Thread: Straight razor beginner from Arizona

Hello everyone,

I have been wanting to learn/shave with a straight razor for a while now and am finally ready to start. I have been using a safety razor for about a year. I found this site by watching an instructional video on YouTube and have been reading the beginner articles. I have yet to purchase a straight razor but based on the information so far am looking for a 5/8" shave ready- used is fine. Looking forward to learning more and appreciate any suggestions- thanks!

JDL

JDL,
First of all welcome to the Forum, make yourself at home. If you need answers about shaving you've come to the right place. Don't be afraid, ask away.
This a is friendly bunch and they are more than willing to help. Two things right off the bat; learning to maintain a razor and learning to shave with one, these are some big steps.
BTW I live in Prescott! Freddie

Thx Freddie. I live in Phx, work in Sedona. Regarding maintaining: I understand needing to strop the razor but in between shaving it is just keeping it dry right? Do I ever need to do anything with the scales/handle?

Water will make it's way between the scales. Run a tissue between the scales after every shave just to be safe. Speaking of safety, go to our "Library", there's information that will save you a lot of time, money, frustration and nicks/cuts. Everyone here will tell you the same thing go slow. You're doing the right thing by prepping with articles and videos. A 5/8 "Shave Ready" is perfect for starting out. A tiny drop of razor oil or Ballistol on the blade dosen't hurt a bit. You may get conflicting advice from some members, experiment and see what works for you.

Welcome to the forum. You might want t o keep an eye on the classifieds for a razor. There are some very good bargains that show up.

Hi and welcome. You sound like you are on the right track. Buy a decent razor and strop and start slow. You have the safety razor so start with the straight and if uncomfortable or if you need just finish with the safety. Start with just the checks and slowly do more and more with the straight. Before long you won't be using the safety any more. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

Welcome to the forum! You'll discover straight razor shaving and all things related to be a very satisfying hobby.

If and when you decide to buy your first straight, do yourself a favour and buy it either from the classifieds here, or from a reputable vendor.

There's still far too many guys out there who don't follow this route.

Originally Posted by RezDog

Welcome to the forum. You might want t o keep an eye on the classifieds for a razor. There are some very good bargains that show up.

I will second what RezDog said. One of the best razors I have is a 11/16 bought out of the classifieds on this site that is an incredible shave and was under $40. Read the library and ask questions and don't feel like you have to jump at the first razor to come along or an expensive custom to get started. See what you like and later you can buy something custom or a new that fits with your style.

Welcome from SE Washington State!

You'll need more than just a straight razor. A strop is a MUST and some decent shaving soap and a brush will help/NO the canned GOOP doesn't cut it.

With that said, send me a PM and I'll help you with a shave ready straight razor. All it will cost you is shipping.

There ya go JDL ! And coming from cudarunner,(Nice gesture,BTW ) you can be assured , it will be without a doubt,shave ready.