Thread: Very Excited and Nervous

I am a real newbie at shaving with a straight razor. I just ordered my first straight razor and now I am looking for advice, opinions on properly accessorizing my new straight razor (i.e. creams, brushes etc. what works best). I have very course hair, I maintain a goatee and have extremely sensitive skin. Any advice for new a new beginner would be greatly appreciated and welcome. I am looking forward to honing my skills as well as my blades.

All the best,
Dave

Dave,

Welcome to SRP...Check the SRP wiki...It has lots of advice about the questions you are asking.

What type of razor did you purchase? Was it honed prior to purchase? You'll need a strop too. I would recommend a 3" wide strop. It makes the process of stropping a bit easier for somebody new to straight razor shaving.

As for brushes...Go to Wal-Mart and pick up a Vanderhagen (sp.?) brush/soap set. Its relatively inexpensive, yet quite serviceable.

A nice cream to add to your shaving would be either Erasmic or Ingram. They are inexpensive and both lather fairly nicely.

As for honing...That's an entirely new skill. Focus on your shaving and stropping technique for now. You can develop your honing skills later.

jhenry pretty well covered it.

Welcome to SRP Dave!

I forgot to include what I purchased to get started.

DOVO Straight Razor 5/8" Half Hollow Ground Blade

DOVO German Razor Strop 23" Rindleder Leather & Canvas

DOVO German Razor Strop Leather Conditioner

One more question. Does C.O. Bigelow produce quality shave products?

Unfortunately, I came across this site after I place my order for my first straight razor. I hope I made the right choice. I am however very nervous about the honing, the company said it comes pre honed however from what I have been reading that does not seem to be true. Any advice or comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

Depends on the company...


And welcome to SRP Dave

Some of the companies believe the hype about Factory Sharp and pass that on to the customers as gospel...This has been a source of some mighty uncomfortable shaves, and much of what this Forum is all about. Those first rather pulling, tugging, harsh, shaves can push people away from the true pleasure of a straight razor shave ...
Other companies that actually shave with straight razors know better, and offer true honing to shave ready...

TI and Dovo both have stepped to the plate and their factory edges are much much better, but they are still not at anywhere near their full potential...

There is still a large gap between "Factory Sharp" and what we here on this forum consider "Shave Ready"

Hi Dave, welcome to SRP. If you bought your razor from a reputable vendor such as those you see in the sidebars , Straight Razor Designs, Classic Shaving and Vintage Blades, among others, it will be shave ready if they say it is. If it is a non-SRP supporter I don't know. Try it when you get it and read my sig below to avoid nicks and cuts.

Hello, Dave:

My good friend JHenry's thoughts and advice are sound and I concur.

Honing is a skill onto itself. I suggest first concentrating on honing your skills with the straight razor, on stropping and, finally, creating luxurious lather with brush and soap or cream. You have plenty of time to learn how to hone.

What's more, in all likelihood your razor has only a factory edge. Most ladies and gentlemen at Straight Razor Place prefer to have such razors honed once more by a professional for the ideal edge.

I suggest sending that razor out to be honed by a professional. Member Services will offer you names.

Good luck and keep us apprised of your progress. Also, if you have questions, please post them and you'll have your answer in no time.

We're delighted to have you with us.

Regards,
Obie

I just took my first straight razor shave this past weekend. All I can offer is follow the advice given in the beginners section posted by Lynn. Follow the instructions, follow the instructions, follow the instructions. If you do, it will work.

_Larry