Seeking Guidance

Hi All,

I've shaved with an electric razor for the entirety of my shaving career. My father has an issue with razor bumps and in-growns and as a result he wet-shaves with a bump fighter cartridge razor and special gel. I've only known him to shave that way since as far back as i can remember... therefore, i knew going in that i would have an issue with my skin as time progressed. Being that i was young and dumb i ignored any council to wet shave and i went straight for the electric. I've paid the price for more than a decade via uncomfortable shaves, razor burn, razor bumps, and for the past few years an increasing amount of in-growns. I've finally convinced myself that this shaving hell i'm stuck in does not outweigh the "convenience" of an electric razor, not to mention i bet my wife would prefer less razor bump and more nice skin. So, i need to start wet-shaving and i figure if im gonna learn that i might as well learn the right way. I live in Orange County and i was wondering if there are any places to walk in and purchase shaving supplies such as shaving cream, badger brushes, bowl/mug, strops... everything but the razor (I plan to purchase a shave ready razor from the classifieds). Any suggestions? Anyone? I'll take all the shaving wisdom you can throw at me! THANKS!!

Hi, BranDan, and welcome to SRP! I'm in MI, so I can't help you w/local stores in your part of CA, but I can help you out w/"what" to get.
VDH (Van Der Hagen) sells a soap/brush/bowl combo pack at many retail stores (Wal-Mart, varoius pharmacies, Target, etc.) for approx. $10 - $15 U.S. In MI it is $15, but I recently learned that in Utah it is $8.
For a strop, check out whippeddog.com. Email Larry there and he will set you up w/exactly what you need. Their "poorboy" strop can go for as little as $15 U.S.
Don't even THINK about getting a hone yet -- learn to strop properly first.
Hope this helps you out, and I'll see you in the trenches, buddy!

Welcome to SRP. Personally, I think you should check out Straight Razor Designs. Take a look around the webpage and if you have any questions, give Lynn a call. Lynn is a great guy as you will find out if you spend anytime on the forum and he is willing to help you succeed in your wetshaving hobby, as we all are on this forum. Best of luck and keep us posted.

Ill echo exactly what maple said. Go for the vdh set to start, nothing else is better for the price. As for strops, take a loot at star shaving supplies. They have great strops(I have one) and they are cheap. Don't get a hone yet, too early along in the process.

All the best
Parker

"mapleleaf" is pointing you in the right direction to get your toes wet for a small amount of change. If straight shaving is not for you, then you have not lost all that much in sunk cost. But, if you stick with it...your wallet and your wife may forever curse the day you found SRP. :)

If you are going to give straight razor shaving an honest go, then you should give an honest wet shaving vendor a go. If not to support the community, than to ensure you get quality products. From where I sit, wet shaving and straight razors are an on-line kind of hobby. Not that you can't pick up a brush here, and a few creams there... but you'll never get the support like you will from dedicated wet shaving vendor.

It's kind of too bad but it's not the mainstream way of shaving anymore. I bet 90% of the gents here buy everything on-line. I know I do, and have no qualms over that any longer.

If you aren't sure about the creams scents etc, read up on samples and even start with "TSA Travel Sized product" so you don't have to commit completely.

All the best of luck.

BranDan --

I just thought of another place where you might be able to physically hold a razor before a purchase -- check out your local antique shoppes. Many members here have had great success at such places.

Forgive me for blasphemy, but . . .

. . . . Have you considered using a DE razor?

It might be better than a cartridge, and will almost surely beat an electric razor. Blades are cheap, and they don't need honing. Some are available at drugstores. You can get an old Gillette razor for $5 - $20, or a new Merkur or Edwin Jagger (both premium brands) for under $50.

Charles

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cpcohen1945

Forgive me for blasphemy, but . . .

. . . . Have you considered using a DE razor? Charles

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HERESY!!!Just kidding!