Thread: Zak is finally going to try it out!

Hi, all!

I have been lurking on the site for about 3 months now, and finally realized yesterday that I would have to indulge my fascination with straight razor shaving. I bought a razor from holli4pirating. It is listed as shave ready and holli4pirating has been quite good contact so far.

11/16 “The Feather” German Hollow Ground – $50 « Holli4's Straight Razor Page

I opted to start with a very cheap brush I found on amazon and the Taylor of Old Bond Sandalwood soap (links below), and will upgrade if this becomes enjoyable. I'm planning on using a super-side coffee cup or medium bowl for soap for now.

Amazon.com: Tweezerman Men's Shaving Brush: Health & Personal Care
Amazon.com: Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream Jar: Health & Personal Care

And so, I'm on the way to being set up. My dad is a saddlemaker, and so I'm going to ask him to make me a strop. Anyone out there who knows what the best fabric to put on the back of the leather is (canvas, synthetic)?

So, let me know if you have any suggestions or if anything I've said sounds red lights and whistles and alarms, please let me know. Otherwise, wish me luck!

New member,
Zak

Hello, Zak:

Congratulations and welcome to SRP. We're glad to have you.

You've made a wise choice at the start with holli4pirating's razor. He is an expert in the world of straight razor shaving. Everything else you're doing speaks of a thorough and methodical person. These are good traits for a straight razor shaver.

So take your time learning the craft. Look around SRP and you'll find plenty of information. If you want more, post it and an expert will have your answer in no time.

Regards,

Obie

Hey there Zak, glad to see you posting!

In the past, I have heard that Tweezerman's make good starter brushes, but I've never tried one myself. I started with a $3 noname brush and was pretty happy with it for quite some time. I'm glad to see you're not skimping on the cream, since that is more important. TOBS is one of the highly regarded creams, and I think you'll love it.

I'll be looking forward to hearing how your first shave goes, and I wish you luck.

Good luck on the new adventure!
The TOBs creams are amazing when you get it just right.

Welcome aboard Zak.
Traditionally the cloth component of strops was linen but even seat belt material has been used. Your choice.

Many thanks to all who've welcomed me so warmly!

I take it you guys like the Taylor of Old Bond Street soaps. I'm glad I made the right choice!

Obie - I will try to take my time. Anticipation is already building in me, but I can temper that by digging into the 1st shaves literature we've got here at SRP. This site really is amazing, btw.

onimaru55, thanks for the advice. I'll see what Dad has available. He's always had lots of medium-sharp knives around for his shop, and so probably has some ideas about it, too!

I'll post again on this thread after my first attempt, guys!

Hello, again!

I got the razor, Dylan, and it looks absolutely great. I haven't tested the sharpness yet, but it looks deliciously dangerous. So... ...I shall have to be careful.

The rest of my kit is in transit. EXCEPT the strop. I asked my dad to make one when he gets time, but I have not a clue when that will be. It'll be awesome, as all his leather goods are, but I'm left wondering what to do in the mean time. I want to start slowly, as suggested, but soon!

Guys (gals), what's the best way to go about this? Should I wait for for the dream strop, or can I get away for a while with a different method (newspaper stropping? cloth?)?

Suggestions and comments appreciated!

-Zak

I'm glad to hear the razor arrived safely and is looking good. While you wait for your leather, you can strop on a smooth pair of jeans or newspaper laid on a flat surface. You can use the jeans like you would a hanging strop or, if you are very careful, while you are wearing them (I find on my quad works well if I sit and pull the leg taught with one hand).

Thanks!

Will do, as soon as the soap arrives! You must be online all the time, holli4pirating (btw - what does that screenname name mean?).

Welcome aboard Zak!

Your first shave you shouldn't need to do anything. So if you want to wait for your father to make you a strop and, say, you know the stop will be done in 2 days time (whenever that is), go ahead and shave when it's a day or two from completion, and strop it before your next shave.

Otherwise, newspaper or clean denim will work. Just don't use a belt. I learned from personal experience this is a bit hit-or-miss, due to different compositions of leather that can be called "genuine leather," but will hurt your blade none the less.