Thread: just another newb

Just joined this forum last night, I only got around to reading the stickies in the Newbies Corner, so far, but hopefully soon I will get a better look around. I'm actually going to out to find a barber to give me my first straight razor shave after I'm done with this post.
I've been shaving for 15 years now, I use refillable safety razors. I've purchased a $120 Electric Razor once and only used it one time, they suck. As I stated above never had or used a straight razor. I really want to get one, but want to do a little research before diving in.
So feel free to give me some good tips, info, suggestions. Direct me to useful threads and/or websites.
I live in the Central Pennsylvania area, so if anyone knows of any good barbers or places to purchase razors either here or Philladelphia area, let me know.
I enjoy, cognac, single malt scotch, cigars, hiking, camping, art, and sleeping.
Yes I know!! Search!! I will do that but it would be nice to come back this evening or tomorrow with a really good jumping off point, since this site looks like it is well seasoned.
Thank you, sooo much in advanced, I really appreciate the help.
Post you later.

Here's a good place to start:

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

Good luck, and ask questions. Just make sure you read first because chances are your questions will be answered there.

Cheers,

Ogie

Welcome to SRP!

The best place to get started is the Wiki:

Beginner's Guide

and for those interests that you mentioned, I think
you will find that they are shared with many of the
members here:

The Finer Things in Life

I hope you like it here, and decide to stick around!

- Scott

Unfortunatly a barber might not be the best place for a straight razor shave. Most places in the US they are required by law to use disposable blades so even if it is a straight tye razor it won't be the same (or persoanlly as good) as a real straight razor shave. It will get your feet wet though so to speak.

Welcome. I don't know about where you are but I only know of 2 Barber shops here that do str8 shaves. As for information you are in the right place, the WIKI has loads of information on just about everything related to str8's also, everyone is real helpful. Being still new the best advice I can give is to take some time learn what you can then be patient and go slow. I can tell you I'm already getting better shaves than I did with whatever other kind of razor I used. Remember this is more than just a shave it's an art.

From one Newbie to another, Welcome aboard!

I don't know about going out for a straight shave with someone I don't know...They must come highly reccomended for me.

The Wiki is the Best for finding info on everything!

It will answer all your questions,

I only have about a half a dozen shaves under my belt and all my questions were answered right here!!

Shaving happily with a Straight!

Good luck!

It's great that you have posted here before making a purchasing mistake. The more you read here, the more likely you will be better prepared to buy what you need and what you want, without falling for the dreaded ebay Zeepk trap!

Welcome natepaint!

since you use safety razors you are probably already set as far as wetshaving goes so you should only need a razor and strop.

classicshaving.com and (SRD) straightrazordesign.com are both awesome sites to get some new dovo razors sharpened by Lynn (you said you read the stickies so you should know who he is already) SRD also sells strops that from what I hear are awesome.

Also check out the classifieds you can a get a nice (well ugly) shave ready razor for $20-35 shipped.

for strops the filly from ruprazor.com is $20 and comes w/ a pasted side to touch up your razor.



or you can go with the highly regarded (TM) Tony Miller strop at thewellshavedgentleman.com his strops are considered some of the best. They are a little more expensive but if you add an extra $8 he includes a practice strop (which is nice enough to be your main strop) this way you save on shipping have a piece of leather to nick up while learning and a nice strop for when your ready.



If you need help looking for anything else let us know.

I suggest using a butterknife or comb (the one that looks like a razor w/ the long handle for parts) and practice stroping this will help you get used to moving your hand in that manner and prevent you from accidently nicking your strop when you get your razor. Check the wiki for stroping technique remember use the "knob turn" method and keep your wrist locked using your forearm for the x patern.

Also if you order your razor from any of the above sites they come honed and stropped so DO NOT strop the first time you shave. This will show you how sharp a razor is suppose to be and eliminate the factor of you accidently rolling the edge of your razor the first time you strop resulting in a bad shave.

Hope this helps

I live in center city Philly. One good thing is that Philadelphia barbers are allowed to use straight razors and aren't required to use the ones with replaceable blades. There are plenty of barbers in the city that will do a straight shave, I would recommend Joe at a shop named Groom. He's the owner and recently moved to a slightly larger shop and had to bring on a second barber, Sal. Make sure you have an appointment since they don't take walk-ins. I think he tries to do his shaves earlier in the week because he gets pretty busy toward the weekend. The review says its on Walnut Street, but they moved to 1324 Locust and the new number is 215-545-2626. You might be able to find a few in south philly too.

2008 Best of Philly: Mens Shave
http://http://www.phillymag.com/shopping_style/detail/groom


Groom
Also in Center City, Groom is a thoroughly "now" barbershop that prides itself on classic techniques with modern style. But here, instead of watching sports, guys can get a cut and a shave (hot and cold towels, astringent, the works) while listening to great jazz. Rich mahogany wood and lamp sconces give the whole place a Cary Grant sort of vibe. Groom, 1315 Walnut St., Philadelphia, 215.545.5070; www.groomphilly.com

Personally I recommend Dovo, they are great for us begnniers and they don't cost an arm and a legg. I have two and they are supurb.