Thread: Jimps for newbies?

A question that gets asked a lot here is what does a newbie look for in a first razor. We talk about brand, making sure it is shave ready, size, grind etc. I recently had someone ask if one of my razors would be good for a newbie (one that has no jimps). I was going to tell him no and direct him to a razor with jimps, but I decided to ask the collective.

I have never seen the question of jimps addressed. It so happens my first few razors had them - mainly because I thought they looked cool. I have thought they might be good for a new shaver to have the additional traction, but with the death grip I had on the razor it probably didn't make a difference.

I still like how they look. Thumb notches are cool, too. French points and barbers notches... but I digress.

How should we advise new SR shavers?

Personally, I like jimps for new straight shavers. It allows for a solid grasp wwithout the death grip. It allows that firm-but-gentle grip to be more confidence inspiring. I remember being scared the first few shaves that the ravor was going to slip desipite my grip or twist because of it. The razors I have with jimps (and the Robert williams that could arrive as early as tomorrow...yippeee) alleviate that. Oh, and they look cool as hell.

The audience says:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razors/20722-jimps-who-needs-em.html

Jimps! Gotta have 'em!

I love jimps and razors with thumb notches. I still can't get over the fact that the legendary dubl ducks don't have them. I shave with razors with or without them but they would all have them if it was up to me.

Dry hands preclude the necessity of jimps IMO, they do look good and add reassurance to the novice. BTW why a "death grip"? Please read Jimmys sig line next chance you get.

I do like jimps, &, since Jimmy mentioned them, thumb notches! I don't think they're essential for a newcomer. I had razors with them, & without when it was new to me, & never had a slipping issue with any. Keep the lather off the shaving hand & it'll be ok!

Why have jimps when you can have big rubber grips!?

Unless it was stainless i'd be paranoid about water getting in there. I get razors wet.

Originally Posted by ben.mid

Unless it was stainless i'd be paranoid about water getting in there. I get razors wet.

I haven't had any problems so far [crosses fingers].

Originally Posted by Oglethorpe

Why have jimps when you can have big rubber grips!?

Yes kids, practice safe shex!

I think jimps for a newbie is one of these nice, but not critical things.