Hello from Florida

[Omegaham]

Hello everyone, I'm a Marine stationed in NAS Pensacola, Florida. I'm currently using the Gillette Fusion blades that a friend's dad (who works for Gillette) gave me after I graduated boot camp, and decided that hey, it'd be nice to change the way I shave. I'm going through these things kinda fast, (have to shave every day to avoid the staff sergeant's wrath) and I've been thinking about using a straight razor for a while.

I'm currently kinda overwhelmed by the choices here, and it's apparent that this hobby gets expensive fast. Right now I'm just looking for a workhorse that'll do better than what I'm using right now.

Random question - I've been looking over at Straight Razor Designs and found the lower-priced shave kit - it's a Boker King Cutter along with strop, brush, mug, soap puck, and DVD for about $170. Is this a good deal, or should I go with the FAQ's advice of finding something good in the Classifieds?

Thanks in advance!

[Stubear]

Welcome!

Thank you for your service!

I would say that the Boker razor set from SRD would be a great way to get started, especially as it will come shave ready from Lynn.

You'll also need a strop (the SRD strops are excellent!) and a brush and soap, but your SRD kit should come with everything you need.

If you havent already, check out the Wiki links in my sig line as they will really help you. Other than that, have a good look around here and ask any questions you cant find answers to!

Good luck and keep us posted!

[gugi]

Welcome to SRP,

It's probably best to transition gradually as you build muscle memory and holding the razor doesn't feel as awkward as the first time, so you should have use of these cartridges for few more months. But if you persevere (which, being a marine you should) you'll enjoy much more comfortable and pleasant shaves with the straight.
It really isn't too expensive, it can get if you catch the bug and begin wanting all kinds of cool and different razors, but a razor and a strop is all that you need (brush and soap is important no matter what you use to cut the hair with).
If you want a new razor, getting it from SRD is most certainly a very good deal, which you can verify by checking the other websites that offer them.
Going for a vintage razor has different advantages. You can get better razor, and if you're willing to accept some aesthetic imperfections you can also get cheaper razor too.
The most important part is the edge. You most certainly cannot appreciate it right now, but that really is what makes certain razors to get a big hype and corresponding price tag. Of course, at this stage your limiting factor will be your skill, but a shaving-sharp edge is an absolute must.

Anyways, have fun with it, and keep us updated.

[pcdad]

Hmm..Florida..do you use a Carbon Steele blade in those parts of the moist world?...hehe
Just kidding..to have a carbon steele razor in FL where its moist is dangerous as it could kill it..perhaps though...nothing is written in stone

look at SRD's Shave Scuttle section to keep yer lather good n warm!...I love mine!!

PcDad

[Omegaham]

Hmm..Florida..do you use a Carbon Steele blade in those parts of the moist world?...hehe
Just kidding..to have a carbon steele razor in FL where its moist is dangerous as it could kill it..perhaps though...nothing is written in stone

look at SRD's Shave Scuttle section to keep yer lather good n warm!...I love mine!!

PcDad

Man, the humidity here is just terrible. We PT at 4 in the morning just to get out of the sun, but the humidity never goes away, so I'm sweating soon as I walk out the door.

What's the best way to prevent rust buildup on razors? I'm guessing CLP wouldn't be very good for my face...

Thanks for the replies!

[commiecat]

I'm in Florida and nothing should change unless you're inexplicably storing your razors outside. In which case, please let me know whereabouts in Pensacola to look.

Just make sure your razor is cleaned and dried after using, be particular around the pivot pin, and try to store it outside of the bathroom. If you have to keep it in the bathroom then get some silica gel to keep nearby, or put a light coat of oil (e.g. mineral) on the razor.

I keep my razors in a drawer and the only ones I coat with oil are the few that I use rarely. The others I use with enough frequency that I don't worry about any oxidation. Should you ever notice some spots on the steel you can clean them up with metal polish and then maybe re-evaluate your cleanup procedure.

Cheers, and welcome to SRP from a fellow Floridian!

EDIT: If you do put anything on the blade then just rinse it off with water before the next use.

[paco]

Welcome and THANK YOU and your family for your unselfish service. I understand your dealings with humidity. I'm in New Orleans.