Hello from noobie

I recently found out that using a straight razor is the most environmental-friendly way to shave and decided to look into it. After about 30 minutes of "thorough" research, I found out that straight razors are better than disposables and electric in almost every way. I found this forum through a pdf guide by Christopher Moss and I hoped someone could recommend a starter kit. I am almost sure that I will keep using straight razors for a long time and I know it takes much effort(and nicks :3), so I want a reliable kit. Keep in mind that I live in Greece.

Mike

Before you jump in check beginners in the library. Start with a round point 5/8 pr 6/8 that comes professionally honed. Get a decent strop. Practice stropping on an old leather belt with a dull knife to get the muscle memory and technique. Then shave your cheeks only until you are comfortable. Now you can proceed to the full face. Most important is stretching the skin and a good lather. Take it slowly as it takes time to master. The end is worth it.

As for a starter set. Maybe someone in your location can suggest that.

Welcome and best of luck.

Glad to have you here! Posting your location could help to find qualified help nearby.

Adding to the above,
Stropping is a precision art, not to be taken lightly! The strop should be taut; not pulling the hook from the wall but enough that the weight of the blade barely bends it.
Again, you are welcome here.
~Richard

Welcome to SRP. There is a lot of good information for beginner SR shavers in the library and in the various beginner threads.

I believe you have some real expert senior members and mentors in Greece, so please call on them for advice. Some may live near you.

Hello and welcome to SRP.
Enjoy your time here on the forum.

Pete <:-}

Welcome to SRP! :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mikos757

Keep in mind that I live in Greece.

Mike

---

Nice to have another European member... Herzlich Willkommen vom Österreich. I found the elements needed to put a “kit” together were: a straight razor, a strop, a brush, shave creme. This did not take into the numerous videos and tutorials I read as well as the extreme level of berated commentary I received from my Austrian teacher before finding this place. Esbjerg is local to me and in the EU but pricing and economics seem important to you. Please tell us more about what appeals to you and how you want to begin?

Welcome.
Step one is to read the info in our library on beginners.
Step two would be to see if theres a member close to you. You can find a list of folks here on the site.
Step three is the buy equipment. The info in the library will help you to pick the right starting place. You can buy vintage stuff at a decent price or spend lots of money. Stay away from made in china or a few others as there a list in the library of what NOT to buy.

Good luck and let us know what you find. Enjoy the learning as it will take a few months of shaving with a straight before it really comes together.

Welcome. :)

Welcome. You can post any questions you have, or you can PM a mentor.
As far as how to shop in Europe, I’m at a loss for an answer. There are some nice strop makers over ther, but you should start with an inexpensive one. Razors can be bought from many sources including in the BST section here. Shave ready is the biggest feature you need in a first razor.

Welcome to the forum!
Not requiring replacement blades is definitely a great benefit of straight shaving. That doesn't mean you won't end up with more than one though!

Welcome to SRP. Where in Greece are you located? We have few members from Greece here. I myself grew up in Greece so it's always nice to see somebody from the old country :)

Kali mera Mikos. Hello from Belgium.
You can certainly find cheap but good shaving products in Greece to start with.
Of course a straight, 5/8 or 6/8 as said above, round point. Second hand from a user who masters honing is far better than a new Dovo coming from the factory. If you are interested in a new one, have a look on the website of rasoir sabre France Rasoir-sabre.com -Le spécialiste du rasoir coupe-choux et rasage traditionnel - SUER KOZMETIK Rasoir Sabre France
Ertan Suer is a french/turkish guy who took over the brand "le Grelot" and his products are really shave-ready. He works now from Turkey.
As I have to send a parcel end of this week, I will ask my post office about how much it costs to send a 100 g buble letter from Belgium to Greece.

Bye

I really did not expect so many replies ×D. Thank you for all the tips. I took them all into consideration. However, I was thinking of buying a shavette first(I found a 20€ parker) just to make sure I like shaving that way. Because if I were to buy a whole set, it would cost me over 100€ and it would be a shame if it turned out I didn't like straight razors. What is your opinion?

The whole point of wet shaving is getting truly great shaves and enjoying the process. You can go about it in many different ways, but as long as you are accomplishing those two things you are doing everything correctly.
Many people use a shavette. They are not all equal and people have preferences. My only shavette type razor is a Weck Sextoblade. With the original blades, they get stopped like a regular straight razor. This is in part because the are honed to sharpen them, as opposed to modernrazor blades which are chemically sharpened and coated to provide an edge.

I began with a shavette (blue beard revenge one), but tried and adopted the straight just one month after. Did not use it again since.

So just to give you some feedback, I decided that buying a shavette would be a waste of metal and money, since finding an old kit would be a better idea both for the quality of the blade and for environmental reasons(i love recycling :3). So I will ask around see if any of my relatives or friends have an old straight. Thats about it. :)

Mike

Mikos, if you are not sure about it why not find a barber in your town who is able to give you a wet shave. If you like the feeling then I'd suggest as others that you buy a beginner's razor from this site or from SRP Facebookers. Get an inexpensive strop. Practice with a butter knife. This is a very rewarding and fun hobby. Ask and the guys here will help you.

The thing is that I dont want to own more than 2 razors because I think that is a waste. I know that it might sound silly to you since most srp members are enthousiasts and thus straight razors are more of a hobby. I respect that. But for myself I try to cut down on waste. As regards your advice, I will try to find a barber and see how it goes.
Again, many thanks

Mike

oh ya? I bet you have more than 2 forks in your house hummmm? maybe more than 2 pairs of underwear? don't start being frugal with the razors as long as you splurge on everything else in life! Tc

Welcome aboard.!

YOLO: You Only Live Once

Go for the real deal, kit. Shavetts are not as forgiving as a real straight. And if you don't like it...sell it. Lots of folks out there, just like you.

If you like the shaves and stick with it, you'll eventually venture into owning more than two.

I shaved with only one, for almost 30 yrs. Then I got educated on the different grinds and sizes of blades, and started restoring vintage razors.

Attachment 290436

Good luck.!!

You might also look for something from gemstar. Welcome GemStar Customs - Gem Star Customs they restore vintage razors and often have really great razors at great prices. Might fit your economics and desire for reducing waste since they are all restored. Could also be a.good place for you to expand you razors from one to many once RAD takes hold of you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by outback

Welcome aboard.!

YOLO: You Only Live Once

Go for the real deal, kit. Shavetts are not as forgiving as a real straight. And if you don't like it...sell it. Lots of folks out there, just like you.

If you like the shaves and stick with it, you'll eventually venture into owning more than two.

I shaved with only one, for almost 30 yrs. Then I got educated on the different grinds and sizes of blades, and started restoring vintage razors.

Attachment 290436

Good luck.!!

---

Those seven day sets don't look like they work for your collection aesthetic. Send them my way they will look much better on my shelf.

Hi and welcome aboard.

Finally decided to start with a shavette. Bought an urbane. Today is my first shave. Wish me luck :).