Thread: Hi from Shanghai :-)

Hi all,

I'm Russell, living in Shanghai these days and looking to learn how to use a straight edge razor.

My desire to learn has come partly from the dislike of the waste of disposable razors, partly from the pleasure I get from making blades sharp, and partly from the fact that using a straight edge razor looks so cool (!). Oh, and possibly having an excuse to buy a super-fine natural Chinese whetstone.

My lurking around this website has suggested to me that a minimum start up kit would be something like this:

* a good razor from the invisible edge
* a strop from the invisible edge (not sure if the "hanging" or "travel" strop is more suitable)
* a 10k+ whetstone (I already have a 1k and 6k Sigma stones)
* "The world of straight edge razors" DVD

My idea is just to use regular soap with water to make a lather. I want to keep things a little Spartan if possible!

Any help/advice/warnings would be much appreciated!

Welcome!

Useful links:
Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki
First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Any help/advice/warnings would be much appreciated!

I would *strongly* recommend that you invest in a brush & some real shaving soap. Doesn't even have to be a fancy brush. But good soap can make all the difference in the world. Common recs are: Tabac, Mitchell's Wool Fat, Ogallala Bay Rum, Mike's Natural Soap.

Aftershave also helps


Have fun!

Snowden? We have been waiting for you to emerge..

If you haven't ordered the stuff yet this website is better for stuff Hanging Razor Strops

Cheers, Bombay.

I've already had a browse and may send an email to that website for advice on a starter kit.