Potential New Straight Razor User

M

Murielson

Joined
Tuesday June 14, 2011
Hi all.

Been wondering around the internet looking at straight razors, old/new, expensive/cheap and found this site and thought I would stop and request some advice from those obviously in the know. Bottom line is I am currently taken with the idea of getting a straight razor, leather strop et al and using on a regular basis. Probably not everyday but semi regular dependant on time available etc.

Some background - ex-military so shaved every working day for circa 24 years until I left in 2004 so extremely used to wet shaving. Still shave daily on weekdays but no highly frustrated with the standard blades etc available from main outlets regarding cost etc. Recently taken to 'cleaning' blades to extend their life (brushing backwards on towel as shown readily on Youtube etc) and this appears to work for me to some extent in prolonging life of disposables.

I don't think this is a fad but have never used a straight razor before, although I have been shaved on several holidays in Turkey and greatly enjoyed the experience. Looking for a reasonably priced entry level razor for now to get me started with a view to investing a bit more on something more substantial if I get on with the process.

Any recommendations for a razor source, brush, soaps etc all welcomed. I know a lot of this probably comes down to personal preference but thought I would try and learn from others experiences and views rather than make mistakes to start that may put me off the whole process altogether.

I have looked around ebay etc and there are extremely cheap razors, razors for restoration (this interests me if I take to it) and more expensive razors but I have no background to make an informed selection at present. All replies welcomed and I will return to see what advice is available on a regular basis, even if it is just directing me elsewhere in the Forums. Bit late in the day but may even try and get hold of something as a Fathers Day gift if anyone is aware of any offers that are around.
 
Welcome to TSR! :D

As a relatively new straight user I would certainly recommend Neil Miller who is a member here. Google him and straights and you should find his site too. I wouldn't be tempted to take a punt at an eBay razor until you gain more knowledge on the subject. Best value would be a reconditioned vintage razor from Neil, or from other members here who might be selling on the B/S/T part of the forum. There is some debate about whether it is better to use a DE safety razor before making the jump from cartridge to cut-throat. Personally I think you should just go for it. I would though recommend that you try to stick to using the straight exclusively for a few weeks as it will be a steep learning curve. Good luck!!
 
Welcome,http://www.strop-shop.co.uk/ is Neil's site and he comes very highly regarded in the community. Pick yourself up a cheap DE as well and ditch those cartridges and associated cost :)

Have a look at our review and shaving help section as well, you will get some great advice from the guys on here.
 
Aye Aye Murielson and a warm welcome
+1 on what Pig Cat have both said about Neil.
I'm the same as Pig cat being a new straight shaver myself i have found it a very steep learning curve compared to the DE,i can shave my face fine but the chin areas and neck is still the areas i am needing more practice on.
Hopefully i will get there eventually but the fun is trying out new things and of course the buying of straights.

I also got in touch with Arrowhead(Andy) to see if he could help me out when i purchased my first straight either him or Neil will give you very good advice.
 
Hi and welcome to TSR Murielson! :D

Good advice from the lads, I would also suggest Neil Miller (for a bargain straight razor and a basic strop - belive me when I say you can get pure rubish ion Ebay). Pm him here and ask if he can help you out.

As for brush, either go with one from Fido here (the most bang for the buck if you want badger hair) or a bodger vulfix 404 brush (mix of badger and bore) and since you´ve been to turkey you should know of ARKO (all the barbers there use it), it´s an excellent and cheap shaving stick... or buy a tub from Sharon here (soapalchemist), I think she makes one of the best shaving soaps in the world (a little more expensive than ARKO, but def worth it if you ask me).
 
Good starter brush here Murielson <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=9241">viewtopic.php?f=11&t=9241</a><!-- l -->
or a freebie starter kit <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=9200">viewtopic.php?f=11&t=9200</a><!-- l -->
 
Thanks for all the responses and the warm welcome. Home already!!

My next stop after posting in the Welcome Forum was neils Straight Razor Trilogy and it appears to be everything a newbie could hope for regarding information. Answers most of the points in my original post straight away and probably should have headed there initially in retrospect. At least I now also have all of your comments above to add to the pile of information I am collecting.

Have looked at Neils shop already and will probably take your advice and go direct by PM to see if he has anything available for a new starter.

Fascinating topic and from starting out looking for a 'cut throat razor', I am already feeling somewhat naive but my interest is certainly perked to look further. Once again thanks to all.
 
:shave welcome, ive been straight shaving for over a year now and think its great, jus the saving of 9.99 for 3 mach 3s. i got a wapina to start with dam good razor for a newbie, dont go down the shavette route untill you have got the hang of a straight, straights are more forgiving.

welcome

colin
 
Hello and welcome Murielson :D

I'd certainly recommend Neil whole heartedly: you can depend on him to supply you with something decent with a very nice edge on it. Cut throats come in quite a variety and the choice is yours, but to start with it would be wise to stick in the 5/8 to 6/8 range for width and to go for a round point - squares and spikes aren't ideal for learning with.
 
Hello and welcome fella. :)

Cant add anything that hasn't already been mentioned, hope you enjoy the learning curve, be interested in hearing how you fare with this easily addictive venture. :shave
 
Thanks again for all the warm welcomes. PM sent to Neil on this site and also sent message via contact us link on his website.
 
Hi & you're very welcome Murielson. Big advantage of buying / trading with other site members is that TSR is pretty "self policing" so you can be sure of getting an item which is exactly as described to you by any of the members who have been here anytime at all. Also of course most of the suppliers and car boot recovery specialists are genuine enthusiasts themselves and will do their best to steer you right.

Enjoy the journey.

JohnnyO. \ :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom