Thread: Peach Fuzz: A Newbie Introduction

Hello everyone, this is my first post, and Id like to take the opportunity to indtoruce myself.

My name is Eric, from Arkansas. I actually hate shaving but like to look presentable every now and then. I have fond memories of learning to shave, but Ive ben sucked into the void of the electric razors for years and when I tried to go back to a disposable razor (the new triple, quintuple, or googleplex bladed bic) it shaved my face down to the skeleton and it was horrible! lol.

So as the years passed, Im finding myself very tired of shaving and never being able to get everything off of my face or neck. Its just not a clean feeling to spend the time shaving, only to resign oneself to leaving hairs on the adam's apple or wherever because the razor just won't go there.

Also, I had long hair for years, finally found a barber that I liked when I got scalped and then he retired. I went to another barber and he retired. Im on my third barber now (im 30 years old by the way), he has been in his location since 1961, a Korean War Sailor, so I just know that very soon Im going to have to find another barber.

THe reason why I mention this is because I began to learn that the art of straight razor shaving is dying out. This barber, who I am really fond of, shaved my neck with a straight razor. So I decided that this was the way that I want to go because I like the old fashioned ways of doing things: Analog over digital, etc.

So yesterday, I made it a point to ask about this, not knowing ANYTHING about straight razors, strops, honing etc, and I never was really god at keeping my knives sharp. I asked him for a brand and he reccomended Dubl Duck. Okay, you can tell this guy is old because they haven't made these things in so dang long.



So, here I am.

I found a barber supply store in town that is selling the Fromm for like 5.99, but Im thinking this can't be good.


So guys (and gals), Im really looking for some place to start. I don't have a whole lot of money and like I said, I never really did learn to keep any knives in my collection sharp. (Knifes are harder to maintain than guns I think). I have been digging through my (deceased) grandfathers belongings hoping to find that UberEdge, to no avail.

So I am left with looking for an inexpensive, modern alternative, and from the limited information that I have read so far, It looks like the best thing to do is to buy 2 razors, so I can swap them out while the other blade's edge "grows"?


So if any of you want to lend a hand to this newbie I would graciously accept the guidance. Just tell me what information you need from me and Ill try to help. I know that veryone's face is different (though I think I look like Paul Newman...just kidding).

Im interested to know what type of minimum investment I need to make, what good lathers to get, or more importantly what to AVOID, since I know that lots of things are purely subjective.

Eventually, Ill be able to graduate to some of those ancient blades, not for collecting but for everyday usage.

Thanks in advance, and thanks for hosting this resource.


Respectfully,
Eric
Rhythmicons

Welcome to SRP, Eric!

All you will ever need to know about shaving with a SR is right here at these forums. Your best starting point would be to read and familiarize yourself with the wiki, as a lot of your questions can be answered there. The one thing I will strongly recommend is starting off with a professionally honed razor.

You will find that this sport is very much driven by personal preference.

Happy shaving,

Ryan

Hello, Eric:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

As you are introduced to wet shaving with the straight razor, you will realize how much you do enjoy shaving. That's the difference from what you're now doing.

Before you do anything else peruse the Wiki for a vast amount of information about what it takes to start out. Forget the Fromm, and the Dubl Duck can be in the future. After the initial research you're more than welcome to ask questions.

The vendors listed at SRP have everything you need. You may also explore the Classified. Before you buy anything, please post your plans and we will guide you along.

Welcome to the world of gentlemen shavers. We're delighted you have joined us.

Regards,

Obie

I've never heard of a blade "growing." I would advice sticking with one razor. Each razor shaves differently and when you're starting out, swapping them will lead to confusion and pain.

Stick with one and once you get good with it, then start to try out other razors.

Welcome!

If you are looking for a cheep starting kit, whipped dog specilizes in such items.

Alternatively, there are a number of inexpensive razors in the classifieds at the moment.

Dubl Ducks are nice, but there are plenty of other razors out there that will give you a good shave without the high price.

The filly strop from ruprazor is also very popular with the beginners.

Originally Posted by Rhythmicons

Hello everyone, this is my first post, and Id like to take the opportunity to indtoruce myself.

My name is Eric, from Arkansas. I actually hate shaving but like to look presentable every now and then. I have fond memories of learning to shave, but Ive ben sucked into the void of the electric razors for years and when I tried to go back to a disposable razor (the new triple, quintuple, or googleplex bladed bic) it shaved my face down to the skeleton and it was horrible! lol.

So as the years passed, Im finding myself very tired of shaving and never being able to get everything off of my face or neck. Its just not a clean feeling to spend the time shaving, only to resign oneself to leaving hairs on the adam's apple or wherever because the razor just won't go there.

