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Gentlemen,
I've been investigating switching to a straight razor for a bit and I'm ready to make the plunge. What suggestions can you make for a complete novice? Specifically, is there a better width of razor to start with, a better intro cream, etc. And what about www.theartofshaving.com? I can get to one of their stores pretty easily...
Thanks!
As far as razors go, check in the For Sale area here on the board. There are a few members who sell shave-ready razors. Many new razors will not shave right out of the box. Member razors are typically hair popping sharp and will give you a new appreciation for sharpness.
5/8 is a very common size. Measurements are from the spine to the cutting edge. 5/8 is the same thing as 10/16 of an inch. There are many types of points, with a round point being the most forgiving.
Same thing with strops. There are a few guys here who sell them.
So far as soaps & brushes, you can't go wrong with Ray at classicshaving.com. A huge assortment, and customer service that is absolutely second-to-none.
- Kyle
Welcome, Gustav. Kyle is perfectly concise and 100% correct. The Gear For Sale is located in the User Gallery. Make sure you read everything in the Help Files too.
Be brave and don't sweat any of it.
X
I started out by scanning many of the posts on the Yahoo group "Straight razor place" to learn the basics. It took a number of evenings but was extremely helpful.
After that, I went to classicshaving.com and bought a 7/8 TI razor, a Dovo strop, a badger hair brush, and an assortment of Vulfix and Taylor's shaving creams. I would have bought a Norton 4K/8K there too but they were out at the time and so I got it from Knifecenter. Classicshaving has since replenished their supply (and the price is better) so they're the better option now.
I waited until I had a three-day weekend from work and just made straight-razor shaving my part-time activity for the weekend. By the third day and 5th "shaving attempt" I had completed a full "with the grain" shave with only the most minor nicks and was ready for work. Total time spent over the weekend was about 6 hours.
Following that, I shaved in the evenings before bed, which took just over an hour to get a shave that was okay but not great. After three weeks I had cut the time down to 45 minutes and was able to confidently shave in the morning before work, and was getting better at "against the grain" shaving.
Now, after 3 months, I have the time down to 25 minutes and get a great shave that far exceeds anything else I've tried in 30 years of shaving. (And I need to shave every square inch from cheekbones to collarbone, too).
My suggestions (as a still-learning newbie myself): Really read the historical posts on the Yahoo group. Buy a razor from one of the regulars that's pre-sharpened (which will save you needing to hone for a while). Buy a strop (paddle or hanging type, your preference). Get a badger hair brush too. I'd suggest skipping the shavette or similar and go right to the real straight razor, like I did...I think that helped my learning process a lot. I practiced stropping while I was figuring out the right blade angles and approach directions.
Go slow at first and remember to do the beard prep, use good cream, and stretch the skin to help prevent nicks and improve the action of the shave. Learn blade awareness. Be aware of the position of the entire cutting edge of the razor edge from tip to heel.
Keep asking questions if you need to and you'll get all the help you need to get a fantastic shave!
Kevin (minodaco on Yahoo)
Hello Kevin! :)
Congratulations on your successful shaving efforts. :D
You have started out with some very good gear that will last you a long time and give you quality shaves. Keep on reading the posts here and the info in the files and feel free to hop in and contribute to any of the discussions. We all learn from each other.
Hello Randy!
Thanks for the encouragement! I have to say that my success has only happened because of all the posts from you experienced guys. Your knowledge base has really shortened the learning curve....the most important step anyone could take is to read the great work on these forums.
I haven't used a disposable since I got my first good pass on my cheek; I knew I was going to stick with this and it's just gotten better ever since. I'll keep pointing anyone I meet toward this forum and the Yahoo group because you folks are great!
Hey Gustav, you ready to give it a try, yet? Buy the tools and give it a long weekend. Even if you buy a new razor be sure to have one of the group honemeisters go over it first. Go slow and you'll do great!
Regards, Kevin