Thread: Old guy from Tennessee trying straight razor shaving

Since cudarunner bandied about let me welcome you to SRP. I started using a straight 2-1/2 year ago, when I was 80. I am living proof that old dogs can learn new tricks. And yes we are, most likely, the best informed, friendliest, gentlemanly shaving forum on the web. Also, you will see that a sense of humor is a welcome trait for existence here. Don't be afraid to ask a question of the forum members. Just be prepared to get many opinions in return, some serious and some funny. We can't help it.

But in all seriousness, take your time, learn slowly, one step at a time. Rushing in this craft is tantamount to failure. Roy will give you a blade with an excellent edge (watch out for his humor).

Welcome aboard.

Roy (Cudarunner) will fix ya up!

Roy fixed me up. I bought a used razor from him and now look forward to receiving it.
Question: what do y'all recommend for pre-shave procedures? Is a pre-shave oil worth it? Or is a hot-towel treatment or hot shower enough?
Thanks,
timmwood

Originally Posted by timmwood

Roy fixed me up. I bought a used razor from him and now look forward to receiving it.
Question: what do y'all recommend for pre-shave procedures? Is a pre-shave oil worth it? Or is a hot-towel treatment or hot shower enough?
Thanks,
timmwood

Personally a shower does me. I used to use a bit of vitamin e cream as a pre and post shave early on to help my skin heal.

Timmwood,

You will find that 99.99% of Everything involved in this age old art is 'Personal Preference' anything from what pre shave prep to razor maker, what grind what kind of brush, and the list goes on and on.

With that said, when you are new to this art trying to cover as many bases as you can is a good idea.

Whether or not a pre shave oil, cream etc will help you is yet to be seen.

The one thing that I've seen many times is guys invest a lot of money to get started and then find that it's not for them.

Just my thoughts

I would just start off with a simple hot towel. If you want to invest money in a pre shave later, you can if you want. it's your own preference. Try the towel though & if you THINK you need something more then try a pre shave or cream. I have a pre shave but I didn't buy it right away. I got it later & sometimes I don't use it. If your skin irritates you the you might try something but if not then you're good to go with a hot towel.

Hot towels are a great way to enhance the shave. Showering first works well but hot towel just seems right to me. As mentioned, shaving is a lot about personal preference. once you get the shaving down the real fun of deciding what you truely enjoy begins.

Welcome to SRP!

Today is a big day for me in my straight razor endeavor. The postman is scheduled to bring me as many as three items: a straight razor from cudarunner, a strop from Straight Razor Designs and a couple of towels from Westcoast Shaving. I look forward to my first shave with a true straight razor.
My last two shaves with the Parker Shavette have been much better than my earlier attempts. Even my attempts at the chin area have turned out much better. I've taken it much more slowly. If there are areas I don't feel confident doing, I just don't shave them.
I love the feel of my face after a shave now. I use a post-shave balm, which I think helps a lot. I plan to shave tonight with the new razor and see how it goes.
Thanks to everyone for the help!
timmwood