Thread: OK, so what do I want to upgrade?

I'm pretty happy with my setup at this point:
I've decided what my preferred style and size of razor are, and have many in
that combination to choose from.
I have a good vintage strop that works well and a junk strop that I've pasted.
I have tried a number of creams and soaps and have a handle on what I like and
don't like of the one's I've tried.
I have a budget boar brush that I like and a decent best badger brush that I
also like, and between the two, I can lather however I want. I also have a
horse brush on the way.
My hones are not the standard setup, but they work well for me and others have
corroborated that my edges are good. I use a no name 400/600-ish stone to do
repair work, a King 1000/6000 for bevel setting/sharpening, polish on an Amalgamite
barber hone, and finish on a PHIG.
I have repinned razors as needed and have no problem cleaning up old ones (not
like the pros, but well enough to fix up old rusty razors).

So my question is, what do I upgrade first? Sometimes I think I'd like a Norton
4/8, but I'm not having any problems with the current setup. My interest is
occasionally piqued by "better" finish hones, but I don't know if
there's really an appreciable difference between them and my PHIG. Would a
luxury brush improve my experience? A scuttle? Maybe a strop, since I have
limited experience with different strops?

Basically, since I'm at a point where everything works, what improvement should be the first priority?

If it were me, I'd probably get either a new strop(possibly latigo), or get some new soaps and creams(you can never have enough of those). Maybe even upgrade the boar brush to a Semogue 830.

Get an antique Edwardian shaving stand with candle holders for your bedroom and shave at that once a week on Sunday afternoon, then spend the rest of the day in the room reading, doing crossword puzzles and writing letters. Take an early tea in the room; roast beef, potatoes, peas, Yorkshire pudding and Trifle, wash it down with a few sherries and a glass of port to finish. Early to bed.

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

Get an antique Edwardian shaving stand with candle holders for your bedroom and shave at that once a week on Sunday afternoon, then spend the rest of the day in the room reading, doing crossword puzzles and writing letters. Take an early tea in the room; roast beef, potatoes, peas, Yorkshire pudding and Trifle, wash it down with a few sherries and a glass of port to finish. Early to bed.

Whilst wearing a smoking jacket, and, I think I envision a Meerschaum pipe?

Personally I think you have a nice set up. However if you dont own a scuttle I would get one. There is nothing like nice warm lather

Well since you have all the basics covered; your "Upgrade" should be a "LISA", Live-In-Shave-Assistant.
The hiring criteria should be;
1. 22 to 30 years of age (you don't want to hire her too young)
2. Brunette, instead of blonde. (that way she can tell the difference between a brush and a scuttle)
3. Attractive with large bosoms, that's breasts for you guys under 30. (keeps your mind off of minor nicks that might occur.)
4. Recent immigrant with little, to no knowledge of your spoken language. (makes it harder for her to learn about labor laws or wage requirements)
5. Cooking skills are a plus, but not really important; cleaning skills are though. (the shave den must be kept spotless)
6. Reward her with small monetary bonus for every razor or hone that she finds while scouring the antique stores & estate sales. ( keep her off the internet, so she doesn't find out the real values on the items she finds)
7. Last, but not least, never ever, tell her about Straight Razor Place.

These are just a few important requirements; you might think of some more.

As someone who just heard yesterday that his first scuttle has been made and is will be on its way soon, I would lean towards a scuttle. Another strop is a great idea too. I'd be wary of messing with your honing setup if it's working for you.

But then we all know that Carl really nailed this one on the head...

I didn't see a Styptic pencil mentioned. Your setup is not yet complete.

I vote brush. Get a really nice badger brush with a good, thick knot of hair.


When the weather cools off get a scuttle.

Michael

I'm voting for a nice brush and/or scuttle. I really enjoy shaving with a scuttle and now I'm shopping for a really nice brush (leaning towards a Thater).

Ed