Hello all, from Suffolk, England! A little guidance, please?

Hi all,
Fairly new around here, but have visited once or twice so I decided to make an account to pose a question:
I'm 16 (Feel free to pass comment below :p) and after shaving for a couple of years have (like everyone else) tried many razors. I finally settled down on Gillette Blue II disposables, and they work well for me, better than some 3+ blade razors.
Anyway, enough background.
I've decided I want something closer, but am unsure of what route to go down. I'm thinking either a shavette or straight razor. The main reason I don't go for a standard safety razor, is that I find the bracket either side of the blade a nuisance when 'shaping' my facial hair. (Currently kind of a 'chin-strap'/tash thing going on.....)
I was wondering, would it be better to start with a shavette to get used to the technique without worrying about stropping for the time being, or to jump straight in with a straight razor?
Cheers in advance guys!
Ashley, :)

Go hard or go home! Straight razor.

There's lots of boys across the pond who would be happy to help. Take a look in the Community drop down menu.

As for razors.....get on the correct path by avoiding ebay for now, and either buying new from a reputable vendor or check out the classifieds for a vintage one that will most likely be shave ready.

Cheers!

Haha, cheers for that one, :p
While here, is there anything in particular to look out for as a starting point/ any brand to avoid?

Thanks. :)

If you check in the Wiki you'll find an entire list of razors that are on our "Avoid" list. I'm not the best at finding links quickly, so hopefully some other members will read this and link it for you.

General rule of thumb....if it's truly inexpensive, it's probably not that great....ie: don't think you're getting a good deal finding a razor for $7.95.

im among the few that learned to hone and shave at the same time starting with antique razors in disrepair. it was a learning curve that many dont recommend, but it can be done. if you dont get discouraged you will figure it out. having a pro honed razor to compare against when learning to hone (and learning to shave) can be valuable to many. i have yet to experience a pro honed razor. i suppose a shavette can fill that role, those blades are plenty sharp, but probably not as smooth as a well honed straight.

do you plan on honing? restoring? do you know anyone local who uses a straight or hones?

The list of brands to avoid is here, and I'd add Ayat Precision Instruments, which is the top result on UK Amazon (among a bunch of shavettes). That's how I started, but I don't recommend them as the edge is rough and the steel quality is suspect.

Cheers you guys, quite a bit to bear in mind, (:

ezpz, I imagine I will eventually, although to start with I'll probably try to pick up a ready-to-shave so I can try and get the knack of it all first....
And no, I don't know of anyone who uses a straight razor, I was hoping I could find people local somewhere about on here...

So yeah,
I'll let you know how it goes! :p

You might try a Shick or PAL injector razor, if you can find blades locally (or mail-order them).

The injector's head is way smaller than a DE safety razor, much easier to get into tight spots and do precision work. But it's not as good as a straight razor (or Shavette) for that.

Charles