Thread: Newbie from NY

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

Ah, I grew up in Westchester, but I've been here since I came for college. Maybe keep an eye out for a meet up in Philly. There is a Get Together's section in the General area. (Having met other forum members and been to meets, I really encourage everyone to try to get to one).

where did you go to school? Ithaca? Cornell? I don't know what else is in the area? interested b/c my brother went to Ithaca.

Welcome. You sound like you're on target to get a good start. Make sure to spend time with Wiki and ask questions there's always a answer here.

You've come to the right place for advice! I'm new at this as well and I posted a few questions yesterday and I've had some very useful and informative answers...!

Thats the way I got into this as well. I got a brush and soap first to use with my DE Merkur and then got curious about using a str8.

From my reading on SRP, SRP Wiki and a few other sites I learnt that the best makes to go for are DOVO, Thiers Issard and Boker. And a good choice of blade is a hollow ground 5/8" round tip. I got a DOVO Blackstar at the weekend (also 5/8" round tip full hollow ground) and it shaves great and is really nice to strop, the blade really sings when you get it right..! If you check the SRP Wiki site you can find the makes of razor to avoid under the Beginners guide. Link below.

Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki


A new razor avoids the risk of needing honing/ restoration right from the start and, without expert knowledge, it would be easy to buy a real problem child..! I know I certainly would not have been able to spot a duff blade or scales had I been buying a second hand razor. Plus if theres a problem you can take it back to the store and get it dealt with, always a plus..!

Good luck and let us know which razor you decided on!

Does new york state have any good antique shops that can get you a quality shaver? You did not say which part of the state you live in, most of my family come from New York City (around Zabars on Broadway) so I have a passing familiarity with some of the shops around the Zabars neighborhood.

When it comes to choosing between 5/8 and 6/8, I think it's about personal preference. I myself find that a 6/8 is a bit easier for me to handle, and I like the way the extra weight feels in my hand. Unfortunately, until you have handled razors enough, there is no way to know which you will prefer.

I grew up in Scarsdale, but my family was not your typical "Scarsdalian" family, if you know what I mean.

Hey thanks so much, any advice on the Strop?

OK I'm a little slow here, I thought I was sending a PM and instead posted up again.

Found it so I am editing this to reflect my blunder.

All the advice is welcomed and the patience appreciated.

Great idea on practicing making lathering. It's very critical to get the right consistency. When made correctly it should have the consistency of whipped cream (the real stuff). If it's too thin it will be like a meringue and the lather will breakdown on your face, rendering it useless.

Dward,

Thanks for the tips on the lathering up...my saop and brush came in today so tonight I am going to give it a try...

Just ordered my strop from Tony, can't wait to see that, it looks awsome online.

Waiting for my bowl set to be finished, hope to have that some time next week.

Still waiting on ordering my Razor, been checking the classified section but I think I am going to end up ordering a new Dovo online unless anyone has any other suggestions for me.

What a GREAT forum! Cant wait to start...

Welcome!!!

WHen you get some time check out the Shave of the Day section. I had avoided it at first but it does have good info in regards to what other shavers are using and how they prep too.

As for the 5/8 or 6/8, as others have said, for now it does't matter much. When you have had the opportunity to shave with a few razors you will decide which you like best and why. In any event you will probably end up with a variety of razor sizes, grinds, brands, etc. Once you start down this road it seems you can never have enough razors on hand.

Good luck and have fun!
Tom