Hmmm...is this for me?

Time will tell. Interested in saving money and the environment by not buying new heads and tossing them out. I'm in central florida, so I can't go around with anything but the most minimal beard and usually shave my head too, but using razors on my head gets expensive because I wear them out so fast that way. Lately been settling for using my beard trimmer on my head to save money.

The initial investment is a significant hurdle for me. I have a mediocre income and 6 kids (we're a yours/mine/ours family) mom doesn't work cause child-care would make it pointless. Right now I'm just doing my homework.

Welcome to SRP.

I'm not so sure you'll save a lot of money, but here's a very basic breakdown.

Get a decent, but not fancy razor from the classifieds section here. Make sure its shave ready. Anywhere from $40-$90

Make yourself a strop. $20

If you don't already have one, you'll need a brush. Again, don't go nuts. $25

You can get going with two razors (you will want a back up while one is being honed occasionally) a brush, a strop and some soap for between $100-$150 if you're careful.

You'll probably want your razors honed professionally once or twice a year $50

The initial outlay will probably take 12-18 months to pay itself off and after that you'll probably end up saving a bit of money. Not really enough, in my opinion, to make it the only reason to use a straight razor. The environmental aspect is there, but again, its pretty small.

The real reason for me (and I suspect a lot of others here) is the great shave you're going to get. I've been through virtually every style and brand of cartridge type, disposable and electric shaver you can imagine in the past 35 years and I can honestly say that a straight razor shave is the most comfortable I've ever had. It does have a learning curve, but most everyone can learn it.

After all that, there's the "nostalgia" factor and the pleasure (for me) of going low tech in a world that just moves too quickly sometimes.

I'm sure others will chime in here shortly with their take on things. Give it some thought and ask questions. We're all here to help.

The real question is whether you will be able to resist the temptation to buy pieces of rock and minerals for 100 dollars or more.

I would recommend the sight unseen deal at whippeddog.com. You will most things you will need to get going. All you need after that is a brush and some soap.

The van der Hagen set at Walmart is hard to beat for a quality boar brush and soap for a beginner at $8, bowl included. I'm still using that brush.

I originally got into this to save money, too. Currently, it will take me 3 years to break even, though seriously, you don't need to spend that much. Sight unseen at whipped dog, poor man's strop from the same place, and the above-mentioned soap set will definitely get you going. On the cheap.

I would most definitely NOT pay someone else to sharpen anything for me. I have a rough stone I think I got from a dollor store at some point years ago...I plan on making a strop before I spend any money on steel, and maybe a finer stone if I can find something affordable. I've been watching videos for the last 2 days on sharpening and stropping technique. If I can do it or make it myself, I try to do that first. Having such a big family and limited income I've really become a DIY kinda guy.

Another draw of this method of shaving for me is that I really like to learn and master new things. I think I could use the skill I'd need to learn to maintain a razor with all the other bladed instruments in my home. In fact I've been wondering if I can't just get a knife made of decent metal and turn it into a razor. lol

A friend of mine found out that I was interesting in learning all this and he said he has one he got on ebay at some point he's going to give me...I don't know the details as yet.

So apparently he's already been by my house and handed them off to my lady. I'll be able to look at them in more detail when I get home.

Dang Ken, you rock. - Dads iPhone

Based on what you are saying, you might want to look into double edge safety razors as well...

Blades run .15-.20 per, last about as long as a cartidge and (while I haven't looked into it) since its nothing but steel, might be recyclable. Again, JMO...but might be the cheapest and best results based on your comments

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nonstickron

I would most definitely NOT pay someone else to sharpen anything for me. I have a rough stone I think I got from a dollor store at some point years ago...I plan on making a strop before I spend any money on steel, and maybe a finer stone if I can find something affordable. I've been watching videos for the last 2 days on sharpening and stropping technique. If I can do it or make it myself, I try to do that first. Having such a big family and limited income I've really become a DIY kinda guy.

