Thread: OHH NO Another new guy!

Hey there!
I am brand new to this forum and even more so to the straight razor/DE world. I'll give you a bit of my story if you have the time. And then hopefully have some more time to answer my questions!

About 2 months ago i went to a all men's barber shop here in south jersey. I've always wanted a straight razor shave. The hair cut was one of the best i've had considering their attention to detail and the straight razor shave was even better than i expected. Being 24 years old, i fell right into the world of disposables and flash. My problem is that i have sensitive skin so i always thought the more blades the better right? Not to mention if it said sensitive skin on the can than it must be for me. I don't think i've ever been more wrong! After my straight razor shave (and not having an redness or razor burn like i normally would) i knew i had to make a change. A few weeks ago i purchases a parker vintage butterfly/blade pack/rooney badger brush/col. Cronk soap/and the websites own brand cream. Needless to say it has been an amazing experience thus far and my only regret is that i didn't use these methods earlier. Although i have only been using a DE a few weeks now, i find it pretty easy, but i still do not feel the full effect as i did with the straight razor shave.

I have so many questions and i'm more than anxious to get started. I have a very steady hand and have no issue with patience in learning this craft. I just want to use the right tools for the right job. I've read the beginners guide, but i havent seen any actual reccomendations. (maybe i havent searched on this forum enough). I apologize if this is the case. I have questions though on what to get for a beginner. (sorry if i am unsure of all the proper vernaculars as i am still learning)

1. Whats the difference between 5/8, 6/8 etc.

2. Are the scales for looks, preference or otherwise?

3. Whats the difference between the "rounded edge at the end of the blade and the one that looks flat on the end like a butchers knife"?

4. Carbon and stanless differences?

5. Thickness, weights etc.

6. A good beginner strop?

7. Whole/half hone?

8. Oils,stones, proper care?

Again, these questions are from a beginners point of view until i gain more knowledge on products and so forth. Any reccomendations on what to buy/where will be more than helpful. Also, i am always looking for other
products that will benefit my fair skin. I thank you in advance if not for your help than atleast your time to read this.

Respectfully,
TravelingMan32

Welcome to SRP! I'll put in my 2 cents to your questions.

Originally Posted by TravelingMan32

1. Whats the difference between 5/8, 6/8 etc.

None that you will be able to notice.

2. Are the scales for looks, preference or otherwise?

Mostly for looks, although they have a slight effect on the balance of the razor, but again, it wouldn't make much of a difference for you at this stage in the game.

3. Whats the difference between the "rounded edge at the end of the blade and the one that looks flat on the end like a butchers knife"?

Round vs spike point. If the spike point is sharpened all the way to the tip, you can cut yourself easier. Many who use a spike purposely dull the tip so that they don't have that to deal with that. The round tip won't have that problem, but some feel the round tip gets in the way and that the spike is able to achieve more accuracy. I use round tips 95% of the time and have never had a problem with accuracy.

4. Carbon and stainless differences?

If you don't keep your razor properly dry, the carbon will rust easier than the stainless. The carbon will also take an edge easier than a stainless (and some say a better edge), but when an edge is properly gotten, the stainless will hold it for longer.

5. Thickness, weights etc.

Some say the more hollow ground the razor, the closer the shave, but also more potentially harsh. Vise versa for more wedge shapes. Probably wont' make too much of a difference for you at this point. A middle of the road razor is probably best though.

6. A good beginner strop?

I like ruprazor myself.

7. Whole/half hone?

No hone. Don't try to hone for awhile, you will have your hands full just getting shaving technique down. That said, you want to make sure your razor is shave ready. By the time it needs its first honing (if you didn't damage it in some other way) you will know if you want to hone your razor or sent it to a honemeister.

8. Oils,stones, proper care?

Try not to let the razor get too wet. Dry it off carefully when you are done, give it a light stropping to remove any bits of moisture or gunk form the very edge, and store it in a dry place. A light oiling with something like camellia oil helps prevent rust.

Again, these questions are from a beginners point of view until i gain more knowledge on products and so forth. Any reccomendations on what to buy/where will be more than helpful.

Read up on the wiki. In particular brands to avoid and known quality brands. Don't get your first razor off ebay or the flee market, but buy from a place that is recognized as being able to put a shave ready edge on the razor (Dont' even think about taking it to a knife shop for sharpening). Your best bet would be to make a thread with any potential razor purchases and get some feedback from the more experienced members.

Lastly, understand that getting a good shave with a straight requires more than just a sharp razor, but proper technique as well. In the beginning you won't have good technique. Even if you have memorized the wiki, you will still have to develop the feel and coordination to properly use a straight. During this time, expect sub par shaves. Usually after the first dozen shaves, you will start getting better. Soon, you will be able to get a shave so close and comfortable that you will just want to rub your face all day. Faceturbation we call it. You will also get the great satisfaction that comes with shaving with a straight. Instead of a chore, it becomes a pleasure.

