Thread: Need Advice

I recently decided to try straight razor shaving myself. I've been enjoying getting a shave in the barber shop for about a year now, and want to try it at home. I've been looking at all the different razors available and find it overwhelming. Cost is an issue but I do want to get a good razor. I've seen some that are supposed to be honed before shipping and others that are not. I'm afraid I would ruin a blade if I tried to hone it. I would like someone to point me in the right direction. Any advice would be appreciated.

Your best best is to purchase a shave-ready razor from a reputable vendor of which there are many. Most vendors have a straight razor set or kit for beginners which include all the basics such as a brush, cream or soap, strop, and of course a straight razor. You'll be able to get yourself set up with all you'll need at a reasonable price.

I wouldn't worry about honing or getting a stone at this point. Your main focus will be getting fair to decent shave results and to learn the basics on how to maintain your razor, learning to strop, etc.

Just my 2 cents,

Reno

Welcome to SRP. The vendors I have personal experience with in purchasing razors and other goods, are Straight Razor Designs, Classic Shaving and Vintage Blades. All three support this board and all three have been great to deal with. They all offer honing. Classic and Vintage have it optional at an extra cost while SRD includes it and also gives a free second honing.

For a razor I would recommend an entry level Dovo in either a 5/8 or 6/8 blade width. If you don't have a strop , you will need one, and they all have razor/strop combo deals. These aren't the only game in town, but they are the only vendors I have personal experience with.

Could not have written any better!!! Great advice.

For a 1st time user it would recommend the Feather Artist straight razor- non folding, with the proguard blade. Easy to learn your technique on. Relatively safe for a 1st time used. Nothing else to buy. And if you don't like it... Easy to Sell.

I for one found that shaving with a straight was much better when I learned to hone - but then I have been called an odd ball for that : ). In retrospect, focusing on how to shave well would have been a better preoccupation lol.

As for pointing you in the right direction with respect for honing - YouTube! Glen and Lynn have a ton of honing video's that are a priceless resourse when learning to hone.

That said - YouTube has a ton of video's on how to shave as well! Got to love today's ability to see what people who know what they are doing at the click of your mouse : ).

I did exactly what was stated above in that I got a Dovo "Best" that was honed. I wish I had the option to have it honed a second time - that's a priceless option in that it's hard to know what a well honed razor should be when starting off.

If you can - get a second blade so you can have a sharp one at all times.

Don't buy an expensive strop right off the bat : ), and make sure that you pay attention to shaving prep - it's huge!

So many things to learn - makes it a great pass time.

Welcome to SRP,

Watch the following Forum for Razor Meets in your area and check for prior Razor Meets in your areaand to find SRP guys in your area . ......

Get Togethers and Meetings

BTW, click on "Settings" above then "Edit Profile" and enter in your "Location" then you can be notified of future Razor Meets in your area.

Be sure to Strop for 30-50 round trip laps just before each and every shave. Your face will say thank you!

The SRP Classified Ads are a good source for a quality, vintage, shave ready razor.
Hope this helps,

Depending on how much money you want to spend, you might try:

Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment

Larry's stuff is aimed at the low-budget straight razor shaver. The vintage blades are often cosmetically imperfect, but they're sharp.

Charles