Thread: California Newbie

Hello seasoned straight shavers,

I'm a potential straight razor shaver from Sacramento, CA. I'm fascinated by straight razors and I really want to get into it. I've read some things about it online, but I still know virtually nothing.

Right now I'm looking for a decent razor that's relatively inexpensive and has been honed and stropped already. Any help or advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

I look forward to hearing from some of you in the near future and thanks in advance

-Patrick

Welcome to SRP, packrat. Be sure to read the Wiki section and Lynn's post "First straight shave-read first" for a load of great information. As for buying your first razor, check the classifieds here and I am certain you'll find something in your price range and rest easy in the knowledge that it will be shave ready.

Welcome aboard! Another good choice for a first razor is whippeddog. Larry (proprietor) has some great straights, usually $30 and under. As with ones ordered off the Classifieds, Larry's razors will also arrive shave-ready. In addition to the razor, you'll need a strop (you'll use this every day), a brush, cream or soap, a styptic pencil or powder ( a real necessity when learning to straight shave), and aftershave. Gather up your gear, read the Wikis/beginner's guides, and before you know it you'll be getting one of the best shaves around.

Welcome to your new obsession!

Use the classifieds here or buy a dovo off of their site. You can use videos on youtube like the srp straight razor videos and lean as much as you can. look at the wiki section of srp.

Originally Posted by ReardenSteel

Welcome to SRP, packrat. Be sure to read the Wiki section and Lynn's post "First straight shave-read first" for a load of great information. As for buying your first razor, check the classifieds here and I am certain you'll find something in your price range and rest easy in the knowledge that it will be shave ready.

+++1
This is great advice packrat. Read, read, read and then read some more on this site. Ask any questions you might have--the guys on this site are the best and very helpful.

Welcome to Straight Razor Place!

Thanks everyone! I'll be sure to read up in the wiki section.

Meanwhile, I was browsing around in the classifieds and on whippeddog (thanks LAsoxfan for that site), and I'm thinking about maybe getting one of these two razors:
Mortense Razor Co "Extra Hollow Ground" - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

or

the 5/8 Berkshire on whippeddog
WhippedDog Straight Razors

Would these be good options for a first-timer? And if so, which one might be the better option? I know that for many people the size of the blade is more of personal preference, but for a beginner would the 4/8 Mortense create more difficulties in learning? From what I've read, it seems that 5/8 is a pretty common size, so I was wondering what are the reasons why I shouldn't go for the 4/8?

And which of these would you all recommend for me?

Thanks again!

Both sources are excellent. You will get a good razor, ready to go, at a great price. If you had to pick one, however, I'd recommend the one on the Classifieds. It's a round tip, which is easier to learn to use and way more forgiving than a square tip (AKA spike point). The 5/8 Berkshire is a nice razor, but has a square tip. These require you to constantly be aware of where the tip is, or the razor will tell you in no uncertain terms where it is. Learning to SR shave w/ a round tip just flattens the learning curve a bit