Checking the Mailbox

Hey,

I'm 23 and live in New Zealand. Research and Development Engineer (Computer Systems) and also a PhD candidate. Pretty full plate.

I ordered my first razor yesterday (after a while of researching) - Shave Ready London Cutlery Co Straight Razor by ShaveSmith

Been intending to start straight razor shaving for a while. The 6 blade bohemith thing I scrape across my face I can only do once every day and a half otherwise I break out in a rash. Also it'll be nice to learn a new hand skill, as well as have something to do at home in the mornings and make sure I take time and have time to myself.

Now just looking for soap and a brush. I've sent a PM to MasterShake to get some Bald Frog Soap from him, as I'd like to support people who are passionate about what they do. Just waiting on a response from him - anyone know if there's some sort of online store he's got set up that I don't know exists?

Anyway, thanks for reading, I guess. I've been hanging out in the chat and intermittently participating there. It took me a while to realise there was a chat due to the sheer amount of information that's here. This looks like a great place, and I'm sure I'll be turning to you lot for help as my face inevitably bleeds more than usual over the next few months :)

Welcome to SRP!
You have found the internets source for odd people. lots of engineers, it, math and physics people... several phd candidates and god forbid professors... several from the bottom of the world as well they will be along directly to correct my english.
shave brushes do not need to be fancy or expensive you can generally find them and some shave soaps in drugstores.

the chat is often silent your best bet is too ask on the forums.

enjoy,
jim

Well welcome aboard! I think that you'll find straight razor shaving an enjoyable daily ritual. And, the more experienced you become, the better the shaves get! There is a TON of information on this forum and many people always willing to help out a new guy. I know they helped me tremendously so I'm paying it forward. Welcome again and best of luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by syslight

shave brushes do not need to be fancy or expensive you can generally find them and some shave soaps in drugstores.

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See there's lots of conflicting information I've been coming across for soaps and brushes. Some say use stiff brushes for soaps and soft ones for creams, others say to stay away from stiff brushes. Very little information out there as opposed to something like stropping (I guess because the latter is much more important).

I had a look around drugstores (no luck for brushes). We have a shaving shop close to university (the only one in town as far as I can find), but the lady who was manning the store was largely unhelpful and tried to sell me a $160 brush. I thought internet people would be better at helping me :)

Thanks for the welcome!

Conflicting information ? No way. That never happens around here. The thing is in a lot of the information you have to remember it is a matter of taste. You may tell me that a big woman is the best but that doesn't mean I am going to get me one just to see. You have to do some imagining and figure out what you might like from how it is described. e-Bay has been a good place for me to pick up cheap stuff and try it out. Badger , boar, horse, who knows what you'll like. I am afraid your going to have to do some trial and error on your own but start cheap until you know which direction suits your face the best. It's part of the fun.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sadmoody

See there's lots of conflicting information I've been coming across for soaps and brushes. Some say use stiff brushes for soaps and soft ones for creams, others say to stay away from stiff brushes. Very little information out there as opposed to something like stropping (I guess because the latter is much more important).

I had a look around drugstores (no luck for brushes). We have a shaving shop close to university (the only one in town as far as I can find), but the lady who was manning the store was largely unhelpful and tried to sell me a $160 brush. I thought internet people would be better at helping me :)

Thanks for the welcome!

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The general consensus, IMO, is that soaps, creams, & brushes is a lot about personal preference. I would look around and find a brush in your price range that you think you'll like and get it. If you want you can post your questions about it in the brush section of the forum before you buy. The way I think about it is that you will eventually have more than one brush. You might as well figure out what you like and not rely soley on others tastes and preferences.
Good luck!
D

G'day sadmoody. Welcome to the forum mate. I see you've already got some answers to your questions. Sit back, relax and learn mate. :)


Mick

hi there and welcome to SRP. This is the best shaving forum on the net. I mean that too lol. A massive group of nice, honest, helpfull and welcoming people. I'm sure you will fit right in and be more than happy with the info you find as well as the assistance you get from all us members. so jump right in and let me know if I can be of any help.
cheers,
shayne.

hi there and welcome to SRP. This is the best shaving forum on the net. I mean that too lol. A massive group of nice, honest, helpfull and welcoming people. I'm sure you will fit right in and be more than happy with the info you find as well as the assistance you get from all us members. so jump right in and let me know if I can be of any help.
cheers,
shayne.