Thread: 42yo newbie making the switch!

Hi Matt, and welcome to the forum!!

Hi and welcome. Definitely start with a blade that has no sentimental value. I must have put 3 or 4 chips in my first dropping it or dinging it . After taking out all the damage i caused it is considerably thinner than it was to start. There are plenty of great razors out thete to learn with thst won't see you cry if you do have a mishap. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

I am going to follow the well based advice. I'm going to get a different/ non-heirloom razor to start out on. This will slightly delay my start but think it is for the best. Thank you everyone for the advice! I am quite confident in this community and its answers you all provide. It is obvious that everyone here cares and enjoys the craft and tradition. I will be depending on you and hope to someday be knowledgeable enough to post quality comments as all of you have. Thanks again for caring about something that is important to me as if it were your own!

I agree with the other guys. You might want to use it a time or two but other than that, I would look for another one to use regularly, then buy a spare for when that one is out being honed. That being said, the worst can happen using a family heirloom. You might accidentally drop it & when it hits the sink, faucet or other, it WILL chip the blade & you'll never forgive yourself. Please find yourself a daily user. You want to keep that family heirloom in the condition it will be in once you get it back from Lynn. Please take my advice & that of the others who mentioned the same thing.
Steve

Welcome, agree with following:

Family razor = special occasion sometimes razor, useful for testing honing skills against when you get there if honed by professional.
Banger = Every day use razor
2nd Banger = nice but not necessary so you can keep shaving while banger #1 is away being honed.
Strop = Must have but will nick your first, get one that can be replaced or destroyed
Brush = any cheapy will do until you decide
Soap = try out the creams first they seem to work better for beginners.