Thread: Advice/Test of my knowlage

Originally Posted by MordecaiRoth

Hello all,
I am starting to sniff around for my first straight razor. My skin is moderately sensitive, but my neck hair is akin to 30awg copper wire... Would a 6/8 wedge grind be the way to go? If not what would be a solid choice?
PS... I'm really digging some of the cheaper vintage stuff on the bst...

Wedges do not cut whiskers any better for me than a fully ground singing razor.
They do seem to be easier to hone for a beginner (my experience) where touch and pressure on
the face, hone and strop is uneven. Full wedge razors are uncommon, heavy grinds not are uncommon.

I would look for something in the middle. Perhaps a half hollow 5/8" or 6/8" razor.
Well honed (shave ready) to your door. Google for "PROFESSIONALLY SHARPENED
DOVO BEST QUALITY BLACK 5/8" 1/2 HOLLOW" to see what I suspect is a good
starter razor for you. There are other brands and multiple sellers out there.

Your 30awg whiskers are common and the shave quickly reduces to steel vs. your whiskers.
To that end I would have you focus on face and whisker preparation as much or more
than the blade.

You can postpone the purchase of the razor expense with a DR razor or
even the plastic Yellow Handle BIC Single Blade Shaver for Sensitive skin.
A DE or the BiC both have a single blade and the BIC will not shave so close that
it gives me a rash. With good face and whisker prep they do shave.

If you have heavy whiskers that are curly or lay very flat you are likely to be
in the group of faces that multiple blade razors are just irritating as all
get out. Same for a too sharp single blade like Feather brand that requires good
face and whisker prep. I cuss and swear at the Yellow Handle BiC razors but
use them for travel (airline rules).

A good strop is necessary and will cost half to as much as an entry razor. You need
both a quality strop and a quality razor at the same time.

Start lathering and have fun.