Heya gents and ladies of course :)

Hi my name is Stuart Richards I'm a 20 year old male who lives in Australia (and that's all your getting about my whereabouts :P). I'm in my final year of my apprenticeship in automotive spray painting. I have been fortunate enough to find myself in an amazing shop working on high end cars I've only ever had dreams of seeing in my life. the Rolls Royce and Bentley vehicles that come through our shop intrigued me with their old fashioned designs and presence. I'm fascinated by all things "old school" which finally brings me to the topic of straight razors.

I have never used a straight razor before but I have always wanted to, i use to sit a watch my grandfather shave and i could never wrap my head around how he never cut himself. I guess I've come here for advice, what i need to get started (Besides the obvious a razor and shaving cream) and also any advice anyone is willing to pass on so i don't end up butchering my face :).

thanks ladies and gents for any feed back,
Sincerely Stewie

G'Day Stewie and welcome to SRP.
If you are around Bris I'd be happy to help in any way I can with your journey into this wonderful world of wet shaving.
Have a look at at the WIKI and the relevant forums, use the search bar (top right of page) for any topics that interest you and have a look at Mantic69's videos on YouTube for his take on shaving, lathering etc.
I almost forgot to tell you to ask questions if youare unsure of anything.
Make sure that you let us all know how you are going' cause we are interested in helping where we can.
Most of all - hang on and enjoy the ride

Hey Thanks for replying so quickly,
I'm actually in Victoria sadly but thank you very much for your offer. I will have a look at the WIKI and Mantic69's Videos thank also for suggesting it i hadn't thought about a straight razor wiki or that there would be a trustworthy source on youtube. I shall keep posting on my progression into this new world of excitement.

I do have one question for you thought, could you suggest a decent razor that I could start with ($100-$200 price range).

sorry did say one question but here's another. couldn't help noticing your display picture, I couldn't pick the model because of the size of the picture but what model is your bike?

Welcome aboard mate.
Reading the WIKI is good advice. There is a heap of great info there.
So much that it may seem a little overwhelming, just take your time, dont rush into buying anything, and ask questions.
Thats what the forums are for.
Most of all enjoy
Grant

Hi Stewie, and welcome! I'm also finishing an apprenticeship; it's been a great way to learn.

Your best bet for buying a shave-ready blade is on our Classifieds--I know there are at least a couple of frequent sellers there from Australia. You'll also need a strop. Don't start with an expensive one, that way it will hurt less the first time you nick it.

If you click on the Community drop-down near the top of the page, you can then select the Find Local Help link and see if there's anyone listed nearby. Also, at the bottom of the forum links is the list of international forums, including one for Down under.

Not too many of us even got to watch a lifetime straight shaver before we got started, so you've got a leg up. Good luck and best wishes to you.

Hi, Stewie, and welcome! Head on over to the Wiki section and look for the subsection "Razors to avoid". Many people find that parcel of info too late, i.e. buy a razor then learn that the manufacturer has a very poor reputation. Anyway, glad to have you here, and I'll see you in the trenches!

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Originally Posted by Stewie

Hey Thanks for replying so quickly,
I'm actually in Victoria sadly but thank you very much for your offer. I will have a look at the WIKI and Mantic69's Videos thank also for suggesting it i hadn't thought about a straight razor wiki or that there would be a trustworthy source on youtube. I shall keep posting on my progression into this new world of excitement.

I do have one question for you thought, could you suggest a decent razor that I could start with ($100-$200 price range).

sorry did say one question but here's another. couldn't help noticing your display picture, I couldn't pick the model because of the size of the picture but what model is your bike?

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Hi Stewie,
I bought my first 'real' shave ready razor from johnmrson who is in Melbourne and has some in the classifieds now.
It was my 'reference' razor for, probably, 9 ot 10 months and the one I compared my blades to with respect to honing.
John is a pleasure to deal with and will give you good advice on a first blade - just PM him and he'll see you right.
The bike is a 1990 BMW K1.
It is actually the very one that was given away as a prize at the first Australian Motorcycle GP in 1989.
It was won by a guy at Phillip Island and I bought it from him.
I wasn't allowed to enter the draw as I flag marshalled at the event.
I've ridden it to both the MotoGP and Superbikes at the Island about 5 times since I've had it.
I've also got an RS1100 that I ride most of the time now 'cause the knees are gone and it is more comfortable.
Hopefully, I'll be able to go the Superbikes next year and, if I do, I'll let you know and we could catch up while I'm down there.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Geoff

Hi and welcome Stewie, I hope you enjoy your stay! If you need any help let me know!

I bought a DOVO best quality 5/8 and strop package from StraightRazorDesigns the other day but i will PM johnmrson for some advice and local help thx for pointing me in the right direction.

wow that's quite a history very nice I'm jealous and would be great to catch up with you if you do come down, I'm normally down the island anyway either fishing or when the bikes are on. hope to see you there one day