Thread: new guy from colorado

Hello, so my curiosity is up about using a straight razor. I have had the idea in the back of my mind for a while now and I have been reading and researching the process. My wife just looks at me like I'm crazy, but I think it could be fun. I get relatively good shaves with the mach3 that I've used for the last 20 some odd years, but I am tired of the cost and the idea of a good smelling lather and such is apealling. Anyway, I found this site from an article I found called The Art of The Straight Razor Shave by Christofer Moss. As of right now my main concerns are the initial investment and the time it will take shaving. Hopefully I can get the necessities and get started soon. The more I read up the more interested and excited I get.

Welcome aboard!! Lots to learn, which makes it fun. Just watch lots of shaving and stropping vids on you=tube and here on this site. And post any questions you have. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by tburnett

Hello, so my curiosity is up about using a straight razor. I have had the idea in the back of my mind for a while now and I have been reading and researching the process. My wife just looks at me like I'm crazy, but I think it could be fun. I get relatively good shaves with the mach3 that I've used for the last 20 some odd years, but I am tired of the cost and the idea of a good smelling lather and such is apealling. Anyway, I found this site from an article I found called The Art of The Straight Razor Shave by Christofer Moss. As of right now my main concerns are the initial investment and the time it will take shaving. Hopefully I can get the necessities and get started soon. The more I read up the more interested and excited I get.

Welcome, sounds like the same story most of us had. Check out Straight Razor Place Wiki it has tons of information. You could get started for around 100 bucks maybe even less, if you play your cards right. I will warn you though if you want speed straight shaving will not be a proper choice. When starting out it might take as much as an hour to complete a shave from start to finish, but will gradually get to be less and less. After a year I am down to 20 min or so, it could even be a little less, I enjoy my shave so much now i dont really pay much attention to the time it takes. You have definitely made the right choice coming here, I have never regretted it. Good luck and if you have any other questions feel free to ask.

Welcome to SRP. Yes the time to shave can be a concern...for me though and many others here that's part of the appeal of it..it's time for you to just relax and shave..I shave at night so i'm not rushed and the shaves are close enough I don't have to worry about it. The initial investment..well, compare to how much you spend on dipsoable blades in a year..it's not that bad...until the RAD kicks in...lol.

Welcoem to srp i hope that you enjoy it here. Greatest internet site (as far as friendleness) that you will ever come across

cool, I am looking forward to learning from you guys. I know the speed thing isn't going to come quickly, just from lots of practice. I'm not sure why, but this whole idea has me pretty excited, especially the more I look into it. And being an artist and metalworker has me thinking about doing custom scales and restorations. That might add a whole different aspect to the experience.

Welcome to SRP! You found the right place to answer any questions.

If you are really worried about the cost, there are many ways to get quality equipment without spending a ton of money. All you really need to start out with is a razor (of course), strop, soap and a brush. You don't need to spend a lot, but you should not be looking for the cheepest thing out their either. You can get a decent strop for 20 bucks, a razor for 30-70, a brush for 15, and soap for about 5. That's 80 bucks for a shaving set up that should last you nearly half a year. If you want to spend a little more, I'd suggest getting a nicer strop, brush, or soap, as the sites I'm going to link down below will have great razors that can last you a life time.

SRP classifieds
Restored Razor (check out the budget section)
Holly4pirating
Whipped Dog.

Whipped dog also has inexpensive strops, but for about the same price, I'd prefer ruprazor.

If you want to buy a new razor, make sure it is "shave ready" and not just factory sharp.

Welcome to SRP!

Welcome to the most friendliest club, the SRP

Welcom to SRP, Take your time, enjoy the journey and your wife will soon be wondering why you didn't use a str8 right from the start, Ryan