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Hi, Im interested in getting into SR but unsure what blade to start with. I went to a barber to get an idea of what the shave would feel like and was disappointed. I assume it was the quality of the blade as he was using a disposable Wilkinson straight blade. Not sure the type. He did however mention I have a pretty thick beard. I'm not sure where on the scale I land between extra hallow to true wedge. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
OK.
Some features that may help you.
1) You want a rounded "French" point. The squared off spike points have some advantages but they will cut your face quicker if you make a mistake.
2) For size - 5/8 or 6/8 is normally recommended. You can go up or down in size from there if you find that you have a preference for larger or smaller razors.
3) Grind. IMO the quality of the edge is more important than the grind. I like full hollow grinds because they give more feedback than the 1/2 hollows to wedges. If you are worried that you might need a thicker blade start with a half hollow grind and then make an assessment after you have used that for a while.
4) Brand. There are many good makers of razors, but for your first it is best to start with one of the makers from this list. Good Straight Razor Brands - Straight Razor Place Wiki - not because this is the definitive list of 'good' manufacturers but it simplifies your shopping.
Look for your razor in the 'classifieds' section here. The people who advertise razors here are doing as part of a community they live in, not an exercise to rip off some one they'll probably never have to deal with again.
Pauly gives perfect advice in his post above this.
Following those guidelines should set you up for a good starter razor.
Thanks Pauly, this is a great starting point. I've been looking at this Dovo as my first blade, what do you think?
Pre-Sharpened DOVO Straight Razor with Black Handle 5/8" | Fendrihan Shaving Store
Have you found the Wiki.Quote:
Originally Posted by SupaFad
Straight Razor Place Wiki - Straight Razor Place Wiki
You can jump to the beginner pages:
Straight Razor Place Wiki:Books/Beginners Guide - Straight Razor Place Wiki
Remember to get a good strop. An inexpensive one is OK but
the razor visits the strop each day and is nearly as important
as the razor choice.
Also visit the classified. You may find
a rescued old razor that has been well
and correctly honed for a good price that
leaves room to get a better strop.
You look into a good brush and some
quality shave soaps. My neighbor still
uses his cartridge razor but is sold on
the improvements that good soap and
a brush gives you. If you have never
used a brush and soap the low cost
entry solution is the van der hagen premium shave set.
For $12 it can improve any goo in a can shave....
I'm currently using a DE razor and a silver tip brush. I like to use soaps by proraso and Geo F Trumper. Just looking to expand into the SE world, maybe get a better shave? Thats what I'm hoping for since I have a thick beard.
I definitely feel that a safety razor is a good stepping stone between disposable cartridge and straight razor.
The advice you've been given so far is solid, in my eyes.
If you're trying for a new razor, I'd check for a Dovo Best Quality, as has been recommended. 6/8 is a good starter, in my experience. I feel the larger blade would probably help you to get the feel for shaving with a straight.
I've heard that wedges are better for a thicker beard, but I've also heard that they can nick you very well, very quietly. So that may not be a good starting point. Not sure, since I don't own one (yet.)
It is hard to top the shave from a good DE blade.Quote:
Originally Posted by SupaFad
But not impossible....
You may find that a different blade or the same blade in
a different razor can help. You may also find
that a slant or an adjustable helps.
It pays for a DE shaver to try a number of different blades.
All DE blades are not the same...!
My 2cents is to play with shave prep.
If you do not shave after a shower try shaving after a shower.
If you do shave after a shower try the reverse and vary
the soak time of your lather from 30seconds to 5 min.
Try lathering once then rinse well and then lather a second
time for the shave. Try cold water, try a hot towel.
I say this because:
In the end it is going to be steel v. whiskers and while
it is possible to get a smoother shave from a well honed
open razor it takes a while to learn how to strop and hone
a good chunk of razor sharp steel.
The one thing that DE blades have that is an advantage is PTFE (Teflon).
The PTFE fused to the edge is a very real advantage.
As far as smoothness and sharpness go the best honemasters do better
than many DE blade makers but after three shaves it is
you and your strop to maintain the edge.