Thread: First Straight

I want to just throw in my 2 cents. The way I looked at it was right now it was better to learn with a 5/8 razor. From my understanding and very limited experience it is more maneuverable than larger razors. In the end I am happy with my choice. Do I have my eyes on a few 6/8 razors, well of course. You can always get a larger razor later if you end up enjoying the straight shaves. The other side to this is what you think looks good. If you dont like the way something looks aesthetically then that is part of it as well. Also on the SRD website I got the Ralf Aust 5/8 with a strop for 148. Check out the razor and strop sets. I think that those are phenomenal deals. You need a strop anyways. I know I didnt answer your question exactly but I hope it helped a little.

Nothing wrong with your choice. A damn good one!
Aust razors seem better in quality than most modern production. Good razor, good price. SRD strops are great!

Oh yes I agree whole heartedly. I love my straight. I would like one more Ralf Aust, a Boker, and a Revisor. The Boker will be an Edelweiss. The Ralf Aust and Revisor Im looking at 6/8 for those. However this will start in a few months once Ive rrally decided that straights are in fact for me. They are as of the moment.

Originally Posted by RonPage

Oh yes I agree whole heartedly. I love my straight. I would like one more Ralf Aust, a Boker, and a Revisor. The Boker will be an Edelweiss. The Ralf Aust and Revisor Im looking at 6/8 for those. However this will start in a few months once Ive rrally decided that straights are in fact for me. They are as of the moment.

And the next thing you know you have drawers and boxes full of them, they breed like rabbits I tell ya...

Smooth Shaving...

Yeah i bet. I do eventually want to get a couple vintage straights as well. However I would like those more to learn to hone. Then shave with them once I feel comfortable honing.

Originally Posted by RonPage

Oh yes I agree whole heartedly. I love my straight. I would like one more Ralf Aust, a Boker, and a Revisor. The Boker will be an Edelweiss. The Ralf Aust and Revisor Im looking at 6/8 for those. However this will start in a few months once Ive rrally decided that straights are in fact for me. They are as of the moment.

Ha! I like your planning. You'll add an Wade & Butcher to your list and likely a Torrey. Don't forget the French blades. I love my Le Grelot!

Originally Posted by RonPage

I want to just throw in my 2 cents. The way I looked at it was right now it was better to learn with a 5/8 razor. From my understanding and very limited experience it is more maneuverable than larger razors. In the end I am happy with my choice. Do I have my eyes on a few 6/8 razors, well of course. You can always get a larger razor later if you end up enjoying the straight shaves. The other side to this is what you think looks good. If you dont like the way something looks aesthetically then that is part of it as well. Also on the SRD website I got the Ralf Aust 5/8 with a strop for 148. Check out the razor and strop sets. I think that those are phenomenal deals. You need a strop anyways. I know I didnt answer your question exactly but I hope it helped a little.

Very helpful, actually. I have been eyeballing that same set. And with your thoughts, I'll likely go that route. Will advise.

Thanks!

Smyth honestly man your biggest choice should be to research whether you want to start with a 2" or 3" strop. I dont have near enough experience stropping to help. Still all the advice I got was split down the middle. The 2" requires an X pattern motion and the 3" is just back and forth. Do I mind the 2" and X pattern? Not really but again take that with a grain of salt because I could not tell you that I am doing it correctly.

Oh man I would love a Wade and Butcher eventually. The ones with a barber notch look mean. I really love that style of razor. Though my favorite is shoulderless. It just looks sleek that way. I think im in trouble! Lol!

Originally Posted by Smyth

Curious, what you made select the 5/8 for your first. I'm still ruminating over my first, and I am looking at the Ralf Aust collection. The 5/8 at SRD is about half the price of the model they have in a 6/8, but Lynn recommends a full hollow 6/8 for a first SE. I realize that is not set in stone, but I assume there is a reason. That Ralf Aust 5/8 looks like a great value. Thoughts?

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I think you will find that a 6/8 width will be easier for you to keep the blade FLAT on the strop (and hone). You will more easily develop a good feel for flat with a slightly wider razor. Few things are more important than keeping the razor flat on the stone and strop. Just my opinion............