Thread: hey

hey all

i've always wanted to learn how to shave with a straight, but i have a few questions.


as long as i'm careful, would it be alright to dive right in a buy a straight? should i buy a DE first?

also, what are the pros and cons to getting a feather straight (the kind you replace the blades)?


thanks in advance

I don't think you need to go through shaving with a DE before using a straight. One thing that you might learn using a DE first is to always shave with an extreme light touch and let the razor do the work. This is usually quite hard for people coming from the cartridge world directly to a DE or SR.

Welcome to SRP. You will find a lot of answers to your questions in the Wiki accessible in the tool bar at the top of the page or click here . As for shaving with a DE first I think it was a big help to me. I had shaved with a DE as a young man 45 years ago and got into the disposables in the seventies. Had a brief fling with straights in the eighties and gave it up.

Went back to the DE a few years ago and back to the straights about a year ago. Now I shave with the straight exclusively. The wet shaving techniques I picked up with a DE transferred easily to the straight and as a beginner I used both for the first month I shaved with a straight. So I think it is a good idea to walk before you run so to speak.

I too began with a DE before making the jump into using a straight. I didn't actually plan to try using a straight razor at all initially, it just came as a natural progression I guess! I know it really helped me understand a lot about shaving, most importantly how the hair grew on my face. Before the DE I didn't really take into consideration how weird the grain of my hair is in some places..... But, now that I use a straight exclusively the DE razors just sit there....So the choice is your's to make.

You can certainly make the jump "straight" into using a straight razor, just as long as you know how to start. The wiki, as mentioned above, is an excellent resources with a lot of great information; I know I've used it many times.

I've never used a feather straight, but I've certainly know they're renowned for being extremely sharp. I personally wouldn't go that route simply because I am attracted to the vintage quality of using a true straight. But a feather straight would allow you to focus a little more on shaving technique while not having to worry about razor maintainence, i.e. stropping and honing. So it could be a great stepping stone into using a real straight, or you may just stay with it if you're happy!

So many choices to make!!! Good luck and welcome to SRP

Dave

Not quite sure what going to a DE will buy you other than teach you to be careful. The skill sets are different. Here are a few rcommendations:

1. Get a copy of Lynn's CD (in the classifieds). It's a wonderful investment for someone new to straights.

2. Buy your first straight from one of two sources. The first is the classifieds. There are many, many straights for less than $75 that are quite suitable for someone one new. Look for a 5/8 or 6/8 round point that is sheave ready (will say so in the ad). Also look in the Vendor's Corner for Kenrup who sells beginner sets.

3. Additionally you will need a strop (hanging the best, but a paddle will work), shave soap or cream (personal choice), and a brush (can be had for less than $10).

4. And finally, but most important, read through the forums on the site. There's a wealth of information available.

Enjoy...

thanks for all the quick responses guys

i've actually been lurking and reading the wiki awhile now, and thanks for all the advice.

i'm about to go for a look around the classifieds, but i found this set online: VintageBladesLLC::...

good? bad?

thanks again for helping a newbie out

He sells quality equipment!! Please note that it will cost you an additional $20 to get it honed to shave ready condition...

Originally Posted by dward

He sells quality equipment!! Please note that it will cost you an additional $20 to get it honed to shave ready condition...

Also note that this will be the best $20 you will ever spend while getting into straights!!!

myself i went and bought a srtaight had hy first shave yesterday i couldent see spending the money on a de and then buying a straight my first shave with a straight was great im already planning on buying another soon good luck

I'm glad my "spending phase" didn't cross into holiday shopping I feel for you