Thread: Hello from fulltime RVer

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