Thread: Hi from Leeds and Reading, UK

Hi, I'm currently at university, hence the two locations, and have just been given a straight razor with a disposable blade in it. I've had a good read through the stuff in the library and it certainly seems very useful! As I've always used a cartridge razor, and literally just have a straight razor, would you recommend getting a brush and shaving soap before I start to use it? Any other advice would be greatly appreciated as well!

Yup. Even with cartridge you'll appreciate a brush and good soap. Also replaceable blades normally called a shavette. True straights are the older fashioned type you hone and strop. Maybe post a pic so more experienced people can tell you if you have a good one or not. Also styptic pencil or alum block definitely a good idea. Greetings and enjoy.

My dad's always used shaving gel, and his hands to apply it, so I guess I've just never thought to do it any differently! I have to confess, I'd been wondering what the difference between a shavette and a straight edge were - now I know. I have a feeling it won't be a very good one, as it was given to me in a secret santa, but it'll give me something to start off with. Now I've got it, I'm tempted to look at getting a traditional straight razor.

Forum classifieds always have some good ones and they will also be properly honed. Straight razor designs good for new ones. Whipped dog if you not bothered about pretty. Whipped dog also do a nice strop etc starter set. All the above do professionally honed. Beware of shave ready not being so from ebay and other places. Shavettes bit different to straights but if you use search function and library will also find good info on their use.

I'll have a look around and see what there is then. I'd avoid buying off eBay or similar sites, for the sole reason you can't guarantee it'll be in the condition it says it is.

I'll do a search and see what I can find about them - I'd rather not slice my face up as a result of not doing so!

If you hit forum button top left. There is entire shavette sub section

Welcome to the most friendly, helpful and informative site on the web!!

You will find members here of all different backgrounds, ages and occupations from all corners of the world and all with a quest for more knowledge about using and maintaining a straight razor!

If you take the time to search, 99.9% of your questions can be found in the Library (WIKI) however feel free to ask us about whatever it is that you are wondering about or having a problem with. It does help if you’ve done some research before hand so it narrows the problem down a bit.

Well now that that's over I'm really glad to hear that you've decided to learn an older but better way of shaving

As to your original question; yes a brush and non 'canned goop' shaving soap are a necessity. They don't have to be the best to get started, with that said you will find that as you journey along this path that you will become either more inquisitive or venturous and will want to see what other soaps do for you.

As far as a shavette VS as true straight, that's a matter of choice. Personally I've never used a shavette but others seem to like them and I've often read of those who started with the shavette progress to the true straight and end up preferring the true straight.

Now to costs. When you decide to go with a true straight, you don't need to be spending a bunch of money. For around $50 you can get a good vintage razor. Remember that 'fancy looks' don't give a better shave than a 'Plain Jane' does.

Oh, damn near forgot. You will need a strop if you go with the true straight. Again you don't need anything expensive when you start out. You might try some of the older barber shops and see if one of the barbers has an older strop that he might let go of for a reasonable price. Another option is Amazon. Look for an Illinois 827, it's a good strop and my go to right after honing a razor. Senior Mod GSSIXGUN has used on for 30 years and swears by it.

This age old art has a huge learning curve so hang in there, take things one baby step at a time. It's a long strange trip but well worth the journey

A properly made lather from a brush and soap is tremendously better than the canned goo. The lubrication provided makes for a much better shave.

There is a Sheffield razor that has a motto right on the blade...
"You lather well, I'll shave well"

The lather truly does matter.

Hi and welcome. After reading if you have any questions feel free to ask. Good luck

Palmolive shaving sticks are about £1.50 and will last ages, and represent better value than canned product, it is also not bad, the palmolive cream in a tube is good too.
Boar brushes are perfectly good, semogue and omega ones should cost less than £10 from eBay. I used to use a brush I bought in boots it lasted me for over a decade, but i don't know what they stock now, last time I was in the uk (about a year ago) their shaving stuff was pretty limited.