Waiting for my first straight razor

Hello people,
I am waiting in anticipation for my first straight razor. I have been wanting to switch from the disposable kind for a long time. Finally I am making the jump and what a jump it is.
man, I had no idea that there is so much to learn. New words and terms, so many exciting new things. I have been using a brush for some time, but again, can't wait to have a better one than the el cheapo kind.
I have a Bergischer Löwe w/ olive wood coming and I opted for and a stainless version in olive wood aswell from Dovo. I am thinking I will start with the stainless one first and work my way to the BL. :)
I have been doing a lot of reading over the last few month, stropping and so on.

Here is my question, any advice to a novice?
like I said, I have been doing all the research, but a good old info from a daily user might just be the thing I am looking for.
Many thanks.

Welcome Europium,

I'm pretty much a new guy to the forum so your not alone. I don't know the particular razor, but I'm sure someone with more knowledge than myself will come along shortly and give you all the info you want. It sounds like your all ready getting RAD, so have fun and make sure you post pictures. Everyone here loves pictures.

Welcome to SRP!

I reckon you have done so already, but if not, do check out the beginners guide on the front page and the Library(wiki).
In addition, just browsing around the forum should provide tons of info.

And rest assured, should any questions arise, we are here to help you out and get you shaving properly:)

By the way, I own a Bergischer Löwe as well, in fact it was my very first straight, and let me tell you; that is one superb shaver in my honest opinion.
It is still in my rotation, and will remain so, no question!

Good luck mate!

Thank you, looking eagerly to receive my new razors soon....... :)

welcome,

nothing more you can do then the research you already done, now you can start when you receive the razors and when questions arise just ask here. There will be problems at first, everyone encounters them, but be patient, in a few months you will look back at your first steps and laugh about it.

Welcome,

I remember when I first started not too long ago. Just make sure not to worry too much about the perfect stubbless shave, but focus more on technique first. Learn how to strop and how to maintain the razor. Patience is very important and don't get discouraged. I remember it was difficult for me at first and I wanted to give up but one day just like math class it just clicks.

Good luck and Have Fun

It seams there are a few different opinion about things and will just see. Like that all new razors aren't sharp enough. I was reinsured by my seller that they are sharp from the factory and do not even need stropping. Well I guess, when I get my new razors, I will do some hanging hair tests, good way to learn that too. Maybe my first shave will be, me plugging my beard for testing and retesting, lol (no need to shave that day).
It is sad to see that such a great thing like straight razors and there is so little known about it. Till a few years ago I didn't even know, they still make them. Yet Gillette manages to come out with a new gizmo every few years and as most men, I guess, I just keep buying the new stuff to find out the old was just fine. Yet I stay with the new, way more expensive cr@#! One of many reasons for me to switch to a good old razor. I appreciate the good comments. Looks like I am not alone in this here....... :)
I feel like, I am in the movie the Matrix, the blue pill or the red one. Both look good at different angles.
I have bought a linnen and leather strop. Guess will have to experiment a bit with it and see what the results will be. I am glad there is so much info on the web, does make it easier.
Can't wait for my first shave, thank god the hospital is close by, just in case, haha. I am. Ore worried about my daughter running in and knocking the door into me. May have to lock the door for the shave or I may look like scar face :(
Question:
Do you guys agree to start of with the stainless one and progress later to the lion? Or go straight with the kitten and see if it doesn't bite or scratch me, like a cat with rabies ?
So many questions, too much time till my package gets here.......
Many thanks
Ps. I feel like a traitor using the disposable ones now, hope the men in black won't pick me up for that.

Welcome,

I would get them both honed, and use them in rotation. Remember to keep your disposable, you will need to make touch ups.
I found this helped me navigate my face. The pictures will help. http://www.shavemyface.com/downloads...azor-Shave.pdf
Have fun and enjoy your shave.

the beginners thread was a great place for me when I started...also if you can attend a meet up sometime...they are a huge help :) goodluck, let us know how the first shave goes

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Europium

It seams there are a few different opinion about things and will just see. Like that all new razors aren't sharp enough. I was reinsured by my seller that they are sharp from the factory and do not even need stropping. Well I guess, when I get my new razors, I will do some hanging hair tests, good way to learn that too.

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I'll bet your seller doesn't shave with a straight razor . The factory edge will probably shave you , but you will most likely have a lot of "pulling" , because the edge can be sharper than what it is . Your first shave will , most likely , be pretty rough even with a pro-honed razor . The factory edge will make it a little worse .
I'm not going to say anything about the hanging hair test , except that it has been discussed many times over on this forum . I'll let your form your own opinion about it .

All I know is that I had asked and supposedly he uses a straight razor too.

Just so I understand, you think the razor will be needing honing prior to usage? Something that stropping will not be able to achieve?

Like I said, new to this.... :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Europium

All I know is that I had asked and supposedly he uses a straight razor too.

Just so I understand, you think the razor will be needing honing prior to usage? Something that stropping will not be able to achieve?

Like I said, new to this.... :)

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It's not impossible that the razor will be properly sharpened , but the odds are in favor of it needing some work . Since you have never shaved with a straight razor , properly honed , or not , you won't know .
I would advise you to strop it up , and give it a try . If you think it's sharp enough , then maybe it is . If it feels like it's ripping your face to shreds (or something close) , stop shaving with it , and get it honed by someone who knows what they're doing .

Well since we are at the question thing. What is the easies way for me to find out, wether the razor is sharp enough or not? Just shave and see? If its smooth, I'm ok, if it isn't then I have to do a few (how many then) laps on the new strop? Shall I use the linen side first and then the leather, right?

Ps.
An electric shaver comes to mind, so much easier and the electricity comes free from the outlet too...... :)
(just doesn't shave that good, if good is even allowed to mention)

You need to strop it first . You should always strop before you shave . I do 25 on the linen , and 50 on the leather . This is assuming you're stropping is up to par . You should practice with a butter knife or something similar , before you try stropping your new razor .
Shave with it . If it's reasonably comfortable , you might be okay . If it's not , it could be the razor , your technique , or both .
I say go ahead and give it a try , but if it doesn't feel right , stop shaving with it , and send it to be honed . Your face will thank you .

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Europium

Shall I use the linen side first and then the leather, right?

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Yes that's correct . Read the "stickies" in the stropping section , beginners section , and the shaving with a straight razor section . There is also plenty of info on the home page . The more you read , the better your first shave will be .