Thread: Helloo!

Hi.

I am currently starting my third (time lucky?) attempt at straight razor shaving.

I have shaved with DE razors, Injectors and SE (Ever-Ready) razors for almost two-and a half years, but my lack of success with a straight has proved frustrating and ended up with me throwing in the towel.

Having read a great deal of articles and posts on here and other forums, I felt ready to give it another go, and so far things have been better than with my previous two attempts.

Equipment-wise, I already have a good selection of soaps, creams, brushes, aftershave balms and splashes, and I have now got a KROPP 5/8 hollow ground razor, and a Neil Miller (great craftsman and all-round good bloke) Bridle leather strop.

I'm going to stick with this basic kit until I feel that I have got a handle on this straight shaving lark, then I may wander into the realms of honing and maybe even restoration. I really fancy the idea of picking up an old straight from an Antiques Fair or Car-boot sale, bringing it back to being serviceable and actually shaving with it.

Regards

Ian

Hi Ian,

Your dead on about Neil, He is a good chap, and knowledgeable. Take it slow, at first when you start. Pick an area of your face, normally, the sideburn area down to the jawbone, and start with just that. Make sure you do a good prep. Shower first, or use a hot towel, even some pre shave oil wouldn't hurt. Mind the angle of the blade, it's a common problem area for new str8 shavers. I'm sure you've read our WIKI, but thought I'd mention it anyway, Also, Youtube, a guy named Mantic59 has some great vids on shaving, lather building, etc...Welcome to the forum, let any Mentor or Mod know if you need some help...

Cheers,

Rich

Originally Posted by zib

Hi Ian,

Your dead on about Neil, He is a good chap, and knowledgeable. Take it slow, at first when you start. Pick an area of your face, normally, the sideburn area down to the jawbone, and start with just that. Make sure you do a good prep. Shower first, or use a hot towel, even some pre shave oil wouldn't hurt. Mind the angle of the blade, it's a common problem area for new str8 shavers. I'm sure you've read our WIKI, but thought I'd mention it anyway, Also, Youtube, a guy named Mantic59 has some great vids on shaving, lather building, etc...Welcome to the forum, let any Mentor or Mod know if you need some help...

Cheers,

Rich

My DE shaving experience means that I already have knowledge of wet shaving. Prep, pressure and blade angle are important parts of the shave. I am just getting used to the mechanics of the straight razor itself, and all of the contortions that go with it! It's nice to be able to just concentrate just on the razor/face part of it with all the prep already in the bag.

Ian

Welcome to SRP Ian. I have a feeling you're going to make it this time around. You are absolutely right about the transference of skills from the DE to the straights. You've already got a lot of the learning curve accomplished.