Thread: New guy here

Hello! I recently switched from the world of the multi-blade cartridges to DE and I have to say it's a much better experience. That being said, I want to get into straight razors and I've been doing a little research. I will soon be ordering a straight razor and a strop. I think for the razor I may order from one of the custom makers.

A little about me: I'm 33 years old and serving in the US Navy, stationed in Japan. Life is great! I'm originally from Alabama. Any suggestions you guys have are welcome!

Hi and welcome. If in Japan buy some local rocks, strops and razors. High quality sought after items. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

First let me say thankyou, for serving our nation.

So welcome aboard the SRP, we sail all day, from every port in the world.

Lots of good stuff where your at, But your choice.
Let us know what you end up with. Any questions, feel free to ask.

Welcome to SRP! Be sure your first razor properly honed by experienced master

Nit to tell you to buy other than what you want, heh I have a razor collection that is 70% custom. But you would be better served to buy a good quality vintage or production razor that has been honed by someone who knows razors. Then learn to shave and strop. A good basic razor will get you ready for continuing this way if shaving without the cost f a custom, that may or may not give you any decent return if you don't like it. Depending on who makes it(cause there are makers out there who aren't making good quality razors) you will spend quite a bit more than say a vintage from the classifieds here that will be ready to shave, plus if you change your mind it will sell for close to what you paid.
Do some more research and try not to spend all your money in the beginning, find out what works best for you,m. Then jump in, the world of 1000.00 dollar razors will still be here. Tc

A good quality Japanese razor, purchases in Japan, would likely become one of your most cherished souvenirs.
I have several Japanese razors and each has been an excellent shaver.
Japan's long history of making superior quality swords, knives, and razors is well known.

Welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the world of straight razor shaving. And God bless you for serving our country. start slow and read up on wet shaving and enjoy the ride.

Welcome to the forum. and enyoy your stay overhere

Thanks everyone. So, I took some advice from reading other threads as well as advice from some of the custom makers (kind of). A lot of folks told me to find a good vintage, but instead I went to SRD and bought the Dovo 5/8 All Stainless (set with strop, dvd, etc). I got the 3" red latino / premium fabric strop. I thought it looks nice and from what I've read should meet my needs as a beginner. I'll see if I can figure out what I'm doing and then move on from there.

As some of you mentioned the Japanese razors.......I actually have bought a kamisori already. I bought it mainly as a keepsake, but I may try to use it eventually. I just want to start with the traditional western style straight first. I'll post some pictures of my kamisori soon, as some of you probably know much more about it than I do.