Thread: Another Yorkshireman considering living dangerously

Morning all (at least where I am),

Much to the wifes' dismay I'm considering going the route of the straight razor. Of course the missus thinks I'm going to cut chunks out of myself at best & slit my throat at worst. After I initially mentioned my desire to go old school she virtually forbid me (which was funny as it's something she just doesn't do), but shortly came to the conclusion that it's my face but that doesn't mean she has to like it. Apparently I have a reputation for being clumsy & am not know for my patience (she says I have 2 speeds, stop & hurtle).

I'm 38 going on 13, & have been using a Gillette Mach 3 & supermarket own shaving gel/foam for longer than I can remember. I make a cartridge blade last so long that it's funny, which definitely fits in to the Yorkshireman image of having deep pockets & short arms. I'm finally fed up of having to go over my chin a dozen times just to find out 10 minutes later when I rub my face that I've still got stubble on random bits of my chin that I thought I'd got. Not to mention some red razor burn from having to shave against the grain multiple times just to get something near smooth (this with a new or old blade, doesn't seem to make a difference).

I'm reasonably sure my place of purchase is going to be The Invisible Edge. Personally I'd rather walk into a shop & actually look at a product before buying it, but trying to find an "actual" old school razor shop in the North of England is a futile endeavour.

The two razors I'm considering are the Invisible Edge classic full hollow

Invisible Edge Products

& the basic dovo "best quality" half hollow

Dovo Razors

I just haven't decided yet, so any opinions are welcome.

The only other option I considered is

The English Shaving Company - Edwin Jagger shaving accessories, shaving creams and aftershaves

but that was mainly because of the price, & I'm not sure I like the look of the scales anyway.

I would appreciate your experience & input.

First of all welcome to the SRP, as for your first razor I personally can vouch for Steve at the invisible edge he's a really top bloke and you won't go wrong, may your straight razor journey be a pleasant one.

Jamie.

Originally Posted by celticcrusader

I personally can vouch for Steve at the invisible edge he's a really top bloke and you won't go wrong,

Welcome to SRP. A big +1 on Steve @ the invisible edge. I've gotten a couple of razors (Theirs IssardI) from him and he knows how to hone them. Check out the SRP beginner's guide here and you'll be starting on the right path.

Well, I was going to order the traditional shaving starter kit from theinvisibleedge this morning, but when I emailed the missus to let her know I'd be ordering it (we're both at work) she said that'd spoil my Christmas present she was thinking of getting me. She's found a barbers in the City Centre where she works that sells straight razor kits. Unfortunately I have no idea of the razor brand, shave readiness etc. It could be good kit, or it could be a Stanley wood saw.

Edit: she stated that she's done some research & knows what she's doing, but I've spoiled the suprise now. Whoops, now I feel like a right plonker.

Well, after feeling guilty for spoiling my not purchased Christmas suprise - I've just ordered the full traditional starter kit from the Invisible Edge & my lovely wife says she'll find something else to suprise me with.

I look forward to cartridge razor blade useage being a rarity rather than the norm.

Another plus is the fact that the missus has found a barber that sells straight razors in our area which could mean I've got a place I can take it for honing when required.

Originally Posted by Kaden101

Morning all (at least where I am),

Much to the wifes' dismay I'm considering going the route of the straight razor. Of course the missus thinks I'm going to cut chunks out of myself at best & slit my throat at worst. After I initially mentioned my desire to go old school she virtually forbid me (which was funny as it's something she just doesn't do), but shortly came to the conclusion that it's my face but that doesn't mean she has to like it. Apparently I have a reputation for being clumsy & am not know for my patience (she says I have 2 speeds, stop & hurtle).

Don't worry, the razor will teach you patience. LOL

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

Don't worry, the razor will teach you patience. LOL

I'll definitely find out which I've got the most of, patience or blood.

Welcome to the forum! +1 on the gaining of patience; I too have a "hurtle' speed, lol.

I hope the two are not evenly matched. LOL