Thread: Coots from S Florida---Ft Pierce area

Looking at a young 77 years and really have always wanted to use a straight razor. Tried the old western movie trick many years ago and used a large hunting knife---looked like hamburger and needed a transfusion afterwards.
Have been looking for several weeks but still am in the dark as to where to go and what to do.
I know that I do have the time to put in practice to learn the proper use of this system but want to throw a request to the forum.
1. Pick me a very good quality starting razor ready to shave, think I would prefer a full hollow ground blade
2. Pick out the strop I need, 2 0r 3 inch up to the majority opinion---probably the 2 inch
3. Pick out the brush and soap I need,
4. I think I would prefer to purchase from the forum members that are proficient in these items.
5. DVD or manuals that would be recommended would be appreciated
6. Anything worth having or doing is not cheap but do not want to break the bank on my first purchases but do realize that I will spend more than my lunch money.
Thanks for putting up with my long winded request and do hope for some constructive help with this endeavor.
Coots aka Bobs

Hi and welcome. Go to straight razor designs. Everything you just listed is available in a kit. All are quality products at good prices. Ralf aust razor, 3 inch strop(easier to start with ), soaps etc are up to you. Everyone likes something different so sure you will get lots of different answers. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

welcome aboard mate
+1 on Eddy's comments

From Port Fierce?? I grew up in Vero Beach. How are things down there anyway?

Straight Razor Designs or Superior Shave in Jacksonville; either vendor can set you upon the path of Righteousness. Ralf Aust or Boker razors will afford you the most value for the $$.

5/8 or 6/8 full hollow is usually the best overall blade. Definitely a 3" strop; no need to fuss with all that "x-stroke" stuff.

Can't beat an Omega Pro 49 for a definitive entry level brush. Good out of the box and only gets better with time. The big Omega 10098 is another icon in the brush world for about $10-$12.

Soap?? So, so, many good choices. Just be sure you throw an Arko stick into the mix so you can see what all the talk is about.

Welcome and good luck.
PS..how are things at Archie's???

If you go to SRD be sure to check out the product reviews. Those will give you good insight as to what you may want.

Welcome to the forum.

I second the SRD kit recommendation.
I would also recommend you check out Lynn Abrams' Youtube videos on straight shaving and stropping. Would also recommend you spend huge amounts of time here on SRP.
Welcome, and remember to enjoy yourself on your journey.

Originally Posted by SRNewb

I second the SRD kit recommendation.
I would also recommend you check out Lynn Abrams' Youtube videos on straight shaving and stropping. Would also recommend you spend huge amounts of time here on SRP.
Welcome, and remember to enjoy yourself on your journey.

Thanks for the video info. I will check them out today as I do like videos for learning and future reference.

Originally Posted by Benz

If you go to SRD be sure to check out the product reviews. Those will give you good insight as to what you may want.

Thanks---will go to the reviews---sounds like great advice also have had several recommend SRD

Originally Posted by Phoenix51

From Port Fierce?? I grew up in Vero Beach. How are things down there anyway?

Straight Razor Designs or Superior Shave in Jacksonville; either vendor can set you upon the path of Righteousness. Ralf Aust or Boker razors will afford you the most value for the $$.

5/8 or 6/8 full hollow is usually the best overall blade. Definitely a 3" strop; no need to fuss with all that "x-stroke" stuff.

Can't beat an Omega Pro 49 for a definitive entry level brush. Good out of the box and only gets better with time. The big Omega 10098 is another icon in the brush world for about $10-$12.

Soap?? So, so, many good choices. Just be sure you throw an Arko stick into the mix so you can see what all the talk is about.

Welcome and good luck.
PS..how are things at Archie's???

'No Archie's for about a year--Thanks for the
advice on several items--do want a full hollow grind and will reconsider the 3 inch strop--have heard of the Ralf Aust