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Had an awesome straight razor shave at my local barber, decided I need to be doing this for myself. Hope this old dog (almost 58) can learn a new trick or two.
Looks like plenty of nice choices for a razor in the classifieds, will need to seek some advice for accessories.
Wife and kids think I'm nuts :rofl2:
Jeff/LAX
Well, "this old dog" is going on 60 and this year marks my 45th year of straight shaving. You're going to need a few other things besides a razor. First and most important is a good strop to go with that razor. You will not only find razors and accessories in the classifieds but I would also suggest going to Straight Razor Designs and look at their line up. Lynn has some pretty nice looking starter set ups. Meanwhile take a look at the library here. Lots of good info that I wish would have been available when I started out years ago. Anyhoo welcome and enjoy your new awakening.
Welcome.
Glad you made the decision.
I hear that from everyone I tell, that I shave with a straight. I tell them...their nuts for wasting thousands of $ over a lifetime of disposables.. [emoji38] [emoji38]
You've come to the right place. Plenty of info and friendly help here. Any questions you have, feel free to ask. Someone will always come along with answers to help.
And you're never to old to learn. I'm 63 and just started straights last spring and while my shaves are not on cruise control it has gotten much easier and I thoroughly enjoy each shave. Some days it is almost a Zen experience! :D
Hang around, have fun and build your knowledge base. Be sure to go to the library at the top of the page. Tons of good beginners info there.
Welcome to SRP! I'm just down the road from you a piece in the OC. If you have any questions don't hesitate to drop me a PM...
Welcome!!
I started at about 50 and EVERYONE but us will think you are nuts!! :eek:
Wow, I take time out for a cigar/jacuzzi/whiskey break and already have some outstanding support !
First question: I wear a goatee and moustache - should that influence the razor I select?
You will not regret this decision one iota, enjoy yourself ask questions these guys are more than helpful and accommodating. You can sure learn a lot from here. enjoy and shave on :)
As far as I can tell you no your mustache and goatee should not dictate what razor you go with. I have either a beard or goat at all times and I have a round point 5/8 dovo that does just fine or a 4/8 spike point that does just fine around what facial hair I choose to keep. Most of all pick what you like if it appeals to your personality and budget that is the one for you. I have only been at SR shaving since last Oct. and thanks to these fellas I have learned tons, great advice, go slow, if you are distracted by something don't put that blade to your face. At first it takes a lot of focus and that is ok, better than a nasty cut which you will knick yourself so plan on that :) a lot of suggestions on doing the area from your sideburn to your jaw line and it is good advice. Do/learn a section at a time and I will note only lather what area you are going to shave at first. That way your lather wont dry out by the time you get to it. Again congrats on getting here and enjoy the journey, if you can not have fun doing it then might as well not do it :D Best thing about a beard/goatee, it fits your face :DQuote:
Originally Posted by JMcRae
Hi and welcome. You can use any razor large or small it makes no difference. A round point is easier to start with though. If you do your research first it's easy enough to make informed choices to start. Read up and you will soon have it figured out. Any questions feel free to ask
It shouldn't matter. As I gained more experience I got a Henry Sears 3/8 and a shavette for detailing my moustache and let the big blades do the heavy work.Quote:
Originally Posted by JMcRae
As a beginner you really don't want a big meat chopper nor do you want a super narrow like my 3/8. The big ones will probably be clumsy to untrained hands and the small ones can be just wicked for nicks. My advice is to try a 5/8 hollow.
Hello, and welcome aboard!! I stated at 51 years young!!
Some think a 3" strop is good to begin with, no need to do and x stroke, but then again if you learn right away your good to go, I have been doing with 2 1/2" strop since I started, so there's that to think Of. Tc
With that set up I think you will be just fine. Yes get Lynn's DVD. I've watched several snippets of it on youtube as well as his youtube channel. The man is great and even a long time straight shaver like me gleaned some tips from him.
Another useful forum here is the Shave Of The Day where you can see just what some of the guys use and do for their shave rituals.
Good luck and have fun.
Copy that :)
First shave today, rushed it - cut myself 3 times :mad:
I know what I did wrong, will be better next time!
Ok, after watching a lot of video (including Lynn's DVD which came yesterday) and reading a bit, here's the after action report.
Didn't strop the razor. It came to me honed (Cory) - But I hadn't put the hook on the wall yet :(
Not enough face prep. Watching Lynn's video, the hot towel went on TWICE (just like my barber does)
Noticed a few other things in the video, Lynn only has a finger or two on the spine of the razor - I had all but the pinky. Might make a difference.
FWIW, the kids found Lynn's video much more entertaining than watching be go over Gold Star online Ground School... :)
Hi and welcome from Amsterdam
Welcome to the forum Jeff. Take it easy. Slow and steady wins this race and never, ever, rush. Take your time and enjoy the shave. Watch everything you can find. Opinions and techniques may differ, but you'll find what works for you. I also have a goatee and handlebar 'tash which I keep about 2" long. I find spike points best for edging, but I do use round points too. Good luck!