table for your consideration.

Another option...Spend $43 with Larry at whipped dog for a sight unseen. Add on a few extras he offers such as the poor mans stop kit, brush and soap, and maybe even his generic DE razor for backup and you are getting a great start for $100 or so...

What Razorfeld said and you can order a kit from SRD with razor, strop, brush, etc.
For a bit cheaper you can get a kit from WhippedDog. The razor won't be new or pretty, but it will be good quality and properly honed. It is a cheaper way to start in case you don't like the straight.

Make sure you read the beginner's section in the library and ask us any questions that you may have.

Hi and welcome. Any of the vendors advertised on the site will supply a shave ready razor. SRD will have kits of quality products that will last a lifetime. If unsure ask and we will help if we can. Good luck

Thanks for the warm welcome and advice everyone! I'll let you guys know how my first few shaves turn out! I'm sure I'll be back with questions soon enough... :)

Hello, and welcome to the fold!!