Thread: Good starting point shaving system?

Can I get some opinions in relation to a starter system for straight edge shaving? Something that is easily available. I need everything...razor, strop, lather, aftershave. Probably a selection from Classic shaving would be appropriate.

Thanks,

Joe

You can pick up a shave ready razor from the classifieds here cheep. Ruprazor.com has starter strops for $20. Shaving cream. There is a whole lot to pick from. Some places have samplers. You will need a good brush. I use a lotion for after shave. Im sure there will be more input to help you.

Welcome to SRP

Originally Posted by joecool911

Can I get some opinions in relation to a starter system for straight edge shaving? Something that is easily available. I need everything...razor, strop, lather, aftershave. Probably a selection from Classic shaving would be appropriate.

Thanks,

Joe

You mean suggestions? Any of their razors that are honed post factory should be fine, pick a 5/8 or 6/8 size. Similarly any of the strops would work too. Brush, soap/cream, aftershave so many options for each of them it's hard to suggest something that you'd like without knowing you. I only know what I like and what I'm willing to pay for and what I'm not willing to pay for.

Originally Posted by pcdad

I got my 1st straight from the classifieds and it was a 7/8 Sheffield made razor..a beast for a beginner but now im darn good at 5 months later

You mean 2.5 months later: http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...tml#post595103
If you stick to this for twice as long as you've been up to now you'd probably have leaned a lot more and your posts will hopefully show it.

no sir..5 months is how long I have been working on my straight razor technique
oily skin was what genetics gave me..thats a lifetime!


pcdad

I think you meant to post this one maybe?
1st shave!! - Straight Razor Place Forums

Originally Posted by gugi

You mean 2.5 months later: http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...tml#post595103
If you stick to this for twice as long as you've been up to now you'd probably have leaned a lot more and your posts will hopefully show it.

Thanks for the input. Lynn PM'ed ne and made a couple of suggestions too in regards to his store offering.

For the brush, a good starter brush can be had from Shea Moisture for less than $10. It's badger and has been given good reviews, esp. for that price range. That gives you something to use as you decide what you would step up to later.

For soaps, I'd suggest the inexpensive Van Der Hagen soaps. The Deluxe has Shea Butter and Aloe Vera, a bit over $2 per puck. Again, don't spend a lot of money until you know what you like.

No need for a scuttle IMHO, just use a coffee mug from your cupboard. I have so many with logos on them from promotionals or whatnot, my wife was happy to see one mug vanish from the kitchen cupboard! So that's free!

Pre-Shave/Aftershave depends on your skin. A bottle of Dominica Bay Rum is reasonably priced and good stuff for AS. You might not need any pre-shave treatment other than a hot shower and a good face-washing.

Spend your money on the things where paying a bit more can make a big difference in your shaving: a quality razor and an adequate starter strop. I'd suggest a new razor from Straight Razor Designs honed by their honemeisters. You'll know you've got the right stuff. You can also find good deals here in the classifieds.

For a starter strop, there are inexpensive options but I liked paying a tad more and starting off with the Illinois 127 which goes for about $40-$50. It's good enough to give you an idea what a "not cheapo" strop is like, but not so expensive that when you nick it you'll want to shoot yourself. Then it can become a travel strop when you've decided what you want to step up to.

Just my opinions, which are worth what you paid for them!