Thread: Introducing myself, new to the art

First off, i'm going to introduce myself. my name is Nate, and i'm from massachusetts. very nice to meet you all =] i've been interested in the art of straightrazor shaving for a while, and i'm actually very interested in the whole "old-fashioned-gentleman" look (mainly facial hair, i have a handlebar moustache and used to have friendly mutton chops, but shaved them down to long sideburns recently). but i'm starting to ramble. anyway, i actually finally took my first step into the art just yesterday and have been hooked.

i came across this site while googling how-tos on straightrazors. i've always been interested in the whole straightrazor thing, and finally managed to buy one for less than $300 yesterday at an antique shop. now with it being an antique shop, i wasn't expecting anything great, just something to keep the spark alive.

i took it home and tested it on my arm hair, and it didn't seem to do anything. i went out to walmart today and bought a honing block (a smith's diamond stone) with two sides; 720 and 350, thinking i'd be all ready to shave in a few days (just shaved this morning for an interview). i then watched more youtube videos, and to my amazement, they were using 1000-8000 grit honing blocks. after sharpening with my 720 side and watching a video of someone sharpening with 8000, i felt like it was about as sharp as a butter knife.

i feel like good equipment will be hard to get, but that won't discourage me. does anyone have any advice for a beginner and/or recommendations for good razors (i've heard dovos were reputable), honing stones, and strops? i'm also on a budget here, so any recommendations for equipment that is very good, but reasonably priced are very welcome.

Welcome, to SRP.

Let me offer to hone that razor for you.

Send me a private message, and I'll hook you up.

You do need to check the Beginner's Guide in the Wiki.

Lots of reading is in your future, Sir. Enjoy

Welcome to SRP. Sounds like you're off to a good start, but take "richmondesi" up on his offer to hone your razor and it will turn out to be a great start to your "old-fashioned" way to shave.