Thread: Hello From SE Michigan

Hello Everybody, I became interested in Straight Razor Shaving after buying a DE Safety Razor and being re-introduced to the website ArtofManliness.com and reading about it there. Thinking that my shaving experience improved (understatement) with a DE Safety Razor, I started reading more about Straight Razors and am now looking into buying my first with Christmas right around the corner. I am leaning towards SRD because of Lynn Abrams and feel as though I can trust his quality for a first razor. I am also very interested in suggestions.

Welcome. I also came from DE shaving. SR shaving is really interesting and really cool. I encourage you to pursue it.

However, don't expect the same level of improvement in the DE to SR transition as you found in the cartridge to DE transition. That would have been a huge improvement.

The advantage of buying from SRD or on the Buy/Sell/Trade forum is that you can get a razor that is ready to shave -- very important for a 1st razor.

Hi, Welcome to Straight Razor Place!

Straight Razor Designs is a sure place to purchase a razor and other necessary gear. I think the Ralf Aust razors at SRD are one of the better deals in buying a new straight. SRD also sells quality hanging strops and paddle strops.

Welcome to the forum! don't be afraid to buy a vintage shave-ready blade for your first razor. You'll likely end up there anyway
The B/S/T area is a great resource for such quality blades

Welcome to the forum. You have had some good advice already.

Check out the beginners section and the library here for more information.

SRD is a good place to look for a first razor, but there are other places too. The important thing that has already been said, make sure it is shave ready. SRD razors will be shave ready for sure, but then so will the ones here on the B/S/T area if they say they are. Also whipped dog will do you a good deal. It all depends on whether you want new or vintage. As you get into this hobby you will probably end up with both anyway.

Good luck and enjoy!

you are also close to Maggard Razors in Adrian, might be worth the drive.

Mr.Houston,

I am certainly doing my best to be realistic in my expectations, going from cartridge to DE was like starting out chopping thru a tree with an axe then realizing this thing called a chainsaw that makes it so much easier, smoother and giving a better quality cut. While still acknowledging the learning curve that comes with it. Going forward is more so focusing on the Zen of SR shaving and as my quote below states, Putting razor-sharp steel next to your throat every morning reminds you that you’re alive.

Also thank you for your encouragement, I will take it and run with it. I have been hovering around the B/S/T forum pretty much since I joined and have seen some pretty nice examples that I would love to have as a first but didn't feel ready to make the plunge.

Leatherstockiings,

I am definitely looking at the Ralf Austs and the Dovos, Thank you. and I am toying with the idea of making my own strop as I believe there are a few leather shops near me.

Hi and welcome aboard. Take it slow and ease into it and you should have little problem with the transition. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

Welcome to the forum.