Thread: Yet Another Noob

Another noob here and I can’t wait to get started. Until about two weeks ago, I had never even shaved anywhere but in the shower - with anything other than a disposable and whatever soap that was within arm’s length no less. That was until a recent trip to NYC and a “fortunate” curiosity that lead me into one of the Art of Shaving stores there.

A considerable amount of money later, I walked out with my very first shaving set-up that consisted of a safety razor and blades, badger brush, pre and after shave lotions along with a shaving cream. They were great, and even provided a CD with instructions.

Never have I had such a close shave … after the third shave, I have to admit that my face has never felt so conditioned either. More importantly, my taking the time to shave properly has actually found me enjoying shaving. And to top that all of that off – my wife can’t stop touching me!! She even admitted to going into my bathroom yesterday just to smell the product. WoW!!

Having said all that, a mere two weeks later I am already to move to a straight considering that they are an even closer shave once learnt properly. I love how the owner of The Superior Shave put it, “New to this little world? Go ahead and get your safety razor; you'll step up to a straight razor sooner or later. Almost everybody does-it is hard not to, it'll be calling your name. We'll be waiting.” Well that line alone has my business lol.


So I am thinking of getting an entry level blade as everyone suggests and a cheap strop I can nick up. Going to order a Dovo 4/8 that’s shave ready from the aforementioned The Superior Shave and a “less expensive” strop over at the Knife Center. Hone to come later … What do you all think?

Welcome! Your story is similar to mine, I started with a DE and was looking at straights a few weeks later..

I'd rather get a 5/8 or 6/8, a 4/8 is quite small. I started about 6-7 weeks ago and prefer larger blades.
Jarrod at TSS is great.

Originally Posted by Blix

Jarrod at TSS is great.

That's great to hear as i think he'll be the one I'll order from tomorrow.

Can't believe you went to straights two weeks later as well!! That's too funny!! Thanks for stating so ... now I don't feel as obsesed lol!!

Originally Posted by str8fan

That's great to hear as i think he'll be the one I'll order from tomorrow.

Can't believe you went to straights two weeks later as well!! That's too funny!! Thanks for stating so ... now I don't feel as obsesed lol!!

Be careful, AD can get the best of you, I took this family photo today, and I have three more coming!

That is truly hilarious Blix. I think I would like you lol. I have already started bidding on blades on eBay. I can never seem to win though!

I still want a new blade to start with that’s been honed properly though. That is the reason I am getting the 4/8 because well, I really want one, and because the other sizes are easy to come by. If I am anything like you – it will not be long before I have those sizes too lol.

BTW - what is it about the larger size you like so much? The weight?

Originally Posted by str8fan

That is truly hilarious Blix. I think I would like you lol. I have already started bidding on blades on eBay. I can never seem to win though!

I still want a new blade to start with that’s been honed properly though. That is the reason I am getting the 4/8 because well, I really want one, and because the other sizes are easy to come by. If I am anything like you – it will not be long before I have those sizes too lol.

BTW - what is it about the larger size you like so much? The weight?

Hehe. I wouldn't have so many if I didn't learn to hone them myself though.
Most of my razors are $10-35 eBay deals. I usually decide on a max price I'd pay, and use a sniping service, so I'll avoid getting into a bidding war, I lose a bunch of auctions, but some comes through. I set up 5 snipes the last 4 days and won one, that's fine by me

I like the larger blades better, I find them easier to handle, and they of course looks more badass as well hehe. Now my 8/8 took a few shaves to get used to, but now I love it.
I don't think I'll buy anything smaller than 6/8 now.

8/8 is badass ...

I actually don't see any problems with starting with a 4/8. Many find themselves following the trend towards larger blades, but I have found myself recently going smaller again.
I would suggest trying a different strop. A good "known" strop would be better like a ruprazor filly, poorman's strop from whippeddog or an 827 from illinois strop.

Welcome and enjoy the obsession.

Today was a bit busier than I anticipated and I didn’t have a chance to order my 4/8 Dovo BUT when I got home, I realized that I had won the Crown and Sword on eBay that I was bidding on! Think I got robbed? $31.00


I don't think it comes with the right box?

Welcome to SRP, Str8fan.
I have two 4/8 razors - 1 full hollow and 1about 1/2 hollow I think.
Both are great shavers and I got them both on EBay for $8 and fixed them up myself.
I also have an 11/16, 1/2 hollow that I got from johnmrson, which is also fantastic but different.
I got it so I had something to compare to when I honed my own.
It BTW has only seen a strop since I got it.
I also admit to having a GD (my first razor) which I have touched up as well and it shaves great now.
I wonder how many people here have a GD that they don't mention?
I find the smaller razors a little small for my hands, however, they are great to shave with.
Try lots of razors and grinds and, most importantly, enjoy the ride - I am
Cheers,
Geoff