Thread: complete novice

hi am from durham in the uk and have just had my first proper shave at the moment I've only got a razor that takes removable blades but
I after admit I am impressed with the end result and will be investing in a proper razor soon so would be grateful for any tips the more skilled shavers have

Welcome to the most friendly, helpful and informative site on the web!!

You will find members here of all different backgrounds, ages and occupations from all corners of the world and all with a quest for more knowledge about using and maintaining a straight razor!

If you take the time to search, 99.9% of your questions can be found in the Library (WIKI) however feel free to ask us about whatever it is that you are wondering about or having a problem with. It does help if you’ve done some research before hand so it narrows the problem down a bit.

There are several members in the UK hopefully one of them is close by.

As far as finding vintage straight razors check your local antique shops and such, look for ones that are free of rust that there isn't a crack and that there is little to no hone wear. If there is 'minor' hone wear check that it is even on both sides of the razor. If in doubt take pictures and post them for us to try to guide you. Check the scales (handles) to make sure that they aren't broken, cracked or chipped.

Many newbies think that these are just minor issues and to the more experienced they are. Right now you have your hands full learning how to properly make lather, properly strop and properly shave with a straight razor.

There are two members close by who are can hone for you. If they don't chime in, I'll PM you with their addresses here at SRP.

Again, Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to the SRP family!!!

Hi and welcome to the forum. Generally I'd say check out the classifieds here for a razor; although currently there aren't that many for sale. of course eBay always has straights and you could ask advice before buying (though we won't give a valuation as it's not allowed). Ensure your new razor is shave ready.

You'll need a strop of course, generally they tend to be about 100AU. You'll also need a hone (if you want to hone yourself; I recommenced you do learn how) and something like a Shapton 16k will keep your razor shave ready for a long time (assuming care and attention in stropping and general care of the razor). However, it is often recommended that you buy TWO razors, both shave ready; and keep one as a comparrison. You can swap between them when the bring one up to the state of the other. So, you buy two, use one. Then, when you feel it's slightly dull, compare it to the other unused razor. Refresh the used razor on the hone until you feel it's at the same state as the unused razor. When you feel they're both the same in regards to the edge, you can use the unused razor and compare it to the other. This way you always have a benchmark.

Otherwise it's easy to forget what a truly shave ready razor feels like, unless of course you just keep buying them; which you probably will anyway!

Good luck!

Carl

Hi and welcome. Sounds like the guys have given most of the basic advice so I will just add to check before purchasing as there are many places selling razors that will never shave and poor equipment. Either ask or do a search and you can know your getting a good product that will last. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask.

Greetings from just outside Durham, North Carolina, brother. Buy quality out of the gate, learn how to keep it sharp and shave on. Such a pleasure.

just a picture of what I've got to start with

What brand is the straight in the picture. Have you used it yet

hia eddy79 not got brand name on was from ebay tried it first and just doesn't shave think its the wrong steel only paid £10 so wasn't expecting much

You'll soon learn what to look for in a razor. £10 isn't going to get you very far, unless you're in to restoring razors. There's a list somewhere in the wiki of reputable (and disreputable) razor brands and it's generally advised to stick to something on that list.

A lot of people don't recommend buying from eBay for the very reason that you've just discovered—there's a lot of rubbish out there. However, I would recommend buying from Tony Holmes's eBay store, Taylors1000. He's a member here and a very friendly chap; sells restored vintage razors in top quality condition and going by his sale history, you'd expect to pay somewhere between £30 and £40. Most of the blades are sold unhoned, though you might find a few shave ready, but you could either ask him to hone it for you (for a little bit extra), or send it to somebody else for honing.

You can't really go wrong with Tony, but if you want something new, there are a few UK based sites out there that stock good razors—I've used Executive Shaving before and they were alright.