Thread: Hello from Georgia

So I've finally joined after viewing several threads on SE and DE shaving. I've mastered the DE, and I've begun to use the straight edge. I've decided to stick with the straight edge for good, and after seeing how enormously helpful SRP members are, I've decided to join.

I'm sure some of y'all will be seeing some posts from me about future straight razor purchases, as I'm ready to upgrade from my replaceable blade one (I'm just using a Parker SS replaceable blade razor right now).

Welcome to the forum!

It's true, this forum is extremely helpful. Before I joined up I would creep on these forums and the wiki for tips on how to improve my straight razor shave. I think you'll find a noticable difference from a disposable straight razor to a full fledged traditional straight razor. Whenever I go to the barbershop they use a disposable straight razor on my neck, and I can feel a bit of tugging. But whenever I shave the back of my own neck with my Thiers-Issard razor I notice a huge difference.

So what kind of razor are you gonna get? What soaps and creams do you use? What kind of leather are you gonna get for your strop?

Again, welcome to the forum! We're glad to have you.

I'm thinking about getting a Le Grelot 6/8, 1/4 hollow from Classic Shaving, and the strop I've already ordered is mahogany leather and white linen and is on the cheaper side because I fully expect to knick it while I'm learning proper stropping technique. I already use Taylor of Old Bond St's "Jermyn St" scent (which is great for my sensitive skin and smells fantastic), and occasionally use Trumper's Sandalwood and Violet creams. I've never used soap as of yet.

My beard is on the thicker side, and grows very very fast (1 o'clock shadow for me haha). I've heard that TI's larger blades slice through thicker beards like butter. What kind of blade do you have?

Welcome to SRP!

You could do worse than take a look around some of the more reputable vendors to make your razor and strop choices. There are two routes, I suppose you'd say - go new, or go vintage. I'd recommend going new for a strop (or if the budget is a consideration, make your own out of a bit of leather). However, for a razor (or two, or three,... lol!) new or vintage are equally good as long as you do your research and know what to look for.

Best of luck to you, and I am sure that the many helpful people here will be more than happy to give advice whenever you need it.

James.

Originally Posted by BlueScreenofDeath

What kind of blade do you have?

I have a Thiers-Issard 5/8 full hollow straight razor. I wouldn't say that TI has larger blades, as many blade manufacturers including TI make larger sizes like 7/8s. But 5/8s are great even for the thickest of beards and when you're just starting out like me (I've been at it for over three months). You might find the 7/8s to be a bit too large to manuever in my opinion, but you know yourself better than I do lol.

Oh and before I forget, when you get a strop I recommend the 3" wide strop since you don't have to do the "X" pattern. That's what I use and I've been more than satisfied with it.

Welcome!

I as well am new to SRP and just recently started shaving with a straight razor. If you have a thicker beard you are on the right track with a 1/4 hollow or even a half hallow (you could also check some vintage wedge models either in the Classifieds or on Ebay and have then honed...also in the Classifieds...for a reasonable price)

I agree that you should check around some other sites and see what is out there before investing close to 300 into a Le Grelot. If you truly want it and are certain you will stay with it go right ahead, but I would check either Ebay for some really good vintage or even just used razors or look at some Dovo or Bokers. I just got a Boker Tree Brand for a great deal and it shaves terrific. I am also going to have my Taylors completely redone in a couple of months.

As far as learning the X-pattern, go really slow and be careful because it does take a little to be able do the pattern up to speed without destroying your strop.

Let us know what you get and enjoy your first shave.

- Cheers

Quick note on buying off of ebay. Definitely look around this site and research the razor you are going to get before making an offer. Look for pitting, corrosion, CHIPS OR CRACKS, and overall wear and tear of the blade. I have spent way too much time on here before joining and even more time since joining trying to learn as much as I can.

Where you at in ATL. There are a few of us around there. I am sure there is some one fairly close that would be able to help you out with some basic instruction. Also we are trying to have a small get together in October.

James
P.S. Welcome to SRP.

I'm in the Midtown/Atlantic Station area. Keep me posted about that meetup.

Matt

Welcome! ......