In search of a proper shave

Hello all another Australian member here looking to take up straight razor shaving. Ive been contemplating starting straight razor shaving for a while now as im tired of the disposable society that we have become, i also want a good clean shave :-D. I have always loved things that last and i never did enjoy the idea of using something once then disposing it. To begin, where is the best place to go to purchase a good set with a budget of approx $300-400? I learn better by doing so i will purchase the necessary equipment before i start reading up on straight razor shaving. I'm currently in exam mode at uni so i wont have time to read anything for a month so hopefully by that time the items i order will be here ready for me to get straight to it, get it, 'straight' to it haha.... I just wanted to introduce myself so now to post about which razor to buy in the straight razor section. Again hello and hope to be a contributing member in the future.

Welcome to SRP and wishing you luck with this wonderful adventure..

You need look no further..

Your budget will be more than adequate to get you started. Visit the Classified section here and you'll find more than a few razors that are shave ready (shave ready from a seller here is far more likely to actually be SHAVE READY!). Then go to the Strops section where you'll find a few good choices. With what is left of your budget, pay a visit to the Miscellaneous section and you may find a brush that tickles you. And with the balance, pick up a puck of soap from your local pharmacy or any one of the many many online stores.

Then, while you're waiting for your kit to arrive, go to the Beginners forum and read.. There is plenty to get you going. YouTube can help as well.

Easy peasy!!

One word of caution.. it's a slippery slope! You may find a razor and brush you like, but sure as pickles are cucumbers you'll probably find another one or six that make you warm and fuzzy...

Take your time, have fun, keep expectations in check and practice! (a butter knife makes for an easy practice tool to build some muscle memory and learn to stretch).

Cheers!!

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Originally Posted by GentleStyle

Hello all another Australian member here looking to take up straight razor shaving. Ive been contemplating starting straight razor shaving for a while now as im tired of the disposable society that we have become, i also want a good clean shave :-D. I have always loved things that last and i never did enjoy the idea of using something once then disposing it. To begin, where is the best place to go to purchase a good set with a budget of approx $300-400? I learn better by doing so i will purchase the necessary equipment before i start reading up on straight razor shaving. I'm currently in exam mode at uni so i wont have time to read anything for a month so hopefully by that time the items i order will be here ready for me to get straight to it, get it, 'straight' to it haha.... I just wanted to introduce myself so now to post about which razor to buy in the straight razor section. Again hello and hope to be a contributing member in the future.

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My search for a proper shave took about 40 years, so maybe we can fast track you if you haven't been at it as long as I have.

I would get:
Dovo Best Quality 5/8 or 6/8 shave ready
3" strop
4k, 8k, and 12k hones to maintain that edge
A DMT 325 lapping plate
Brush
Soap
World of Straight Razor Shaving DVD (a panorama of everything involved).

I was a bit sketchy on some of the details, because there are a lot of opinions and preferences about what is best. Part of the fun is learning for yourself. If you want recommendations, let us know.

Stick around here, report how you're doing, and ask questions if you have any. It takes a while to learn how to straight shave and maintain your razor but it's something I wouldn't trade for anything.

Thank you for the warm welcome

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Originally Posted by MikekiM

One word of caution.. it's a slippery slope! You may find a razor and brush you like, but sure as pickles are cucumbers you'll probably find another one or six that make you warm and fuzzy...
Cheers!!

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Haha I have been looking at different razors for a while and i keep thinking yep ill buy this, this oh and this too haha. For now i think the best one to start off with would be something like a Dovo 5/8 Buffalo Horn Handled Straight Razor, Would you consider this a good razor to begin with? Would you suggest getting something cheaper to begin with then buying something more expensive/better looking once i have learned how to shave properly? Hopefully one day ill work my way up to one of those amazing Dylan Farnham or Inoue Tosuke razors.

Welcome, and Ditto what Cajun said, with the exception that you could hold off on the hones for now, and just have your new razor honed straight away, by the likes of Jimbo (James) or Onimaru55 (Oz). Some places sell shave ready, but not too damn many here in Australia. Try Himage.com or Mensbiz.com for online shopping for shaving gear if you want to spend your money locally. Keep in mind you will need to have the razor honed if it comes from either of those sites though.


Mick


P.S Why not look at the Stainless Steel Dovo's. Handles are expendable...Well, not really, but they can be replaced if they break. It's the steel that matters and for ease of maintenance you should consider SS. For ease of honing, Carbon is the way to go. SS will hold an edge longer and will resist rust better, but with a small bottle of inox in the bathroom cabinet ready to go and a good drying regimen, there is no reason why carbon won't last you a few generations as well!

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Originally Posted by GentleStyle

Would you consider this a good razor to begin with? Would you suggest getting something cheaper to begin with then buying something more expensive/better looking once i have learned how to shave properly?

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Just my humble opinion.. get something that is good quality, out of the gate. There are a few makes that you should stay clear of.. The razors ability to take and hold an edge can make or break your shaving experience especially when you, as a beginner, have so many variables to contend with. Plus, you have to like the razor.. it needs to feel and look good or you are vulnerable to not enjoying the shave.

I agree on holding off on the hones for now. For a few bucks you can send your razor out to a known hone meister. In fact, I strongly recommend you do this with ANY razor you buy.. again, so you eliminate the variable of edge condition.

It's important that you stack the odds in your favor.. and wherever possible eliminate the threats and variables that could steal attention and enjoyment.

Buying a cheap Gold Dollar or claimed 'shave ready' Dovo from AOS, for example, will yield a shave that is. well... cheap. It will hurt. It will frustrate you. and it will leave you with as much stubble as you had when you started. Game over begin it begins and you'll be reaching for your BIC before you finish the first pass.

Classic Edge Shaving

Vintage Straight Razor

I don't have experience with either.. just links I've had saved..

I'm thinking that set is the way to go with an upgrade of the strop to a 'Straight Razor Designs 3" Premium IV (Long) English Bridle Strop' for $45. I can also upgrade the brush but i think the one that's included will do fine to begin with. Will place my order tomorrow night just in-case i find something i like better, also since im 23 and a uni student i cant be an impulsive shopper due to poor cash flow haha.

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Originally Posted by GentleStyle

I'm thinking that set is the way to go with an upgrade of the strop to a 'Straight Razor Designs 3" Premium IV (Long) English Bridle Strop' for $45. I can also upgrade the brush but i think the one that's included will do fine to begin with. Will place my order tomorrow night just in-case i find something i like better, also since im 23 and a uni student i cant be an impulsive shopper due to poor cash flow haha.

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There is a good chance you will nick up your first strop so just a suggestion.
I would go with one of the less expensive leathers to start.
You can always upgrade later and at a good price as you can order the replacement leather in the Premium IV English Bridle ($35) and use the existing hardware.