Thread: Hello from the USAF

Hey everyone - I've always been intrested in straight razor shaving. I'm finally in the position where I can splurge some. I was wondering what I would need to start out as I am kinda lost with everything i/e razor soap brush everything like that and where to get it. With me being in the military I would be an everyday shaver. I have a thick beard when it does grow in so I don't know if that makes a difference when selecting razors. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

First, thankyou for serving to defend our country. Second welcome to SRP I have yet to find a better group of people online and I'm sure that you will soon agree. Now, your question, I'm still quite new so wait till someone with more experiance chimes is. That said I'm going to try, there are two basic ways to go about getting a setup. First and probably the easiest way is to go to SRD an purchase a starter kit, I haven't done this but they are known for quality products and it seems the easiest way to go about it. The second way is to buy the individual products, this would allow for greater variety and in my opinion a more fun approach though it might take longer. There are links to vendors on this site and also the classifieds which is a valuable source for most anything if you are paitent. You will need a "professionally honed" razor, a strop, soap or cream, and a brush. Aftershave/ a balm of some kind is nice but IMO not needed... Everything afterward is fun, and adds to the experiance (to me at least) but not needed. When looking for a razor make sure you get one that is professionally honed whether through classifieds here or another respectable site.

Welcome to the site. There is a great deal of respect for servicemen here. It is alot to absorb all at once. Keep reading and it will start to make sence. The basic recomendation is a 5/8 or 6/8 blade to start with. The wiki lists razors to stay away from. A brand new razor for $10-$20 is a red flag for poor quality. Blade material and scale material are personal choice and proper care makes these choices equal between carbon and stainless. Shave ready is recomended and all of the vendors in the side bar can provide this. Take your time and become familiar with the available products. The classified section is a good place to get reasonablly priced razors that won't break the bank. Thank for joining us and have fun.

Originally Posted by thehekler

go to SRD an purchase a starter kit

SRD=Straight Razor Designs?

That is correct. They are a pleasure to deal with. Are you state side or overseas?

I just got back from being stationed overseas for three years.

Glad to hear you're home. 3 years is a long time.

it really depends on your budget on your first kit.

You'll need a "shave ready" razor. They can be had from about 20 bucks to 400 or more. The more costly are just prettier..... Don't buy ebay specials there is lots of pakistan blades out there that are just junk. Only worth sharpening a pencil....

You'll need a strop. Get a starter strop no matter what your budget is. I recommend the Filly from Ruprazor.com. It costs 20 bucks, strops just fine, and you'll probably just nick it up learning anyway.

For soap and brush you can get a boars brush and soap puck at your local drug store that will start you out just fine. Use them for travel when you move up to a badger hair and better soap or cream.

That is really all you need to start. A few weeks or months into it you might want to get a touch up hone, or pasted strop for getting a new edge on your razor, but you need not really worry about that until you learn to use your razor and strop.

Also read all the wiki's here and stuff to learn all you can. I also bought Lynn's DVD that really helped me out.

Welcome and Enjoy!!!

Thanks glad to be back. On SRD I found a nice Dovo best quality 6/8 any suggestions?

Welcome to site Airman.

USMC here.