Thread: Just bought my first "big boy" straight razor

After experimenting with a cheap straight razor that my father bought me for Christmas (didn't have a name brand on it) I took the plunge tonight and took advantage of the SRP straight razor and strop combination set. Bought a Ralf Aust 5/8 with with a 3" red lattigo strop with matched webbing on the back.

I'm excited but nervous. I already had to have my first razor rehoned after messing up the stropping on it. I still struggle with it, but I'm thinking I may set the Ralf Aust aside and try my cheaper razor on the new strop and see how that does. The strop I currently have is very cheap (came as part of a set).

Wish me luck. The addiction is already starting. I'm already plotting my next buy.

Congratulations! Practicing on the strop with the cheap razor is a good idea. Just do it over and over for several days while the muscle memory soaks in. If you haven't already, you might view the Stroptober thread (search for it here at SRP). Good luck!

Congratulations. Although there are razors out there with no markings that are absolutely top notch razors. For the most part it is about the edge and the hand using the blade. A defined quality razor with an excellent edge leads you to the hand being the only variable. Happy shaving

You may also want to first strop on a flat surface first, like a counter or cutting board. You will get it with more practice. In the past two weeks, everything seems to be coming together for me. I have been shaving with a straight for six months and the techniques and muscle memory and all that allows for a great shaving experience. Don't fret not everyday will you do good, but you should learn a little everytime you shave, strop, or even hone. Best of luck and practice and you will succeed.

The SRP Modular strop will be a life saver for you if you can spare the extra cash for it

Practice on your new strop with a butter knife, because you will make mistakes at first and with butter knife it won't hurt your strop. Just remember to go slow and take your time, and be very intentional. Conratz. on your new razor, & strop.

Thanks guys. I've posted in the stropping forum before. I still have trouble on the flip part. It gets me every time. For whatever reason the motion of the flip does not feel natural to me and find myself struggling. I know I'll get it, just got to have patience.

Originally Posted by asudue86

Thanks guys. I've posted in the stropping forum before. I still have trouble on the flip part. It gets me every time. For whatever reason the motion of the flip does not feel natural to me and find myself struggling. I know I'll get it, just got to have patience.

A tip that worked foe me, take a pencil and roll it back and forth just using your thumb and forefinger. This will give you the flip memory which should then transfer to your razor when stropping. It'll take a while but you'll get there.

Originally Posted by Walterbowens

Practice on your new strop with a butter knife, because you will make mistakes at first and with butter knife it won't hurt your strop. Just remember to go slow and take your time, and be very intentional. Conratz. on your new razor, & strop.

+1 on the butter knife. Makes for good practice without the damage of a mistake