Thread: help?

Shane, I came here too when I was first starting. Alot of nice people here to give opinions and tips. One tip is, don't go straight for it when you get it. You said your 16 no job and money is tight, so it may take a while for you to get the set. In the spare time, research how its done. Videos on youtube, here at the wiki section explains how to do it. It helped me alot when I was first starting because I was researching it probably 2 months (if not more) before I got the stuff, so I knew basically how to do it.

Also, try to shave as often as possible, maybe once every 2 days or so. That way you get practice and don't have to start all over again.

When shaving use both hands, don't try to use your dominant hand everywhere. What I do is WTG (going down your face) on the right side of my face I use my right hand and on the left side I use my left hand. Now when I do XTG (going up the face) I do opposite sides, for example when shaving the left side of my face I use my right hand and the right side using my left hand. Simply because (for me) its awkward moving your arm to where you can go XTG the arm on the same side of the face (if you can understand this)

Also, start by shaving your cheek and neck only, the chin and upper lip are probably the hardest parts to shave.

Hope you can get your razor soon and hope you do a good job your first time, any questions just ask!

those tips were very helpful i think i found a rszor i am interessted in its on rup razor.com and its 60 for the razor and a filly strop im still going to look into it a little bit more i just need to now come up with 60 bucks. thanks everyone, Shane

I think, at 16, when you're probably very new to the whole shaving thing as well - I'd start with a DE safety razor. You'll already have your hands more than full learning to make a decent lather with a brush, and the basic techniques of shaving, without having to also learn to safely wield a straight. A DE teaches you about angle and pressure without the chance of a serious cut.

I've got nearly 30 years of wet shaving behind me, and it still took me over 3 months to get proficient with a DE. I've tried a straight and it is way harder.

i just ordered my first razor it has disposable blades. i only paid 15 dollars after shipping its just something to start with. i just wanted to thank everyone for the tips they gave me, Shane

Originally Posted by Shane1993

I recently posted a thread about where i can get what i need to start shaving with a razor. I havent had any luck finding anything cheap enough for me. If anyone has any more suggestions i would really appreciate it. Shane

If you are already a wet shaver skip this but if you are not
go shopping for a brush, soap and some BiC yellow handled tossables.
A useful boar brush can be less than ten bucks at a CVS or Wallmart.
A very worthy badger can be had for about fifty.

Wallmart near me has a kit with soap, brush and lathering bowel for ~$10.

A puck of soap costs from $2.00 to twenty for the finest...
Ten-fifteen bucks gets some wonderful shave creams...

Add less than ten bucks (more like $5) for the tossables
and you are shaving with a blade.

The next step is to save up for a better razor and stuff for the kit.
A double edge (DE) is a big improvement from tossables...
and does not require a strop or hone so you can save a buck
there....

A BIG part of a good shave is in the lather and that is
the easy first bit to jump on.

Originally Posted by Shane1993

i just ordered my first razor it has disposable blades. i only paid 15 dollars after shipping its just something to start with. i just wanted to thank everyone for the tips they gave me, Shane

Very cool. I started with something very similar. If you don't mind one more bit of advice, after your first shave, remove the blade, and just practice with the bladeless razor while watching TV, in front of a mirror, or where ever you feel comfortable.

I did this and it really helped me get comfortable with the motions, as well as work my non dominant hand into the mix without butchering my face.

Good luck and have fun.

Originally Posted by Drubbing

I think, at 16, when you're probably very new to the whole shaving thing as well - I'd start with a DE safety razor. You'll already have your hands more than full learning to make a decent lather with a brush, and the basic techniques of shaving, without having to also learn to safely wield a straight. A DE teaches you about angle and pressure without the chance of a serious cut.

I've got nearly 30 years of wet shaving behind me, and it still took me over 3 months to get proficient with a DE. I've tried a straight and it is way harder.

No offence but I actually think its a good thing to start with a straight. I'm 15 and I started with one a few months ago. I think if you want to use a straight and decide to do so before you start shaving its a good idea to start with a straight. Point being, if you want to shave with a straight razor, but wait and learn with other things, once you get one, because straight razor shaving is hard, your are more likely to say, forget this I'll just stick with what I already had been using because its so much easier.

Now I do think it is a good idea to invest in both a straight razor and a DE razor. Because straight razor shaving takes so long if your in a hurry to get your shave done, a DE is an easier, faster way to do so. But I do think its a better idea to start with a straight.

Just my opinion

First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Heres the link I told you about Shane, I deffinatly suggest you read up.

You could go to mysteryrazor
and get a shave ready stainless steel Gold Dollar and a starter strop for $39 plus shipping. They charge $2 to ship a razor, not sure about adding on a strop.

I've used the Walmart shaving set that sells for about $8. It's fine. I like the soap better than my $20 shaving cream.