Thread: Hey Guys :)

So I've been looking into getting a straight for a while now, just searching the web and what have you, trying to learn a bit. Now I found this site! This is great! My question is, if I'm looking to put together a starter kit, what am I missing out of my list? I'll need:

razor
strop
brush
soap
honing stone?


How do i know what's decent quality to start with? also, how sad is it that I'm already wondering about finding a Damascus blade and i don't even have my newbie starter razor yet? LoL

Anyway, great site you have here, I apologize post of what i'm sure gets posted 1 million times a day. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Well you have all the gear, but you will want to do some reading before you commit to buying any of it.

I will try my hand in helping:

Razor - Get a new or vintage razor pre-honed buy one of the Honemeisters.
Get a second if you want to learn to hone.

Strop... Get a Tony Miller... And that's all you'll ever need. (Note I said need, not want)

Brush - Some here will say get a cheap boar hair at Wal-mart. I say spend a little on a good one. $30 to $50 for a good Super Badger.

Soap - Get some good stuff or get some good creams. You will find the better ones easier to lather.

Hone - Norton 4000/8000

I would add one of Lynn's DVDs. Really, this is almost a must.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=7412

Good luck and welcome aboard.

Welcome to SRP! Looks Ron's got you pointed in the right direction....take some time and browse through the forums for more great ideas.....happy shaving!

Hi and welcome

Ron has done a really good job covering the starter setup, I just want to point out once again, be sure your razor is shave ready!

Good luck

Under this section of the forum is a
posting titled "Newby Kits" from The Topher.
He's a very well respected member here
and is putting together kits aimed at newbies
like us which will include everything you need
to get started, minus the honing stone.

John

Ask and you shall receive, A?

I am new too (haven't even received my razor to start trying yet), and have been gathering resources as far as technique and how to actually perform a shave. This forum has a ton of information, and a search or a simple question, as you have found, will always raise a wealth of info from the generous members Other excellent resources include:

• The Interactive Guide to Straight Razor Shaving: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=28547
• Video tutorials by Mantic59 on YouTube
• FAQ's on various vendor web sites, such as VintageBladesLLC, ClassicShaving, TheWellShavedGentleman, etc.

Welcome, btw

* I apologize, I just realized it may not be proper etiquette to post links or the names of businesses, but I figured it is a heck of a lot easier to just post the straight resources than advise a wild goose chase... please remove my post if it is inappropriate.

Welcome to SRP . I'm new to straight razor shaving myself,but i have found this site to contain a wealth of information. Read all you can and ask questions and your experience with straights should be a pleasant one.

K I just got back from the Ohio Meetup and what a good time. So yes I make kits if you want one. It is all you need to get started. I am running about a 2 week wait right now but it saves you some money and a guarantee the hone even if you mess it up for 3 months.