Welcome,

Id say give it a go, you can find some great razor's in the classified section in the forums.
Its a lot of fun and a great way to enjoy me time , or you time, whichever.

+1 on Markevens. Getting into straight shaving was the best decision I made for myself the year I made it.

Pabster

Thanks markevans! I did not expect such and in depth answer to my questions. I have been dealing with one particular site that seems more personable than the rest i have come across. (not that the others are bad, i just prefer the one i am using).

So here's what i have come up with as a "beginner set to begin my learning experience"

-Dovo 6/8 half-hollow "best quality" carbon steel razor.

-2" latigo razor strop

-razor oil.

I do have one or two more questions despit flipping back and forth on the wiki.
I understand that as a beginner honing should be out of the question for me. So should i look into those diamond sprays/chomium pastes to "re-sharpen" the razor? And if so do i need a separate strop for this process? I also think i am going to order the Lynn Abrams dvd.

I cant stop browsing on this forum with all this information! I appreciate the quick and welcoming responses i have received thus far!

That dovo is a great starting razor, just make sure it is put in shave-ready condition, not just factory sharp. The strop would work ok, but you will have to use a X stroke to cover the whole edge of the razor. A 2.5" or 3" would make stropping easier.

Pasted strops aren't really necessary, but they can touch up an edge to a limited extent. No matter what it will eventually need to be honed. If you want a pasted strop, then yes a separate strop is called for.

I don't what online dealer you are using, but I know that straightrazordesigns usually give 1 free honing for every razor sold. This means you can put off learning to hone for quite some time and just focus on developing your technique.

I didn't want to put in a "plug-in" in my message. I wasn't sure as of yet if it was allowed on these forums. I am dealing with vintagebladesllc.com So far my experience with the company has been great. The prices are lower then every other site i've been on for the same products. The site says that the straight razor you purchase is honed "shave ready" by lynn abrams himself. I am currently using col. cronk's amber soap and i have a tub of the vintage blade llc cream. I am exploring the soap/cream that is best for my sensative skin. I live near a few targets so i might also pick up a tube of that poraso too. Also, I want to use the 2' strop in order to learn proper technique rather than start with my cup half-full so to speak.

I have been doing very well with my parker vintage butterfly DE so far. (still exploring blades for my face). Although, the other nights and tonight i have experienced razor burn on the left part of my neck where it is the only section that my hair grows w-e in a 3 inch diameter. The rest of my face grown n-s and i haven't had a single issue or a pore bleed. I have been going with the grain on this section as with the rest of my face. I'm not sure what conclusion to draw as of yet, but do you think i should try going n-s like the rest of my face on this section? Also, i have been shaving after a hot shower when my face is still warm and moist and i whip up the lather right away. Maybe a pre-shave prep is in order regardless of the shower?

I appreciate all the advice i am getting from you. I periodically have checked my iphone all day at work on this forum to look at all of the tips. I read something about a mentor on this forum? Any advice on that? Thanks again for all of the advice!

Hi there & welcome to SRP

I would seriously forget honing & abrasive strops until you have learnt to shave & strop confidently. Any errors in stropping will be magnified by abrasive pastes or sprays.

My advice would be to 'handle' the razor a lot before you use it & before you strop it.
Practice flipping it as if stropping but with no strop. Develop the muscle memory. Then progress to practice stropping on a single sheet of news paper the width of your strop. Attach the paper with a 1" bulldog clip to a hook. This will keep your pressure honest in both hands. A new shave ready razor will give you one or a few shaves without stropping but after that the edge's survival is in your hands. One of the biggest factors in bad shaves for newbs is bad stropping so give yourself a head start in the dexterity & skill needed. There is a good post here on the principles of stropping : http://straightrazorpalace.com/695162-post7.html

Thanks onimaru55! That sounds like a great idea to practicing. I'm assuming the theory behind this will improves my control over proper placement of flipping the blade and laying it flat correctly so not to rip the newspaper. I will practice over the weekend. I just ordered a Dovo 'best quality' 6/8 half-hollow with a standard size strap. I would of opted for the larger width strop, but if since i am so new to this i would rather learn proper technique with shaving and stropping from the beginning so i do not acquire any bad habits. I appreciate all of the feedback i have received so far and i will continue to go through the wicki and other related forum topics. Thanks!

Hello, and welcome to SRP

Looks like you are well set to begin this fabulous journey. I received my Dovo best quality only yesterday and, provided it IS shave ready, I think you will have a great razor. Good luck, Ryan