Thread: Old guy from Tennessee trying straight razor shaving

I'm timmwood, 56 years old, resident of Middle Tennessee. Don't know exactly how I got interested in this, but I would like to make it work. I've started out with a Parker shavette using half of a double-edge razor. Got a shave kit from Walmart. I sure do cut my chin a lot! I'm thinking about taking a break from shaving in that area with the shavette until it all heals up. Tell me this - is it easier to shave that area with a regular straight razor than the shavette, or does it make any difference? Also, recommendations on good value straight razors would be appreciated.

Hello, timmwood. Welcome to SRP.
My first straight razor was a 5/8 Ralf Aust from Straight Razor Designs. I consider it one of the best values for new straights.

Welcome to SRP

Dovos from SRD are good as well as the TIs. If your willing to spend the money thier kits are great starters with options to upgrade

Originally Posted by timmwood

I'm timmwood, 56 years old, resident of Middle Tennessee. Don't know exactly how I got interested in this, but I would like to make it work. I've started out with a Parker shavette using half of a double-edge razor. Got a shave kit from Walmart. I sure do cut my chin a lot! I'm thinking about taking a break from shaving in that area with the shavette until it all heals up. Tell me this - is it easier to shave that area with a regular straight razor than the shavette, or does it make any difference? Also, recommendations on good value straight razors would be appreciated.

I would suggest watching the shaving videos on utube. they are by Lynn Abrams and others and are very informative. Do let the cuts heal. There are many good brands of straight razors out there. Dovo, Boker are two that come to mind right off the bat. there are also many of the older straights out there . razors that were made in England the Sheffield's. There are many good razors made in Germany and the USA. Your not that old. I'm 65 and just started back in to straights about 1 1/2 yr ago. There is a learning curve but you will find it worth it. All the folks here on the straight razor place are good source of info and are more than willing to part with there knowledge. Enjoy and welcome to the sport. Oh buy the way I'm in Parsons Tn. not to far from you.

If you are nicking yourself a lot I have to think that your angle may be too steep. a flatter angle and no pressure should help that a bit. You can often find great value on straight razors in the classifieds here. There are a lot of nice razors for $80 and down to $30 that will fit the bill, more often than not they are shave ready. If you are looking for places for new stuff SRD is probably a good spot to look, and bang for the buck, the Ralf Aust razors look pretty good and perform well.

Originally Posted by RezDog

If you are nicking yourself a lot I have to think that your angle may be too steep. a flatter angle and no pressure should help that a bit. You can often find great value on straight razors in the classifieds here. There are a lot of nice razors for $80 and down to $30 that will fit the bill, more often than not they are shave ready. If you are looking for places for new stuff SRD is probably a good spot to look, and bang for the buck, the Ralf Aust razors look pretty good and perform well.

The plan now is to take a break from the shavette and save enough money for a razor and strop from SRD. Sometimes it's good to step back from something and get some perspective. I do think a regular straight will be more forgiving. Also, I'll let some of the excitement from this new interest die down. Then, I might take a bit more careful approach to it.
timmwood

Originally Posted by timmwood

I'm timmwood, 56 years old, resident of Middle Tennessee. Don't know exactly how I got interested in this, but I would like to make it work. I've started out with a Parker shavette using half of a double-edge razor. Got a shave kit from Walmart. I sure do cut my chin a lot! I'm thinking about taking a break from shaving in that area with the shavette until it all heals up. Tell me this - is it easier to shave that area with a regular straight razor than the shavette, or does it make any difference? Also, recommendations on good value straight razors would be appreciated.

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!

Please don't feel bad about the cuts and nicks as there is so much to learn! This age old art used to be handed down from Father to Son or Uncle to Nephew and I would suppose from an older neighbor to a widow's son.

If you would like a shave ready straight razor, PM me and I'll see what I can do for you.

Remember you will also need a strop to maintain the edge.

There is nothing wrong with using that shavette it will get you going!

This age old art is a Long Strange Road; but it's Well Worth the Journey! By the way; at 56 you are still a kid as razorfeld is a 'young' 82'

Welcome to SRP!

The chin is one of the harder areas to shave for most people. Nicks and cuts on the chin are common when you begin. Use a shallower shave angle, like 10 degrees off of the skin - that's about one spine width off of the skin for a Parker. Check out the beginner's section in the Library and watch a few shaving videos.

As for going to a straight, the most important thing is to get one that is professionally honed. SRD has nice options for new or if you want a vintage blade then the classifieds on this site are good place to start.

Welcome to SRP Timmwood,
Yes I found the chin to be the most difficult on my face as well.
What makes it easier is a nice well honed, sharp blade which doesn't require any pressure.
Pressure = pink lather.
Rest assured it will all come together and turn into a very pleasurable experience.

Hi & welcome to SRP. I see you have already gotten a lot of advice I would have mentioned so I will leave it at that. If you have any questions just ask.
Good luck!