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Hello all.
I am new to the straight razor world, been reading for years about it, and now trying to take the plunge. Cost is a major factor.
Location changes all the time, and space is a major issue.
Looking forward to learning as much as possible and getting my first blade.
welcome, there are many straight razor sets out there that include everything you need to get started for about a $100 for a decent set....I'm sure you will be able to get started without a huge cost....bye for now
shayne
Thank you shayne. At the moment, $100 is even too much. Might have found a starter kit for $60. :)
Welcome to the forum. Your title intrigues me. I read about people who were living in this fashion last year, and often daydream about traveling the country with no particular destination in mind. Alas, I'm locked in. If you got some free time, I'd like to read about it.
As for a kit, since you are on such a budget, I'd suggest some flea market hunting. Everything you need, sans a shave ready razor can be bought very affordably "used". Something tells me you're not in need of alot of advice on money saving though. lol. I've went into excess, but if I'd have been patient, I'd could have saved considerably more in the beginning.
Joe, I have been in the RV with my lady and two dogs for a year now. We are pretty stationary at the moment, computer contract, and we do live like we have no money. Goal is to retire in 5 years, by my definition. Working because I want to, not need to.
The part that worries me, is I have been using the disposable razors now for close to 5 years. No gels, only water. I have had a straight shave once, and it lasted for a week. No issues, but I am not the most stable person, in and environment that rocks if any one moves.
Yikes! I can't imagine shaving without a good soap. Guess I forgot about that. You'll have to pick up a soap, but Mitchells is at the pharmacy for 2 dollars I think. I wouldn't worry too much about the RV moving while you shave. Not to say I'd try it if the RV was in motion(as in driving), but it's really not so dangerous as it seems I think. You're feet are connected to the movement, and so long as it's not a rollover, a swerve, or a collision, you're body will compensate naturally. I lean against the sink actually sometimes...it seems to stabilize a bit more. In comparison to a disposable razor, a straight razor shave is about a milllion times more comfortable. I've only used a disposable 3 times in my whole life though. Maybe I was doing something wrong. I used a Mach3 for about 15 years, and I'd say SR shaves are better, but take longer. JMO..not everyone agrees I'm sure.
LOL I was not thinking while moving. I basically live in a large bus. I will pick some soaps up today, can use them even with the disposables. Get used to the texture, feel, and smell before touching a straight blade to my cheek.
Ok, I just read a few threads here and would like to clarify something. While I am on an extreme budget, that doesn't mean I am willing to put something against my face that will harm me. I helped a blacksmith for a few years as an apprentice, and I know the difference in types of steal. I am very thankful for some of the threads that go into detail about some brands. The specific detail I respect the most, is origin of the metal used for the blade.
So, now that I know some of these brands, and what to avoid, I have made my mind up on what razor I am getting. I just have to wait a month to save up enough from the "extra" fund to get it.
And Joe, forgot to mention, you can ask me anything you want about the RV life. Open book on the issues and achievements. :)
If $100 for a kit is too much, you're in the "low rent" district.
Larry, at WhippedDog.com, specializes in low-cost (but good-quality and properly honed) vintage blades. He also has a "Poor Man's Strop Kit" that will get you started nicely.
The "classifieds" on this site occasionally have low-priced vintage razors -- take a look.
Brushes can be inexpensive at local pharmacies. You might want to use a soap better than Williams (which is really cheap, but many people hate it). "Proraso" is widely available, and in a "mid-price" range. The Body Shop also has a shaving cream ("maca root") which is very good, similarly priced.
Don't walk into an "Art of Shaving" store.<g>
charles
Welcome, Zolon. My parents became full-timers a little over a year ago as well... Funny how the full-timers don't seem to move around as much. my folks have been parked in Harlingen, TX for a couple months it seems...
It looks like you're getting good advice here on places to look, so I'll merely say to join in the gang. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Bill
3rd shave in the RV since starting this new ride.
Shave today:
Razor: Dovo 2Bismarck
Soap: Queen Charlotte Vostok Shaving Soap
Brush: VHD Boar Brush
Order:
Nuked for 2 minutes bottle spring water and then set brush in cup.
Wet face down with campground water through RV water heater
Scrubbed with ivory soap
Wet face down to rinse ivory soap off
Drained brush with three quick shakes and started base lather in soap container to load brush
Finished lather on my face. I seem to be able to do this easier then in a bowl, unsure why, working on that.
Did right cheek first, WTG as I am right handed.
Lathered right cheek again, and went ATG
Lathered right cheek again, and went XTG
Got sign off that it is good from the lady.
Left cheek, same process, but not as easy. I am unable to find that magic spot to stand to see myself in the mirror because of how the mirrors are positioned in the RV.
Got sign off that the left is good from the lady.
No nicks, no weepers.
Finished with cheap disposable.
My neck and under chin are worse then my cheeks.
Forcing myself to take my time and learn the blade before I move onto the rest.
I run a goatee, so the upper chin and lip area will be a LONG time down the road.
Thank you all for you advice, and encouragement.
+1 on the Whippedog. The "Sight Unseen" deals are awesome.
A Bismark? That is the perfect one razor solution.. Solid, great shaver. Good choice.
Can you imagine the amount of antique stores/malls you could visit across the country when you live in an RV!?!? You would have to get a trailer just to house all of the razors.
Yup, and I have already started my store runs. Just picked up two with out any real knowledge of what to look for. I will be honest, and the scales are what sold me.
Pics please, we'll tell you if you scored.Quote:
Originally Posted by Zolon
Will get pictures as soon as I get an area cleared off enough to do it. :) Probably tonight or tomorrow. I will also be taking them to the VA get together tomorrow if I am over this cold.
My score:
All Three:
Attachment 91721
Just the Dovo 2Bismarck (Purchased New):
Attachment 91722
Fried. Wilh. Engel's (Antique Store Find):
Attachment 91723
Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlette & Co (Antique Store Find):
Attachment 91724
wow that's a pretty darn good set to start with! Three very reputable brands.