Another draw of this method of shaving for me is that I really like to learn and master new things. I think I could use the skill I'd need to learn to maintain a razor with all the other bladed instruments in my home. In fact I've been wondering if I can't just get a knife made of decent metal and turn it into a razor. lol

A friend of mine found out that I was interesting in learning all this and he said he has one he got on ebay at some point he's going to give me...I don't know the details as yet.

---

I don't do my own honing...yet. Maybe someday.

I did have a look at it and, as I recall, you're looking at a minimum of 4 stones. 1000, 4000, 8000 and a finishing stone. At about $75 a piece average for synthetics. Unless you have more than a few razors, the payback is going to run into years.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for DIY, but in this case I don't think its going to end up saving you a lot, if any money. Its more about the joy of the hobby.

Welcome to SRP. Once you have a shave ready razor and learn proper stropping techinque, the edge could potentially last months for you. My first shave ready razor served me well for about a year before it needed to be honed again. Honing a razor and sharpening a knife are two different games, so you may want to hold off on that aspect of wet shaving until you're comfortable with shaving with a straight. I have a 2 inch wide Dovo strop I don't use anymore. It has a couple of minor nicks in it that do not affect stropping a razor. Send me a PM if you're interested.

You don't need a minimum of 4 stones , if you buy a shave ready razor . All you will need is a decent barber hone (cost : around $30) , to touch up the edge whenever it needs it . Don't wait until the razor is unbearable to shave with , before you take it to the hone . Touch it up at the first sign it's not as sharp as it could be , 5-10 laps , with a light touch , and a good stroke , and you're good to go , again . If you keep a razor sharp , it will never get dull .

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nonstickron

I would most definitely NOT pay someone else to sharpen anything for me. I have a rough stone I think I got from a dollor store at some point years ago...

---

That rock is useless when it comes to sharpening straights. Get yourself a decent barber hone. Swatys were the most popular, for sale on ebay almost all the time, most sell about 15 USD. If money is a problem and yo want a DIY thing you might want to consider a Rolls razor. At 50 USD you will be able to buy a good one. Make sure it is complete and ask explicitely whether the hone is not broken.

I'll look into better stones. My friend dropped off two straights, an unidentified white stone that seems pretty fine by my laymans eye, and an older model Cold Steel AK-47 that's got a few dings in the finish on the handle but is otherwise perfect. A good friend, he's always giving me new sharp stuff. Lol. I posted pics of the two razors and the stone on my blog. Dads iPhone - Stuff from my iphone! please take a look. Are either of them any good? They both seem pretty sharp, despite how old/worn they are. One has a pretty serious bite out of the blades leading edge, not sure how salvageable that is.

Here's the goodies my friend gave me. Salvagable?

Attachment 94679Attachment 94680Attachment 94681Attachment 94682Attachment 94683Attachment 94684Attachment 94685

the Wester Bros will need some serious work to get that end reshaped. The other looks like it has some potential

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by joebehar

I don't do my own honing...yet. Maybe someday.

I did have a look at it and, as I recall, you're looking at a minimum of 4 stones. 1000, 4000, 8000 and a finishing stone. At about $75 a piece average for synthetics. Unless you have more than a few razors, the payback is going to run into years.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for DIY, but in this case I don't think its going to end up saving you a lot, if any money. Its more about the joy of the hobby.

---

As with anything, I'm sure it has a lot to do with how you go about it, and the standards you set for it and yourself. :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dyimages

the Wester Bros will need some serious work to get that end reshaped. The other looks like it has some potential

---

I was thinking instead of trying to grind the end of the thing completey off, I could maybe just round off the point at the break so its not pokey. No idea what that stone is or what grit it is, it seems ceramic but I really have no idea.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nonstickron

I was thinking instead of trying to grind the end of the thing completey off, I could maybe just round off the point at the break so its not pokey. No idea what that stone is or what grit it is, it seems ceramic but I really have no idea.

