Thread: Opinions & Other Recommendations Regarding Starter Kit(s)

Hi,

I'm looking to start shaving with a straight razor (as a complete beginner.) I have my reasons. One of which is, I tend to get ingrown hairs around my neck when shaving with a multi blade razor and was recommended that shaving with a single blade razor reduces the likelyhood of this due to the cut only being made with one blade as opposed to pulled with one or two and then cut with the third or fourth (or even fifth ,) causing the hair to retreat below skin level. I've noticed that shaving with a new blade dramatically reduces any ingrown hairs so thought I may as well go the full hog with single blade shaving.

Plus, I like the nostalgic factor behind the idea of straight shaving.

Anyway, to my point. I've been reading and reading about straight shaving and have gathered a lot of very useful information into the do's & don'ts of straight razor shaving. This site seems like a goldmine of information and I've also trawled the web, using my very productive time in work to read THIS pdf.

I've looked through razors and starting kits intently and have come across the below product. I realise that (Steve, I think ) Is a member on here and is very highly respected by a lot of members.

The site appears to be down at the moment so I can't link the complete set I've been looking at. I will as soon as it's available again. But it's these items Shave kits & Accs. (Kit 1 "The Traditional")
With the invisble edge straight razor included.


What I'd like to know is:-
Will this razor be as maticulously honed as can be expected from such a reputable dealer?
Are there any other items you would suggest I add as a beginner?
Do you have any other recommendations?
& Any help, tips, advice & sources of information you believe may be valuable to me as a beginner?


Many Thanks for Reading,
Chris

Originally Posted by MrP

What I'd like to know is:-
Will this razor be as maticulously honed as can be expected from such a reputable dealer?
Are there any other items you would suggest I add as a beginner?
Do you have any other recommendations?
& Any help, tips, advice & sources of information you believe may be valuable to me as a beginner?


Many Thanks for Reading,
Chris

That looks like a great starter set!
I'd say that will get you started quite nicely

From what I understand, the edge of a razor purchased from the invisible edge will be truly shave ready.
That shop has a very good reputation and I wouldn't hesitate buying from him.


As for tips on starting out, I think you'll find all you would need in the other thread you started

Originally Posted by MrP

The site appears to be down at the moment so I can't link the complete set I've been looking at. I will as soon as it's available again. But it's these items Shave kits & Accs. (Kit 1 "The Traditional")

The Invisible Edge is back up now, so to add to my first post, the kit I'm looking at getting is linked below. Kit 1 with the blade. Any opinions on the razor included?

Shaving Starter Kits

Thanks,
Chris

It's a good basic starting kit. The blade is basically a Dovo, ie a good one, and when Steve says his razors are supplied shave-ready you can take him at his word.

Thanks for the reassurance on the kit guys.

Is my birthday present for the end of the month anyway! at the grand old age of 22.....

My research is now turning to post shave treatment, as my neck seems like quite a sensitive area and I believe I've clued myself up quite well with skin prep already.

Thanks,
Chris

Yes Chris, those look like great starting kits.

You may want to consider adding either a soap or cream--depending on what you will already get with the kit--to use with your new razor. Or perhaps you can combine the two to get a superlather.

BTW...I wouldn't even bother using the strop maintenance paste. You're good to go with the strop as is. Just rub your palm vigorously, back and forth, on it for fifty strokes or so to transfer oil from the palm of your hand to the strop. That ought to break it in for you.

As for post-shave treatment...My first choice would be Nivea for Men. It's readily available in drugstores and does a good job of soothing skin after shaving.

Take care--and smooth shaving.

My suggestion would be that if you are starting out you don't really need a kit, just a razor. You can get a shave ready one cheaply from the classifieds on this site. You can get a strop from the classifieds as well. As far as bowl, proper soap, brush and all that, I recently went on holiday and did just fine with bath soap rubbed on my face with my hands. You can find the Nivea cream, which you will need, at a local drug store. I'd concentrate on the razor and give yourself time to put the rest of your kit together as you go. Just trying to save you some money here.