Thread: Got a shaving set for my birthday.....

The DE is a great way to get started, and later on if you're still interested in straight razor shaving, you can then go that route.

Originally Posted by Speedster

The DE is a great way to get started, and later on if you're still interested in straight razor shaving, you can then go that route.

or I could experiment with both? and resell one if I dont like it?

Originally Posted by jmgb4

or I could experiment with both? and resell one if I dont like it?

You may find, as I did, that you like both straight and de. Most members here use both. For example, I use a de for a quick shave when I don't have a great deal of time to get ready. When I have more time, I will use my straight, but I still will use the de for touch ups.

Having said that, If you do decide one over the other, there are plenty of people that will buy your gear.

The size of the blade all comes down to personal preference. Most find a 5/8 blade a good starting point as they are not so large as to be cumbersome but not so small that the angle is difficult to monitor and maintain while shaving. I started with a 5/8 vintage boker king cutter and now have 20 or so different blades in the rotation, various sizes and grinds. They all different feels and their own quirks. If you get a shave ready blade and you enjoy it, you will start what we call RAD (Razor Acquisition Disorder) and you will find yourself searching endlessly on eBay and all of your local antique shops.

Welcome and happy shaving

If you get a set, keep the puck to practice whipping up a lather. A lot of us started with a whipped dog unseen including me, you can't pass him for service. As for the rest, just make sure you have a serviceable edge, a lot of people (again including me) buy a RSO (razor shaped object) thinking it is a bargain. If you have one I used mine to practice restoring and sharpening techniques. You can get an RSO sharp, but they don't stay that way because of the steel and that is why a lot of people will not bother with inferior blades. A honer knows they are waisting both your time and theirs by sharpening the edge, still, no reason for the guy you called to be a prat about the subject, all he had to do was explain this to you.