---

It's really hard to say. Once you get above 1000 grit, they all seem kinda smooth to me. Most of the razor hones I've seen don't even seem like abrasives. These things really are another breed from knives, and until you can shave with one, you won't be able to tell that it's dull. Seriously, a dull razor is probably sharper than any knife you have. The best thing you can do is send that razor with the bolt for a pivot to someone in the classified section who can hone it for $15 to $20. Then just shave with it. Once you experience it, you'll have a better sense for what you're doing.

I'm all for working on my own car, but I didn't start without ever having ridden in one.

You make a good point.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nonstickron

I would most definitely NOT pay someone else to sharpen anything for me. I have a rough stone I think I got from a dollor store at some point years ago...I plan on making a strop before I spend any money on steel, and maybe a finer stone if I can find something affordable. I've been watching videos for the last 2 days on sharpening and stropping technique. If I can do it or make it myself, I try to do that first. Having such a big family and limited income I've really become a DIY kinda guy.

Another draw of this method of shaving for me is that I really like to learn and master new things. I think I could use the skill I'd need to learn to maintain a razor with all the other bladed instruments in my home. In fact I've been wondering if I can't just get a knife made of decent metal and turn it into a razor. lol

A friend of mine found out that I was interesting in learning all this and he said he has one he got on ebay at some point he's going to give me...I don't know the details as yet.

---

A rough stone won't get it. IT will wear your razor out and not get the edge you need to shave comfortably.

However, there are alternatives to buying "high" dollar synthetics. If you shop around antique stores and such, you can probably find an old barber's hone. Most of them are all you need to maintain razor. They can be trued up and made flat again easy enough. The learning curve isn't steep if you do some research ahead of time.

There is a LOT of good information here to gleaned from reading and watching the videos.

I've got two old barber's hones and have set bevels and finished edges with them. I paid five bucks for a little AHCONITE ( American Hone Company) stone that has two different sides. One for bevel setting and one for final finish/touch up. The other was given to me. The edges aren't as pretty as new synthetic will provide but with patience it can be done. I have razors that have been "pro-honed", honed on old my barber's hones, and honed by me on nice new synthetic stones. They all get the job done comfortably. ;)

Ask a lot of questions and enjoy.

EDIT, guess I should have checked page two before I posted. That stone looks about the size of my small hone and doesn't look "rough" to me.

Razors look like they have potential as has already been stated.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ryanjewell

Based on what you are saying, you might want to look into double edge safety razors as well...

Blades run .15-.20 per, last about as long as a cartidge and (while I haven't looked into it) since its nothing but steel, might be recyclable. Again, JMO...but might be the cheapest and best results based on your comments

---

My thoughts exactly!

Most antique shops have 50-year-old Gillette razors for $5 and up -- they still work.

Some pharmacies sell double-edge blades, and there are lots of mail-order sources. FWIW, I think "Astra" blades are a good choice. "Feather" blades are awfully sharp -- a great shave, but _any_ pressure on the razor and you'll get razor burn. I can get about 3 shaves from an Astra, 5 from a Feather -- $0.10 per shave isn't bad.

Charles

yeah, you can get 100 de blades for about 10$.. i saw a turkish seller on ebay that would ship to canada for $12.02 or less, and that was shipping included. i assume its the same for the states. derby extra, shark super, astra superior platinum, astra superior stainless. pm me if you want the link.

When you order from Turkey try and get some Arko shaving soap as well. It's made in Turkey. Really cheap and very cheerful tallow-based shaving soap.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kees

When you order from Turkey try and get some Arko shaving soap as well. It's made in Turkey. Really cheap and very cheerful tallow-based shaving soap.

---

I have a friend who makes soap, probably going to be a guinea pig for her shaving soap experiments. :D
Going to make my own aftershave. Homemade Aftershave

Those razors I got most definitely are not shave ready, tried them on my arm and not one hair came loose. The white stone I pictured does seem pretty fine, my friend said he picked it up the same place he got some shaving soap online...he said it was a 300. I asked if he meant 3000 and he said "Sure, that sounds right."

