Thread: Newbie Looking For Shaving Experience

I'm new to this, so let me begin by saying I'm a bit of a knife nut, have a few and love to keep them sharp, so it's no surprise the idea of shaving with a straight razor intrigues me. I've watched all the videos -- well, not all -- and gathered about as much info as I can, but there's always more to learn.

That said, I'd like to experience shaving with a straight razor without going broke, especially considering if I don't like it I don't want to be stuck with all that "$tuff."

Would getting one of those DOVO razors that use disposible blades give me the straight razor experience so I can see if I like it? Any and all comments welcome.

I'm putting my face in your hands. TIA

Hello and welcome I hope you enjoy straight shaving.
You may be able to pick up a shave ready razor on the classifieds, for about the same price as a shavette, and the RupRazor Filly Strop for $20. That is all you really need to start out with, although shaving soap and brush should be purchased asap, weather you decide on a shavette or straight.

I have not had the pleasure of using a shavette, but have read mixed reviews on them. It seems like shavettes are a decent intro, to straight shaving but a deferent beast altogether.

nate

I agree with Nate. Getting a razor here at the classifieds would be a great start and getting the $20 strop would be awesome then later on get a 3 inch when you are used to stropping because you will be nicking the thing like crazy. And also welcome to the world of smooth faces and table top fillers.

I've been at str8 razor shaving about a year strictly with vintage blades. I bought a lot of 7 recently and there was a disposable blade type razor (think they called it an Allison) that I bought some blades for and thought I would give it a shot......never again! I had more nicks from one shave with that than I did my first month with a regular str8. Some guys say they have had good luck with disposable types, other have not. The ones that have not say the shave is a bit different from a regular str8, I agree. But, that is just like every other aspect of str8 razor shaving, what works for one person won't work for someone else. You just have to experiment and see what works for you. BTW......Welcome To The Str8 World!

Out of curiousity, typically, are replaceable blades sharper than the shave ready blades from the top honemeisters?

This might tie in with the very long thread recently discussing the sharpness of razors. On that thread, some said there was no such thing as a too sharp razor. Another camp disagreed, saying they preferred a razor that was smooth, but that a razor could be too sharp for their skin and shaving taste.

See the thread here...

http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...ller-edge.html

Something like the Diane is the cheapest introduction to straight razors. $7 at most beauty stores. It uses 1/2 of a double edge blade. No honing or stropping. If you like the routine move on to the other razors.

Originally Posted by jreiter22

Something like the Diane is the cheapest introduction to straight razors. $7 at most beauty stores. It uses 1/2 of a double edge blade. No honing or stropping. If you like the routine move on to the other razors.

Any experience with the Diane? I'll look around the Net for one. I already have a decent brush and soap.

I'll also look through the classifieds here, been there once. If a razor is advertised as "shave ready" here can I be assured I can start shaving with it as soon as I get it? I hate the idea of buying a razor and strop, then having to buy a better one soon after, or having that first experience tainted because I got a lousy one to begin with.

Thanks