Thread: Too soon to start with a straight razor?

Thanks guys, this is all great advice and has given me a lot to think about. Won't be jumping into anything too soon as I've got a ten month old boy keep me very busy.

Hey Welcome to SRP Irish Shaver.

Somebody send that young Dad a Straight razor, go along with the razor and get him started.

Originally Posted by FAL

Hey Welcome to SRP Irish Shaver.

Somebody send that young Dad a Straight razor, go along with the razor and get him started.

Yes! I started off using a straight razor and now have RAD, Thank you, my younger brother!.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

tsk tsk...

That is not an argument.

Originally Posted by BobH

Yup, use and enjoy all three types of razors but still prefer the ritual of a straight razor shave, much more satisfying for some reason.

Absolutely. It is a ritual. And if that is what one is looking for, cut-throat razors are perfect. They are not, however, if one is looking for an affordable, easy way to shave.

There is a time and place for everything. I enjoy shaving with a cut-throat razor. It is a tool, and it can be tremendous fun, but it is not the best tool for the job.

Originally Posted by RobinK

That is not an argument.


Absolutely. It is a ritual. And if that is what one is looking for, cut-throat razors are perfect. They are not, however, if one is looking for an affordable, easy way to shave.

There is a time and place for everything. I enjoy shaving with a cut-throat razor. It is a tool, and it can be tremendous fun, but it is not the best tool for the job.

I think if you re read post #10 you will see that I can see no real advantage to using a straight razor compared to an SE or an aggressive DE or a slant DE as far as the end result is concerned. OTH the OP is not asking for the most economical way to shave, only whether it is too soon to try shaving with straight razors.

In my opinion your references to "people with small hands" and "Double edge razors are for girls's legs, or men with puny hands" could be better left to mud slinging political campaigns. In my opinion they are of less than no real value in answering the OP's question.

Bob

Originally Posted by RobinK

What exactly is the advantage of a cut-throat razor over a single edge razor?

Everything has compromises but a cut throat is easily customised to an individual's preference i.e. grind style & hone used to finish the edge.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Everything has compromises but a cut throat is easily customised to an individual's preference i.e. grind style & hone used to finish the edge.

A question for you then.

What is the difference between hollows and wedges? Are they for different skin types? Different hair types? Techniques?
I don't have a wedge, should I try one?

Originally Posted by Rami

A question for you then.

What is the difference between hollows and wedges? Are they for different skin types? Different hair types? Techniques?
I don't have a wedge, should I try one?

The straight razor - Straight Razor Place Library

Can be easier to use for beginners with coarse beards but much harder for edge restoration. At this point of your honing journey you don't need the extra challenge.

I think as the shaving skills using a DE are totally different from using a straight, like others have said just go for it! Learn all you can from places like SRP before you buy a straight. Watch all the videos & has been said try to get with a mentor in your area.
A 5/8" hollow ground razor would be a good place to start I would think. I haven't bought a new straight yet. Haven't felt the need & as I have learned more about razors & their care I just love vintage straight's & I have never spent over $30.00 for a razor. You could end up with a piece of junk from China for that $30.00 or get a fine American, English or German straight that with proper care will last you & your kids a lifetime. Buy a good strop & learn how to use it. I was able to get two vintage Shell horse hide strops that I love but there are many new strops for a good price that will work just fine.
Best of luck & great straight shaves!

Dave"Slawman"Huffman

Originally Posted by RobinK

What exactly is the advantage of a cut-throat razor over a single edge razor?

If I use a single edge razor or *shudders* even a cartridge, I get a few ingrown hairs on my neck, I do not with a straight. Some people may have the opposite reactions or different ones altogether. As they say, ymmv.