I'd be inclined to give a shavette a shot, maybe, as a starter to see how a shave should feel and to use while I learn to hone. The double edge safety razors I'm not as interested in, doesn't have the same...romance to it. I'm inclined to do an overhaul to the one I have with the orange handle, it's kinda gnarly right now, pull the handle off and make a straight japanese style handle for it out of something. Maybe copper wire, I've got some 4 guage around. I'm going to practice on some on some of my old pocket knives first, before I try anything with the german steel.

I think I have a shavette kicking around. If you pm me your address and I find it I will drop it in an envelope and send it off to you

you could send the razor out to get it touched up there are honers in the classifieds, there is also the option of Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment he has some good stuff for a reasonable price . I know a lot here have started out with him. You can then get a cheap barbers hone from the classifieds and you will set for life. There is some initial cost but if you calculate out the cost of each head your use and how many days you get out of it divide that by 365 you will see how fast it will become less than your current way of doing things. I was spending around $200-$300 dollars a year on shaver heads, I hit this mark in my first year of straight shaving, it takes time to get good at it but when you do you will regret not doing it sooner.

Found it

http://img.tapatalk.com/cef88090-f3d3-696f.jpg

Will drop in the mail this weekend

You are a gentleman and scholar, sir.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dyimages

Found it

http://img.tapatalk.com/cef88090-f3d3-696f.jpg

Will drop in the mail this weekend

---

Wow, thats definitely awesome. I really appreciate it. I hope to get you back with some home-made soap or aftershave, sometime in the future. :)

Here is your care package.

1 tub of Lloyds lavendar soap used 3-4 times
1 Shavette
1 new brush
1 new Franks Shaving strop
1 Zanol Vintage Barber Hone

http://img.tapatalk.com/cef88090-39e9-74a0.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dyimages

Here is your care package.

1 tub of Lloyds lavendar soap used 3-4 times
1 Shavette
1 new brush
1 new Franks Shaving strop
1 Zanol Vintage Barber Hone

---

Wow...that is so generous. I appreciate it so much, that's unreal. Is there a specific kind of razor insert I should look for? I'm really excited.

How long should I wait before trying to shave my head with it in addition to my face? lol

I have no idea on how to shave your head. I used electric clippers to shave my head once 15 years ago and something must have went wrong as it did not grow back

:rofl2:

I will find the blades that you need for the shavette and pm you the link. I am meeting the vendor who i got it from this week and he may have some blades in stock. I will either grab some for you or find out where to order from. As i did not use it i had no need to replace the blades

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dyimages

Here is your care package.

1 tub of Lloyds lavendar soap used 3-4 times
1 Shavette
1 new brush
1 new Franks Shaving strop
1 Zanol Vintage Barber Hone

---

Looks like Santa is in town.:tu

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kees

Looks like Santa is in town.:tu

---

My birthday WAS the first. lol

Seriously I'm pretty shocked, thanks so much. I told my lady and she's picking on me about bromance. Lol.

The kindness and generosity of the straight razor community strikes again.

Now you're beginning to see why SRP is the place to be. You won't find a better bunch of guys anywhere.

If you want to mail me the worked back razor I'll hone her and put a new set of scales on her for you. I grew up in Edgewater Florida.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mastershake

If you want to mail me the worked back razor I'll hone her and put a new set of scales on her for you. I grew up in Edgewater Florida.

---

Do you mean the orange one? I'm still learning the terminology. That would be great, probably would beat any frankenstein wire handle I would come up with, hehe.

I moved up toward ormond for about ten years and just recently moved back to Edgewater when we were looking to buy a house. Has changed a lot just in ten years, how long has it been since you were here?

All my family still lives there, I just visited in November.

Awesome, maybe when you come down sometime we can get together and I could try and learn a thing or two from ya? Hopefully I'll have developed some technique by then that will need some critiquing :D