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.
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.