Thread: Greetings from Arizona!

Hey guys,

I myself feel like the young runt of the group being 25 and I have yet to decide on a razor, strop, hone, etc. I'm leaning toward the Hart Steel but then again don't want to go and blow $240+ just to mess up the blade when I start to learn to hone and strop it... So I might try to pickup something from the classified section.. Any pointers on this would be appreciated.
Personally running through a 4 pack of disposable razors a month is a little bit of a drag w/ the $15-$18 price tag a month I started looking into alternatives that would do a better job. Thus I have landed here after doing countless hours of video watching and reading I still feel unprepared.
My primary reason for getting into this is the shave quality I'm getting out of disposables is... poor at best. I can shave and still have stubble all across my face, then go at it a second time with more pressure (not that much more) and better results, but still have my face nicked up and agitated... I'm wanting something closer, cleaner, and healthier for my face dammit! So on Fridays or Saturdays I can shave in the morning and not have to shave again before I go out...
There's also a nostalgic sense for me when it comes to Straight Edges... like I can acquire a skill that only maybe 1 in 500 even know about (and sharpen any blade to samurai standards).
Thanks for listening to my rant

Maverick

PS If there are any guys in Arizona (phoenix area or within a 30 minute driving distance) please feel free to hit me up, I would love to buy someone semi-experienced lunch/dinner/beer just to pick your brain.

Welcome to SRP!
In my opinion, a Hart razor is a pretty serious commitment for a first straight razor. You can get quality shaves out of much more reasonable razors, to tread the water so to speak. The shape and style of the razor is less important, any razor on the classifieds should be perfectly able to deliver nice shaves. The important thing is that it's been properly honed, which most of the razors in the classifieds should be, just read the descriptions. On the other hand, people do not get Hart razors (or any shaving gear in similar league) out of necessity do they They certainly are great looking.
On learning to strop - don't worry, you won't damage your razor much
If I were to recommend anything, it would be to just dive in. It sounds like you have done your homework, so I think you may find you are better prepared than you think. Get the razor you like, get a reasonable strop, and if you get an expensive razor, send it out for honing until you have learned on cheaper items.
Oh, and ask questions as they arise
Looking forward to hearing how it goes. Good luck.

Welcome to SRP Maverick. Not a heap of advice to give, only start slow with a shave ready blade.

Happy shaving,
Stu

Welcome to SRP!

Welcome to SRP my man. I would start with the classifieds here on SRP, you can't go wrong. Good to see you starting at a young age, my 20 year old son is also using straights. I live in Glendale and would love to get a cup of joe and talk. Send me a PM and we can coordinate.

Welcome to the website.