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I've never used a straight razor ever. After watching the 2007 Sweeney Todd movie, I've been interested in starting now.
Although I don't know anything about them, can someone recommend me a decent one to start learning from?
I was thinking about buying the Sweeney Todd replica from amazon (haven enough giftcards to get it for "free") and using a grinding wheel to sharpen it.
Anyone think this is a good idea?
Welcome to SRP. If you go to the SRP Wiki beginner's guide here you'll find, among other things, razors to avoid. If the razor you mention isn't in the list it ought to be. Honing a razor to shave ready is an acquired skill. Many of us do our own after passing a learning curve but the best bet is to buy a pre honed shave ready razor from one of the vendors on the forum such as Straight Razor Designs, Classic Shaving or Vintage Blades, among others. :gl:
Welcome to SRP,
If you want to shave you would need a real razor, not a replica. Pretty much like if you want to shoot you buy an actual gun.
There are too many good options, so you have to make the choice yourself, there are many recommendations in the links you got.
+1 on JimmyHAD's Wiki reference.
From Amazon.com:
"This real life and functional reproduction is intricately detailed and arrives ready for mayhem. An amazing dye-cast aluminum handle loaded with style houses the thick mirror polished blade. Hand honed for a razor sharp edge. This is the straight razor made famous by the historic series of Sweeney Todd cinema and plays. 10 1/2 in. opened, 7 1/4 in. closed. A gift to die for!"
No.
I think you should try it and video-chronicle the event for us. as far as I know, nobody has attempted what you're thinking about doing
Sorry, I should of clarified, the Sweeney Todd movie that I watched, came out in 2007.... I recently watched the movie maybe a month ago or so.Quote:
Originally Posted by hoglahoo
hehe, no harm no foul :)
Here is also another, maybe ignorant question but... I use Williams Mug Soap ... (yes I use a soap and brush despite using safety razors), and I notice that I have to apply the soap onto one side at a time, otherwise it will sort of evaporate and disappear making me reapply it.
I notice in the movie Sweeney Todd though that he applies it, and it stays on the entire time. What kind of soap should I buy so I can do that too? I hate having to apply on side at a time.
You realize this is a movie, right?Quote:
Originally Posted by Hgaara
May be you shouldn't watch Avatar, or you'll have really hard time trying to grow big and blue :)
I Also Use Williams And I Dont Have Any Trouble Holding Lather The Whole Shave. Spend A little More Time Making The Lather.Maybe A Little Less Water Will Make A Thicker Lather. Have Fun Learning
What gugi said. You would do yourself a favour by reading the beginners guide in the Wiki (see signature), then come back with more informed questions.
Just saw that you edited, umm how does anyone from 35 dollars to 40 dollar sound for a budget?Quote:
Originally Posted by commiecat
I'm guessing the budget will be for the blade itself, I'll probably look for a waterstone later on.
Well you can buy in pieces. The stones are something you'd want to get into later as sharpening is a whole other expense and discipline.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hgaara
If you have a soap and brush then that's a great start. Aside from the razor you'll want a leather strop as a minimum setup to keep the edge keen in between sharpening.
RupRazor.com is a good starting point as they have a great starter strop for $20, as well as some affordable razors. A kit (razor + strop) will run $60 from there which I'd suggest if you can. If not then your best bet is to keep an eye on the forum's classifieds, as there's usually a few nice razors in there for less than $50. Make sure they're marked as shave-ready, meaning that they've been sharpened and can be shaved with upon delivery. There's one for $31 listed now -- someone might even be kind enough to negotiate price for a first-timer.
As far as your lathering, it could be that you're not using enough water or it might just be that you have hard water. I lather right on my face and sometimes I'll do it in halves if I feel like taking my time.
I am of the opinion that you will be better served by purchasing a vintage razor from someone on the forum, rather than getting a package from a vendor. Not to say that he is the only one I would deal with, but Dylan has a multitude of different razors that are shave ready, well priced, have been cleaned up and he lists full disclosure of all of the high and low points of each blade. Worst case scenario, you give this a shot and don't like it. I think you might have a better chance moving an older Greaves or Hamburg Ring than you would a newer Gold Dollar. Best case scenario, you like it and stick with it. Over the years, I have tried many new things, some stuck and some did not. After watching Kill Bill, I wanted to learn Kung Fu. I still have an unused Gi folded on a closet shelf. See what I mean?
Holli4's Straight Razor Page
I'm all about different methods to improve my shaving. So, should I be singing pre-shave, during, or post-shave? Sorry.
One other thing that I feel compelled to mention:
There are a few inaccuracies in the movie that it is IMPORTANT THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF before you start!
For example, when Sweeney strops his razors he strops them edge-first instead of spine first. If you do this in real life it will damage your strop and dull your blade. You should learn proper stropping technique from the guides on this site and the beginner wiki.
He also goes straight for the ATG pass right off the bat. Most of the time an ATG pass follows at least one WTG pass and sometimes even a second XTG. Speaking only for myself (although there are many others that would tell you the same), I do not do a ATG pass unless its necessary that I be totally smooth. I find going against the grain leaves my face raw and it risks giving ingrown hairs. I picked up some very serious ingrowns from doing an ATG pass a few days ago and now I haven't been able to shave for a few days because I don't want to shave over them. As such, I stick with a simple WTG pass on my entire face.
I digress perhaps....
The point is... Do not learn how to shave from that movie. I know it sounds stupid for me to say it, but I would hate for anyone to try to learn from that film since it is highly inaccurate.
Incidentally, it is also not recommended that you sing and dance while shaving. I would imagine that it leads to fairly major cuts and razor burn.
Best regards