Thread: Howdy!

Hey there. My name is Brandon. I am going to be getting into the world of straight razors, primarily to shape my beard (shave my neck and cheeks). Does anyone else out there just use a SR for shaping?

Quite a few members maintain a goatee, Van Dyke and fuller beards. I maintain a Van Dyke. Some shavers prefer a 5/8 or 6/8 razor for this purpose. Others prefer a 4/8 and a few, a 3/8. In actuality, a decent DE razor can do the job just as easily with less of an outlay and upkeep. A decent DE can range from $30 to $80 and a 100 package of blades for about $15. That is after trying sampler packs to see what blade works for you. There is a section on the forum for DE and SE shavers, exploring all the aspects of that area.

There are two SRP members in Minnesota that are available for help.

• HNSB (Brainerd, St. Cloud, etc...)
• randydance062449 (Minneapolis / St. Paul)

PM the one closest to you and see what he can help you with.

Although I will never understand people who use straights to maintain facial hair, they are definitely here! For me, once I realized how good the shave is, NO hair is safe!!

Originally Posted by MajorEthanolic

Although I will never understand people who use straights to maintain facial hair, they are definitely here! For me, once I realized how good the shave is, NO hair is safe!!

I've been using electric razors to shave my neck for years, and with a straight razor it will be 100 times smoother, and I will have to shave less.

Ok... so I do "understand" it - for others. But I couldn't do it. I had a goatee for years - but now I can't even go 24 hours without being clean shaven. And even when I shaved with disposables while in the military I would often go a day or two without shaving over the weekends or on leave. No more. All stubble is gone by 4PM daily, and I love it! I rub my face all day and it's like it's mocking me/challenging me. I look forward to cutting it all off every day.

Is really the only place to buy a nice SR online?

Originally Posted by Brandonii54

Is really the only place to buy a nice SR online?

I started with SRD, because it's truly shave ready. With that said, SRD is a little more expensive because it's new razors - I've also bought a few razors through @cudarunner who hones them before sending, and they've been great. There's others on here and other sites that also do shave ready. Most important for a beginner is REALLY having shave ready because (like when I started) you really don't know what "good" is until you've tried "good". So either SRD or somebody on here who can help you find a good one and send it to you honed.

In my opinion, I've been happier and get better shaves from the Friodurs that Cuda found me than the Austs I bought from SRD. The SRD razors are great - don't get me wrong - but if you get a "better" razor that is honed well, you might be happier.

Originally Posted by MajorEthanolic

I started with SRD, because it's truly shave ready. With that said, SRD is a little more expensive because it's new razors - I've also bought a few razors through @cudarunner who hones them before sending, and they've been great. There's others on here and other sites that also do shave ready. Most important for a beginner is REALLY having shave ready because (like when I started) you really don't know what "good" is until you've tried "good". So either SRD or somebody on here who can help you find a good one and send it to you honed.

I appreciate the time and information. The hardest part for me right now is picking the razor. I've read places that a $60 razor can be better than a $200 razor. I've been looking for one or a little more than two weeks.

Originally Posted by Brandonii54

I appreciate the time and information. The hardest part for me right now is picking the razor. I've read places that a $60 razor can be better than a $200 razor. I've been looking for one or a little more than two weeks.

I've found the same. Cuda found me a $100 Friodur that shaves as good as my $270 Aust from SRD. You might want to contact him. Another idea I hear is whipped dog. I hear they sell some great beginner sets. Keep in mind, it's not just the razor. You'll need a strop and soap/cream at least to start. The biggest reason to start with SHAVE READY is so that you can learn to strop. I was destroying my razors in like a week until I learned to strop, but by having shave ready to begin with, I knew what it was supposed to feel like and knew I was doing something wrong. Razorfeld (also on this site) emailed me for months helping me with my technique.

One more thought... I'm now a big fan of the roo strop that SRD sells. I found that because it's so supple and "forgiving", it really helped me learn. You might consider looking for a shave ready from somebody here, and then getting the roo strop from SRD. Cuda is pretty good at finding straights - he's found me 3 so far.

Originally Posted by MajorEthanolic

I've found the same. Cuda found me a $100 Friodur that shaves as good as my $270 Aust from SRD. You might want to contact him. Another idea I hear is whipped dog. I hear they sell some great beginner sets. Keep in mind, it's not just the razor. You'll need a strop and soap/cream at least to start. The biggest reason to start with SHAVE READY is so that you can learn to strop. I was destroying my razors in like a week until I learned to strop, but by having shave ready to begin with, I knew what it was supposed to feel like and knew I was doing something wrong. Razorfeld (also on this site) emailed me for months helping me with my technique.

One more thought... I'm now a big fan of the roo strop that SRD sells for beginners. I found that because it's so supple and "forgiving", it really helped me learn. You might consider looking for a shave ready from somebody here, and then getting the roo strop from SRD.

I believe I have a strop and a "kit" that includes a badger brush, a bowl, soap and a stand for everything picked out. I am sending Cuda a PM right now. Do you believe it would be worth it to buy a dovo shavette first, or just dive right in. I always try and buy the best thing first, instead of wasting money on one, and upgrading later.