Thread: Howdy y'all

On the art of manliness website the other day and there was an article about how to buy a straight razor. It got me thinking and I've been trying to learn more about this. I've only ever used the disposables/cartridges. Right now my only razor is an old Gillette Fusion with the ProGlide razors. My facial hair doesn't grow much or very fast, and I typically can use a single blade refill on those for a few weeks. I buy a new pack of cartridges maybe two or three times a year. At any rate, the article got me thinking about a shave I had about 6 years ago when I was in college and went to an old school barber shop for the hell of it. There was an old man with navy tattoos in the place. I just told him I wanted a basic haircut. He put me in the chair and slapped a hot towel on my face. A few minutes later, he had a straight razor pressed against my neck. He was older, his hands were shaky, and I was freaking terrified. But when all was said and done, I couldn't believe how smooth I was and it's still the best shave I've ever had.

So I've started looking into this. I bought a badger hair brush from Target and some cream that was made by the same company (Shea Moisture) but the cream didn't lather. So I got a puck of Williams Mug soap, which worked much better last night. On one of my other forums (non-shaving) I posed a question about straight razor shaving and a few people strongly suggested that instead of using a straight razor, I should just get a safety razor. I just wanted to get your thoughts. I really like the idea of using a straight razor, I guess I'm just asking if you experienced types think I would be better served by using a safety razor first, or if I should just jump in and buy a straight edge?

Glad to be here.

Welcome to SRP, glad to hear from you. You have come to the right place to learn. Your friends undoubtedly are under the safety-razor-spell, thinking that straight razors are dangerous

Take a look in the wiki, then check out our video section and you will find great demonstrations of how to start using a straight razor the safe way. You want to shave with a straight, then that is what you should do. It is perfectly possible to learn straight razor shaving from the information gathered on this site, and the place is also full of helpful people to help guide you along the way.

My vote is to follow your desire and get a straight razor, I'm sure you'll find it enjoyable.
Best of luck, whichever path you decide to follow.

Hello, CenTech:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

Yes, please peruse the Wiki for its wealth of information on wet shaving with the straight razor. Beyond that, ask questions and you'll have your answer in no time.

Should you start with the double edge safety razor and move up to the straight? That is your choice, really, but I find nothing wrong with it. I shave with both. Each type of razor has its distinct learning curve, the straight razor's longer.

Many straight razor shavers started with the double edge and moved on to the straight. I did. Some also held on to their double edge razors. I have done that, too. If you feel more comfortable starting with the double edge razor, then do so.

Just remember, once you switch to double edge and straight razor shaving the plastic cartridge razor and the canned shave goo will be a memory, alas unpleasant. I dare say you'll wonder why you did not make your choice sooner.

Once you decide with either razor, we will help and guide you in learning your skill. We also will help and guide you in what razors you should buy, what soaps and creams, and what brushes. By the way, the Shae butter brush you bought from Target is a good brush for the money.

We're delighted to have you with us. You're also more than welcome to send me or other mentors a personal message anytime you need help. At the same time, as I noted before, please study up as much as you can.

Regards,

Obie

Welcome to SRP CenTech, you'll find all the resources you need in this forum. Check out the "Wiki" section as advised by str8fencer for a lot of great articles and tips.

Years ago, I went directly from cartridge garbage gilettes to straight razors, and it worked just fine. Just be sure to have a real shave ready honed straight razor if you want to join our world.

If you are a little reluctant, then buy a disposable straight razor, like the Dovo Shavette, together with a DE razor and use them at the same time, starting slow with the straight razor only on your cheeks.

Enjoy!

Welcome to SRP

Welcome to SRP