Thread: hi there

Hello all - another new guy here. I'm not actually shaving with a straight yet, but have been wanting to for some time. Never really got up the guts to do it. I'm right about there now, and joined up here because I haven't the foggiest clue about what to get, from where, how to do it, and so on. Will probably be spending some time reading through the posts, the wiki, watching videos, etc. as I get some cash together to make the initial purchase. First I have to figure out which to get! It's so intimidating... and since I'm definitely on a budget, I worry about getting the "wrong" one the first time around. Even after wading through the Classifieds, I still am hesitant.

Anyway, really REALLY glad to know a place like this exists... makes the whole thing a bit less intimidating, and oddly enough, a bit more exciting to get started...

Well do you want something vintage, has been around more years than you have been, or new stock? Would you be interested in carbon or stainless steel (stainless does not rust as easily).

See, that's what I mean... I don't know! I'm open to just about anything, and actually think shaving with something older than me would be very cool... but I just don't know. I'm a total ignoramus, and that's why I'm here. I do like the idea of "less rust" though.

Welcome to the SRP family! Glad to have another one join the ranks.

What to get? Well, you can try whippeddog.com and look at his $20 or $30 sections. Or try the classifieds here. There are numerous other places to get a brand new razor--as opposed to vintage--but usually those end up being a bit more expensive. Ideally try to get a 6/8 half-hollow, but that's if you have lots of choices. Honestly anything that's sharp will be fine.

For a strop, do you have a belt with no stitches? Whippeddog has one for $13 or you can try and find a smooth surface with no stitches belt for less. Or try the strop from ruprazor which is better and for $20. I've also heard about these "Big Mama" strops on ebay, but I don't have a link for you.

My advice is just to get one of those strops for now till you get good at stropping, then splurge for something better. SRD has some nice looking strops.

I don't know if this will help or not, but I've never picked up a new straight. the four razors I have are all vintage and I couldn't be happier with them. I have been thinking about trying a dovo best quality, but I could happily live with just the four that I already have. as far as carbon or stainless rust issue goes I just wipe off my razors, dip them in alchohol. and store them in a drawer and none of them have a rusting problem. keeping a blade rust free doesn't seem that it should be all that hard. when you think about it pleanty of us use kitchen knives that aren't stainless and as far as I know none of us have a drawer full of rusty knives in our kitchen.

as far as getting started goes, I got my first razor by asking the older members of my family about useing straight razors. I was compleately convinced I had to try to find a new razor to buy untill I talked to my uncle who was a barber the decade prior to the one I was born in. later I even ended up with my grandfathers old straight razor when another uncle gave it to me after seeing that I shaved with one. I realize not everyone is lucky enough to have older relatives to pass these things on, but if you do have older relatives asking around might just suprise you.

Thanks! Actually I'm looking at one in the Classifieds, but just need to find the cash. Good info on the strops, thanks! Quick question... what's SRD?

Thanks nickedNsliced, good info. I'm also leaning towards a vintage one... I think knowing from somebody in the classifieds that it's a quality blade is preferable to the "luck of the draw" as it were with a newer and more expensive blade. Plus I like the idea of a history behind it...

Don't think any of my living older relatives have used a straight, which is unfortunate. I do know that in the distant past my mom did a lot of hair cutting and I know that she had one... although I can honestly say I know nothing about it, where it is and where it has been since the last time she used it... or even whether it's a piece of junk or not. Actually... I should look into that...

Hello, Justaneye:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

I am impressed that you have decided on research first. The Wiki has a vast store of information and tutorials to help you understand what the world of wet shaving shaving with the straight razor is about. Read it and view as many videos as you can.

It will take you a little time before you are completely comfortable with the straight razor, but you shall arrive. We all have gone through that. In the meantime look around and ask questions. You have all the help you need from everyone.

I dare say, you are peeking into a colorful world that eventually will become your sweet obsession. We're delighted to have you with us.

Regards,

Obie

Are you kidding? Day 3 of real research and it's ALREADY my obsession.

I've definitely done a bit of reading through the Wiki and have watched a handful of the videos. Part of me wants to get my hands on some beginning gear and get some (very slow) hands on experience that I can tweak with more info as I read and ask questions... but money is my issue. I have a birthday coming up in about two weeks, and so I'm hoping to get some birthday cash that can be invested into gear for my face.

Sadly the one I was watching in the classifieds was already purchased... but I'll just keep watching. Who knows what else will come around. Thanks for the welcome!