How's She Goin'?

Hi folks ; first post here on SRP, but I've been lurking for some time now. I'm a student from Eastern Canada, and I'm interested in all things vintage, including my hairstyle, which is currently a substantial pompadour, grease and all.

In my search to further increase my vintageness, I came across SRP while doing some research. I've been fascinated with straight razors for quite awhile, and I've decided it's time to commit and buy my first razor.

I've read Lynn's Introduction post, and had a look as several of the classifieds, but to be honest, it all seems rather confusing; I'm looking for something that will be reasonably priced, give me a good shave, and be comfortable in mmy rather large mitts. I'm also looking for recommendations on strops, creams and brushes; I won't worry about a hone just yet. Any suggestions would be more than appreciated.

Cheers!

Thanks for the tip, Shoki ; I had a look through the Classifieds as well as your links and came across this. I liked the looks of it, and the seller says it ships shave ready. Would it be a good place to start, or would I be better off trying the Dovo 6/8?

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Originally Posted by BaggedMilk

Thanks for the tip, Shoki ; I had a look through the Classifieds as well as your links and came across this. I liked the looks of it, and the seller says it ships shave ready. Would it be a good place to start, or would I be better off trying the Dovo 6/8?

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I don't want to step on a member's classified but the item I suggested and the one you linked to are about the same price. The one I linked to offers you another professional honing that you might consider. And the whipped dog site can get you a shave ready razor for 50 dollars less.

The thing that you need to think about is how can I experience straight razor shaving at the highest level and at the lowest price.

You can do this very easily and inexpensively if you try. You can also waste a lot of time and money if you want to jump off the deep end not knowing where you will land.

welcome to srp! i myself am a fellow butterhead and retrophile.. i sport a basic beaver cleaver with a small wave at the front.. strictly brylcreem..

let me say this.. you won't get your perfect setup right off the bat.. there will be plenty of bogus purchases made.. but eventually you'll find the right mix.. just keep reading.. and by all means.. keep shaving..

as of now.. i use an artist club dx razor with light blades and have been learning to shave with DE's.. just jump in.. the water is warm..

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Originally Posted by Shoki

I don't want to step on a member's classified but the item I suggested and the one you linked to are about the same price. The one I linked to offers you another professional honing that you might consider. And the whipped dog site can get you a shave ready razor for 50 dollars less.

The thing that you need to think about is how can I experience straight razor shaving at the highest level and at the lowest price.

You can do this very easily and inexpensively if you try. You can also waste a lot of time and money if you want to jump off the deep end not knowing where you will land.

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Sounds like sound advice. So the way I see it, I've got two options; pick up the professionally honed Dovo, or, on the Whipped Dog, there's a 5/8 Torrey with a barber's notch for $39; not sure about the grind or anything else, but the bottom line is, it'd be a cheap start. My budget for my whole setup is around $150; am I correct in thinking that it'd be better to buy the cheaper razor and pick myself up some really nice soaps or creams?

Again, thanks for all the great tips, fellas. And vthomlinson, good to find fellow grease stain in this league of gentlemen! :)

Whippeddog or the classifieds would be great to get a good cheap razor. Don't worry about the grind or size. Just pick one that looks nice and go for it!

I don't have any experience with SRD's Dovo. If you want to spend that much more for it, go ahead! With a budget of $150, you can make it.

Some of the best soaps and creams will not be more than $20. My L'Occitane soap is fantastic and only cost me $10!

not to stray too far off topic.. but how is the l'occitane? i've noticed a shop just recently opened in the neighbourhood... perhaps i should consider picking up a puck..

it is a puck.. yeah?

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Originally Posted by vthomlinson

not to stray too far off topic.. but how is the l'occitane? i've noticed a shop just recently opened in the neighbourhood... perhaps i should consider picking up a puck..

it is a puck.. yeah?

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I haven't tried a lot of products and have only been wetshaving for two months now, but from what I've tried, it's the best soap I have.

There really is no scent so that's a little bad, but it's so incredibly easy to lather. You never have to worry about putting too much water. It'll easily take in a few teaspoons without collapsing.

I've read how it dries out the skin, but for me it leaves a nice lubricating barrier once I wash off the lather.

And yes it is a puck:)

I would recommend a round point for starters. Wherever you get it.

Alright, so I've ordered the plain Dovo 6/8" from SRD, a Filly strop, a Tweezerman Best Badger brush I found on eBay for $18, some Fitjar Såpekokeri shaving soap, and a Clubman styptic pencil. With shipping, it all came to about $170 CAD, which is just a bit over what I'd budgeted, but still good by me. Only thing I really have left to buy is some good aftershave, which will happen after my next paycheck. Thanks for all the suggestions ; I should have a "First Shave" post in the next few weeks; in the mean time, if anyone has any first-timer recommendations for me, I'd love to hear them!

Can't wait to hear the news!

I went for the dovo and i couldn't fault it
it gave me such a good shave the other day i kissed it :P