Newbie jumping into the deep end

Fully bearded newcomer here that jumped into the SR game to keep my face bush looking sharp and fresh. Just picked up a 9/16" Daishi tamahagane round point quarter hollow grind, from sqzbxr on the b/s/t section of this forum, and couldn't be happier as to how my first test flight went. (I had half a mind to shave the whole thing off just to keep playing around with my new toy)
I took the advice of some posts here and opted for a 'shave ready' razor to get me started on my journey before attempting to hone/finish a blade on my own but my DIY nature and addictive personality compelled me to invest in some stones. I ended up going with the Norton 4k/8k combo, Naniwa 12k, and a DMT d8c which I intend to practice on with my kitchen blades (to justify the purchase with my old lady) and whittling knife before potentially ruining a perfectly good razor. Am I doing this right so far?
As far as strops, lathers, and brushes go: I only have a what I think is decent hanging strop I purchased from amazon that had the most and best reviews, will that suffice? (I'll post a picture when I get back home). Lathers and brushes I remain completely lost on and need some guidance... Since I'm not out to raze my facial forest and only do detailing is it still essential to cover my whole mug? Also, the lack of visibility comes into question... Is there something out there specifically for the type of shaving I'm trying to achieve while saving myself from burn? Oils /soaps to cover smaller areas and offer more visibility?
Sorry for the long rant, I'm excited to keep learning from everyone on here and thankful I've been poking my nose in this forum for the past few weeks.

Best,
Kevin
Attachment 265987
I've yet to give her a name, open to suggestions.

Welcome to SRP!
There are a ton of soap options. The most readily available option is probably a VDH set available at most drug stores. It's not the greatest soap in the world, but it works pretty well. You can just soap the areas that you want to shave.

For your honing stones, I'd hold off on honing. Razors are sharpened in a different manner than knives, so be sure to watch the videos before attempting a razor sharpening. When you do start, start with the 12k. A few swipes on it will refresh the blade and not do a lot of damage if you mess up.

The razor will probably tell you its name. Just hope that its name isn't ear nipper, throat nicker, or nose cutter.

For creams I like Proraso, for pucks, Col Conk has been good for me. I tried the vdh, it worked but wasn't my favorite. I have used cheap boars hair, good boars hair and good badger brushes. All made lather. There are a lot of "practice" razors on ebay, sometimes for a good price. Do lots of research here on what to look for. I wouldn't spend a lot on one you are going to start learning to hone on. Chances are, you may do more harm than good to it initially. I jumped in pretty deep and pretty quick myself. Don't regret a decision. Fun to learn, from shaving to honing. Just enjoy.

Hello and welcome to SRP.
Sounds like you've got a decent start.
Enjoy your time here on the forum and have fun.

Pete <:-}

Good luck on your endeavor!

As for visibility and detailing, Meißner Tremonia have some very nice beard/shave oils, although mineral (baby) oil does a decent enough job as well. But it doesn't smell half as nice.

Welcome to SRP, a fine group of enablers! Nothing like going all in; I was pretty much the same way when I started.

I suggest getting accustomed to shaving the easier parts of your face and neck before attempting to shave off the beard. The chin and mustache areas can be trickier and usually require two passes (WTG & ATG) to get a close, smooth shave. Once you find the touch-up areas fairly easy, then have fun and go for the whole enchilada. :)

Before you start into honing your own razors, be sure to watch Glen's (gssixgun here and YouTube) videos on the subject. He's a great teacher with a wealth of experience on the subject of razor honing and restoration.

Enjoy your newfound hobby! :tu

I was a goatie guy for a decade and the product i liked best for styling and detailing was taylor of lords preshave gel. Good smell and didnt leave an oily trail which most oils do.


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Welcome to SRP Kevin!!!

A lot of great folks and info here, check out the library.
Enjoy and have fun!!

Hi and welcome aboard. As sad just using the 12k to refresh your edge will keep you shaving. Contact the seller and find out if tape was used. Both Gssisgun and Lynn Abrams have good YouTube videos on refreshing a razor.

There are a few good soap threads on the soap forum worth checking out and just lather where you plan to shave. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

Welcome to the forum. :)