Thread: Mantic Goes Straight?

Hi Gents--

Ever since I started doing my traditional shaving videos I've had requests to do a video(s) on straight razors. I've resisted up to this point because of the work involved, both with learning the various aspects of straight shaving and the "mechanics" of doing those kinds of videos (I'm sure Lynn can "feel my pain"). However the demand has gotten to the point where I probably need to do *something*.

So...suggestions? Should I just get the newbie DVD to study and emulate? Should I try going the cheap route with a Pakastani razor and a single strop? Or just do a video referring everyone to SRP?

--Mark

Originally Posted by mantic

Hi Gents--

Ever since I started doing my traditional shaving videos I've had requests to do a video(s) on straight razors. I've resisted up to this point because of the work involved, both with learning the various aspects of straight shaving and the "mechanics" of doing those kinds of videos (I'm sure Lynn can "feel my pain"). However the demand has gotten to the point where I probably need to do *something*.

So...suggestions? Should I just get the newbie DVD to study and emulate? Should I try going the cheap route with a Pakastani razor and a single strop? Or just do a video referring everyone to SRP?

--Mark

Study and emulate, I say. I watched a ton of your videos when I started down this path -- I didn't even go to DE, but really loved your video presentations, especially about lathering. Welcome aboard!

EDIT: My money is on you switching to straights entirely once you get the hang of it. Consider it a friendly bet.

Your videos were a great help to me when kicking the canned goo/cartridge razor habit. I would love to see your take on the straight.
Of course, you know all about prep, building lather, etc already, so for the actual shaves, yeah, follow lynn's ideas. Honeslty, even his great newbie post on straight shaving would give you plenty to go on.
And yes, avoid the Pakistani razors. You can get a fantastic starter straight in the classifieds here for under $50 if you have a little patience (and ask around if you're not sure it's right for you!). A starter strop from kenrup, and you're good to go!

Yes, thanks for your video presentation to date. I agree, provided you can master stropping, given that fact that you're proficient and knowledgeable about the need for proper shave prep, you're a shoe in for learning to shave with this type of tool.

IMO forget about honing your own razors for now, buy a shave ready razor, a strop and make or buy an inexpensive paddle strop you can paste some chromium oxide or similar high grit abrasive and you can keep that shave ready razor shaving well for a very very very long time without even requiring any re-honing.

I have too many razors I like shaving with to really try such an experiment at this point anyway, but a big part of me believes that it would be possible to keep a razor from needing to be re-honed for years, decades or even........."indefinitely" using just a plain leather strop and some other strop pasted with a .5 micron abrasive.


Chris L

Considering that Saturday is Halloween, you have a great opportunity for a new "Mantic shaves straight" video. Do all the regular prep, brandish a straight razor (Sweeney Todd'ish), then have it rigged so that with your first cut, blood (fake blood mind you) squirts everywhere etc.....

Of course, if you pick a Pakistani blade, you may have a similar video (but probably not since you won't be able to get the blade sharp enough).

On the serious side, browse through the Wiki and you'll find all the info you need.

Enjoy! and Welcome to SRP!

+1 on all the advice.

Also see Jim's video on shaving with a Japanese Straight.

And thank you for your vids. Did the Mythbusters ever pick up your suggestion?

Looking forward to seeing the new video. If you're looking for an inexpensive kit to get you started, this one will do the trick.

RupRazor - Gold Dollar Razor and Filly Strop

The Beginner's Guide is the best place to start in the wiki.

Straight Razor Place Wiki:Books/Beginners Guide - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Good luck putting together your kit and that first shave. Keep us posted.

I hate to speak for others, but I honestly think that if you send a few PMs to the elder members (in terms of service, not age!) I'm sure someone would be willing to offer some testing equipment for the purposes of learning and creating videos.

I'd be very happy to lend you a nice razor, as a thank you for the videos. They really helped me out when i started with a DE, & that lead me on to try straights!
Please let me know if that would be any use to you?

Oh, forgot to say, welcome over & good to have you here!

It was your videos that got me into double edged wet shaving. I'm looking forward to seeing the straight razor videos.