Thread: New to straight razors and need some guidance

I am very new to straight razors/SRP and looking to buy my first one. I have been watching the videos for beginners and reading through many of the beginner guides but I am still pretty overwhelmed with everything. I am sure you guys see these types of threads all the time but any help is appreciated.

So where do I start? I am looking to buy my first blade and I have narrowed my price range down to $100-$150. My understanding is that buying a used vintage blade will take my money a lot farther. Is this correct?

What brands should I be looking for and what size blade? I have a pretty light, thin beard and large hands (if that makes a difference for the size?) Are there advantages to different countries of origin (Spain, Germany, etc.)? Should I be looking for stainless steel over carbon steel? Does the design of the point make a difference or is it preference? I have been scanning the classifieds for a while but haven't been able to pull the trigger on anything yet.

Also, as far as soaps and strops go should I buy them as a kit or piece them together myself? Any recommendations for good soaps, mugs, strops for beginners?

I am really trying to make a good purchase for my first straight razor. Again, any help is greatly appreciated!

Welcome to SRP. My two cents is to go to straight razor designs and get their Dovo Best Quality wet shaving kit. It is $159.99 and includes everything you need to start straight shaving; razor, strop, mug, brush and soap. On top of this, you also get a certificate for a free honing.

In my opinion, the difference between the 5/8 and the 6/8 comes down to personal preference. I've shaved with both and found little difference between the two. All of the Dovos are great shavers, the Best Quality being a great way to jump into the straight shaving world.

And yes that is the set I was refering to.

Many routes to go on this one but that's a good one. You'll need all that stuff anyways so it's not bad to get it all in one place. New steel vs vintage steel doesn't make much of a difference, IMO. I started on vintage blades and that went fine, and my cousin just started on a new DOVO and that went fine as well.

5/8 is a good size to start with because it'll be a little more maneuverable and easier to handle than a 6/8, but still have some heft to it so that when you go to shave with it, you'll be more inclined to let the razor do the work instead of your hand doing the work (if that doesn't make sense now, it probably will later). Good luck!

Hi Shave, and welcome. 'Grats on choosing quality for the daily chore. In not much time, it won't be a chore, but a delight.

You're getting good input on gear here. I can't add anything to what's been said, other than to strongly encourage you to look up str8 shavers in your area and connect with them. If possible, get some face time, have them show you how to strop, maybe how to shave. You'll come along much faster, and enjoy the time w/ some great guys. Sure, there's some intimidation to the task, but you can do it. By getting w/ other shavers, you'll do it much faster.

Best of luck w/ your journey. Post all your questions. Quality of help and attitudes are better here, and about any forum on any topic. Enjoy!

Welcome to the Family. Also ,it would be a good idea to get a second razor on the classifieds here at SRP. You can pick up a ready to shave ,used razor 35-50 bucks. Because you will ruin an edge by improper stropping ( we have all been there at some point in time ) But you will have a back-up razor, while the other one is sent out for honing. Take it slow and have fun and after 100 shaves you will see the improvement.

Kudoos to nessmuck! You will for sure want to obtain a second razor. Buy in our classifieds and not on the bay. Ebay is fine if you know what to look for and what the price range should be for said razor. But if you are just getting started in your quest for the perfect shave, trust the guys in SRPand the classified section. I have purchased a number of items in said section, and never have I been dissapointed. Best of Regards and Happy Shaving, wildhog

Good advice here. Like you, I have large hands and a light beard. Regarding size I would avoid anything under 5/8. I have a 4/8 and a 9/16 and they just feel a little too small in my hands. I would get a round point to avoid nicking yourself. At first I would avoid wide full hollow blades like 13/16 and wider. For me at least the full hollow blades can have a little more pulling and tugging. As far as soap is concerned, read the reviews here and you will quickly see there are many good ones. There are many I like, such as Mama Bears, DR Harris, Art of shaving, Trufitt and Hill. Remember, it takes time. Practice and don't quit. It may take a few months to get straight shaving down right.

Alright thanks for all the responses guys. Based on all your comments I decided the right route to go is the straight razor design kit. I got 6/8 instead of 5/8 and will report back with how it all works out. Thanks again for all the advice!

Originally Posted by Shave

Alright thanks for all the responses guys. Based on all your comments I decided the right route to go is the straight razor design kit. I got 6/8 instead of 5/8 and will report back with how it all works out. Thanks again for all the advice!

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GOOD choice on the 6/8 because it will allow you to strop and hone flatter because of the increased blade width. You will get better results with a wider blade. Narrower blades are harder to hone and strop.

P. S. The WIKI has a list of razors not to buy. Check it out....