Also, I had long hair for years, finally found a barber that I liked when I got scalped and then he retired. I went to another barber and he retired. Im on my third barber now (im 30 years old by the way), he has been in his location since 1961, a Korean War Sailor, so I just know that very soon Im going to have to find another barber.

THe reason why I mention this is because I began to learn that the art of straight razor shaving is dying out. This barber, who I am really fond of, shaved my neck with a straight razor. So I decided that this was the way that I want to go because I like the old fashioned ways of doing things: Analog over digital, etc.

So yesterday, I made it a point to ask about this, not knowing ANYTHING about straight razors, strops, honing etc, and I never was really god at keeping my knives sharp. I asked him for a brand and he reccomended Dubl Duck. Okay, you can tell this guy is old because they haven't made these things in so dang long.



So, here I am.

I found a barber supply store in town that is selling the Fromm for like 5.99, but Im thinking this can't be good.


So guys (and gals), Im really looking for some place to start. I don't have a whole lot of money and like I said, I never really did learn to keep any knives in my collection sharp. (Knifes are harder to maintain than guns I think). I have been digging through my (deceased) grandfathers belongings hoping to find that UberEdge, to no avail.

So I am left with looking for an inexpensive, modern alternative, and from the limited information that I have read so far, It looks like the best thing to do is to buy 2 razors, so I can swap them out while the other blade's edge "grows"?


So if any of you want to lend a hand to this newbie I would graciously accept the guidance. Just tell me what information you need from me and Ill try to help. I know that veryone's face is different (though I think I look like Paul Newman...just kidding).

Im interested to know what type of minimum investment I need to make, what good lathers to get, or more importantly what to AVOID, since I know that lots of things are purely subjective.

Eventually, Ill be able to graduate to some of those ancient blades, not for collecting but for everyday usage.

Thanks in advance, and thanks for hosting this resource.


Respectfully,
Eric
Rhythmicons

Welcome.....

Hmm... budget...

Start now with a brush and shave soap
and begin wet shaving.....
A decent shave soap can make an inexpensive BiC
yellow handle plastic razor shave quite well.

If you are on a budget hunt down the VDH brush, bowl, soap kit
for about $12 bucks. Van der hagen shave soap comes
in three types so try them all and also look for the
old timers stand by Williams shave soap.

Over time replace or upgrade the brush or soap --- shave soap
even the expensive stuff is inexpensive compared to
some to the goo in a can stuff averaged over a year.

While you are learning to lather keep your eye out
for a strop and razor or even a well cared for double edge
razor.

One of the often overlooked parts of a good shave is the
shave prep... soap, water and lathering. It is also the
least expensive but necessary first step.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Welcome to SRP, Eric!

All you will ever need to know about shaving with a SR is right here at these forums. Your best starting point would be to read and familiarize yourself with the wiki, as a lot of your questions can be answered there. The one thing I will strongly recommend is starting off with a professionally honed razor.
Ryan

+1 It's all here, Peach Fuzz. Pay particular attention to the stickys in the Beginner section. Make yourself a nice cup of tea and settle in for an evening of reading. And welcome to SRP!

Well let me thank everyone who has responded thusfar.

@ Gull,
I got that from an article that said let your razor rest for 24-48 hours because the edge "grows" or something like that. But, Im not EVEN trying to act like I know what Im talking about at this point. Thats why I was thinking, get two razors, so that you switch them out while the other one is resting, but yeah I guess you are probably right that can cause problems.

I can tell you though, that I KNOW what the Anticipation that is described on the beginner pages. My barber used one and it felt really nice, and my neck was as smoothe. I have been trying to immerse myself in information, and the last two nights I have had dreams about shaving and stroping.

Im thinking about going to the flea market and seeing if they have an old razor or some equipment there, just to hold one in my hands and check it out pricewise.

I don't know what I would really have to contribute to the forum at this point but over the next few weeks Il be dabbling in this and Ill share any info that I come across over time.

I really appreciate the group here, anytime that something is on the verge of dying out, its a worthy cause to perpetuate it.

Im thinking of announcing that I have two old DE safety razors for trade for a straight, lolol.



Thanks again for the replies and I hope to be starting a "My First Shave" thread soon, but hopefully not followed by one titled "My New Colombian Necktie aparently doesn't match my suit"


Respectfully,
Eric
Rhythmicons

Hi

welcome to SRP

This thread is a good list of what you need.
Read a bit around the site befor you jump into straight shaving.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by Otto

This thread is a good list of what you need.
Read a bit atrond the site befor you jump into straight shaving.

Good luck.

Hello, Rhythmicons:

My good friend Otto makes an excellent point. As a firm believer in research, I concur with his recommendation. That basic knowledge will help you make wiser decisions.

Regards,
Obie