Thread: Hello! Where do I start?

Hi everybody!

I want to start shaving as soon as possible. Can anyone recommend a specific razor that I should pick up, and anything else I should read or do before I start?

I'm 26, a student, and I have sensitive skin (Irish), which I heard straight razors are okay for.

I know there is that really cheap and really good type of imported razor that are somewhat hard to find but very high quality that maybe I should seek out, but I forget their name if someone could remind me?

Thanks,

C13

The best inexpensive razor I would recommend for you is a razor/strop combination set that would include a Dovo Best Quality razor and a 3" strop.

This set is offered by several vendors who advertise here at SRP.

The next option would be to purchase an inexpensive razor and a strop from the SRP Classifieds.

Make sure that what you purchase has been honed, therefore "shave-ready."

Whichever of the two above options you choose, you ought to go to your local drugstore or Wal-Mart and get a Van der Hagen soap/brush combo and some Nivea aftershave balm to complete your beginner's shaving kit.

Personally, I would stay away from the Gold Dollar straight razor.

I hope that this helps.

Thanks, does anyone know of any straight razor classes in the NYC area?

Best,

C13

(If that's even necessary?)

I have a cheap Diane razor that someone gave me, should I practice with this or no?

I think it has a replaceable razor blade and its white plastic.

Welcome to SRP. Jhenry has you on the right track. As far as what you should read just go to the Wiki tab at the top of the page.
Feel free to ask lots of questions, we are here to help you with those first few tough steps.

Originally Posted by Cassidy13

I have a cheap Diane razor that someone gave me, should I practice with this or no?

I think it has a replaceable razor blade and its white plastic.

Most of us started with a shavette. So until you get your straight this is a good place to start.

Originally Posted by Cassidy13

Thanks, does anyone know of any straight razor classes in the NYC area?

Best,

C13

(If that's even necessary?)

Personally, I don't think it would be worth it. If you want to learn how to shave with a straight razor, go to a barber shop and talk with an old barber.

In addition to the classifieds here, a lot have recommended whippeddog.com. They sell good inexpensive used razors and such for beginners.

Welcome to SRP

+1 to the advice given so far. SRD, Classic Shave, the classifieds (in the menu bar above) and whipped dog are all good vendors who will help you get started if you let them know you're just starting out.

I've personally had better luck finding VDH starter kits at Walgreens/CVS type pharmacies and even in grocery store pharmacies, though Wally-World does carry the VDH soap. Van Der Hagen (VDH) stuff is used by several members here, myself included, as a good starting point...and cheap to boot.

Read the Wiki in the menu bar above. There's a ton of info there. Start at the beginning and work your way through. You'll learn a lot you never knew you could learn about shaving. Then if you're still hungry for more, cruise through the sticky threads in each of the forums as they'll teach you a TON too.

By the time you get through all of that you'll be a shaving expert and can help the next guy who comes along.

BTW: Never heard anybody blame their sensitive skin on being Irish before. I'm 40% Irish. My Dad's 0% Irish. He doesn't have problems with sensitive skin. I do. Hmmm

Originally Posted by Cassidy13

Thanks, does anyone know of any straight razor classes in the NYC area?

Best,

C13

(If that's even necessary?)

Welcome, I learned allot by watching Youtube vids.