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Thread: Hey everyone!

  1. #1
    Junior Member
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    Default Hey everyone!

    I just got my first straight razor and strop a couple days ago. It's a nice shave-ready razor from here and a vintage strop.

    I'm hoping to find a source for some decent soap or other lubrication locally. As many before me have found, the junk from the aeresol can just doesn't cut it.

    I'd love to find a starter brush/soap/mug locally, but I'm not sure what is worth my time. I read some reviews on a Van Der Hagen set that are less than stellar...

    Any ideas? Looking forward to a successful shave after a couple not-so-wonderful attempts!

  2. #2
    Senior Member singlewedge's Avatar
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    Lubrication - your on your own. Check some auto parts stores.

    Soap/Cream - TGQ, Proraso/Bigelow, MamaBear.

    Those are my top three.

    Welcome to the forum and do not forget about the wiki.

  3. #3
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    Haha thanks, I just specifically mentioned lubrication because that's what seems to be lacking from my combination...

    I've got plenty of 5w30 in the garage, but I think I'll pass on that for now

    I know there are tons of great stuff that can be ordered online, but I was wondering if any decent stuff can be bought locally. Like WalMart/Target/drug stores etc etc.

    Thanks for the welcome!

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    Renaissance Man fritz's Avatar
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    Thumbs up

    Since you're just starting, I suggest getting some inexpensive (but good) things first, then later you can look at the more expensive soaps, creams, and brushes from some vendors listed here on SRP Vendor's Corner.

    This sort of stuff is hard to find locally, because there is usually little choice. I suggest you look at the Shoebox here and get the Omega #10048 boar brush. And navigate to the creams section and pick up some ARKO creams, perhaps also look in soaps for the ARKO shave stick. This is good, utilitarian stuff which you can get a great shave with, it just doesn't have the exotic scents and subtle luxuries of the higher-priced stuff. Almost any large coffee mug or a small cereal bowl will do for making the lather, but you can get one from the Shoebox if you wish.

    Of course, be sure to look at the Wiki here for tutorials on how to make lather, how to prep your beard, how to shave, etc.

    And welcome to SRP, you'll find it a great place!

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    brentstrong (07-17-2009)

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    Senior Member ENUF2's Avatar
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    Proraso/Bigelow is available at bath and body works a small tube is about 5 bucks. You may want to look for a Barber supply or a high end cigar shop sometimes they will sell soaps and aftershaves wally world don't carry. Welcome to SRP read the WIKI and if you have questions there's usually someone with an answer (maybe 2 or 3).

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    brentstrong (07-17-2009)

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    Sounds good! Thanks!

    Knoxville, eh? I live in Franklin, TN!

  9. #7
    Doc
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    your just up the road from us in Asheville NC

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    Senior Member ENUF2's Avatar
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    Cool there's one other from Knoxville that I know of here. In the community section there is a map you can add yourself to. Asheville is 90 minutues from here and yes I've already been thinking about trying to make the get together next time.

  11. #9
    BF4 gamer commiecat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ENUF2 View Post
    Proraso/Bigelow is available at bath and body works a small tube is about 5 bucks. You may want to look for a Barber supply or a high end cigar shop sometimes they will sell soaps and aftershaves wally world don't carry. Welcome to SRP read the WIKI and if you have questions there's usually someone with an answer (maybe 2 or 3).
    +1 on that. If you want some cheap/local stuff to start, here's what I've found in my relatively-small town.

    Preshave: I use plain olive oil. Wal-Mart also sells Shave Secret, which I've never used personally but it has gotten good reviews on here.

    Cream: C.O. Bigelow shave cream at Bath & Body Works as ENUF2 noted. Good stuff, inexpensive, and rebranded Proraso.

    Aftershave: Witch hazel works well. Look for Thayer's brand -- they have some great scented/unscented products. Store locator says that you can pick it up at a few shops in Franklin.

    Here are some links to help:
    Walmart.com: Shave Secret: The Best Shave Ever Natural Oils, 18.75 ml: Personal Care
    Bath & Body Works - Premium Shave Cream with Eucalyptus Oil
    Thayer's Natural Remedies
    (Thayer's store locator for TN, sorted alphabetically by city)

    Hope that helps!
    Last edited by commiecat; 07-17-2009 at 08:34 PM.

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    brentstrong (07-17-2009)

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