Thread: Advice for Total Beginner

Hey guys, I'm 24 here, and I'm ready to take the plunge and try shaving straight. Here's my situation. As a teenager (i.e. when I didn't have all that much to shave), I didn't have much problem shaving with a standard cartridge blade, and did so most days of the week. Starting around age 18 however, shaving grew much more problematic. I'd get ingrown hairs almost every time, leaving me with bumps and redness up and down my neck and jawline. It got so bad that, for the past 2 years or so, I've pretty much stopped shaving altogether, just using a stubble trimmer on the lowest setting. While I don't mind the slightly scruffy look, it's really been going on too long now and I need a way to shave on closer to a daily basis. (I'm white, but my hair is rather think and dense, which probably explains the ingrown problem.)

Basically, as far as razors what should I buy? I'm patient and good with my hands, and don't mind learning. Time, also, is not a huge issue, as I'm willing to put aside time when I won't be rushed. I was thinking of DE, maybe a Merkur, but browsing this forum now maybe I should just get a SE? Thanks.

HI and welcome to the forum,
I started with a set of latigo strop and 5/8 Dovo with ebony scales.
I can't remember what brush I started with, I think it was cheap Omega badger hair from Amazon. My cream was Proraso.

The razor of choice really doe snot matter at this point of the game as you have no experience and do not know what kind of blade will you like eventually. So 5/8 or 6/8 hollow ground is a good choice as long as it is shave ready.
In this stage of the hobby you will have the most issue with stropping and possibly angle of attack of the hairs, both take practice to learn, how long depends on the individual. It is very important to learn proper stropping as improper technique will mess up the edge.

+1 It will take sometime to learn what you prefer.




notice the blue tag under Mainaman's username? The one that says MENTOR. Those that carry that moniker are recognized as being knowledgeable and helpful. PM him to learn all the "secrets of the guild".

Start by doing your homework read the Wiki and this http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ead-first.html

and this

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...zor-place.html

and this


http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...icipation.html


Welcome to the forum we are glad you found us and we look forward to sharing your successes and failures as you journey along the straight razor adventure.

WE LOVE PHOTOS

Thanks for the replies guys. What about just what razor to buy (SE or DE and which ones specifically)? I'll be needing that obviously.

Do you want to learn a Straight razor, or Double Edge razor? I would suggest that your preference is going to be the deciding factor.

DEs probably have a shallower learning curve, and (at least one friend reports) it is faster...though I feel like I am getting pretty fast with my Straight.

I know little about DEs, but straights...I would suggest that anything you find on the sites hosted by the sponsors is going to be pretty good quality. Take a look and see what appeals to you visually, then come back and ask about it. Guys will tell you the pros and cons of anything (for example, square points or spikes are fantastic for sculpting work, but that sharp angular toe can bite you pretty quickly...so beginners might prefer a round toe).

There is much to learn...and as expensive as it sounds, do not try to over burden yourself with selecting the PERFECT razor right out of the gate, because as you learn, you will likely evolve in your wants, tastes, and needs...and eventually buy another one (or 12 ).

Have fun, and jump on in. There are many ways to start cheap...used/vintage is a GREAT way to do this, but perhaps the MOST important thing is to make sure that whatever you get is TRULY well honed and SHAVE READY.


C'mon in the water is nice....and deep

For a newbie I recommend a 6/8. The wider blade allows for better control on the strop and on the face.

Buy this razor




Vintage Henckles High Carbon 15/16 Full Hollow Straight Razor - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Alba, kudos for jumping in.

Alot of us, including myself, obsess about our first blade, wanting to make a 'right' decision and imagine it'll be the blade we'll pass on to our grandchildren. As Mainaman says, without a reference - you don't have enough context to know that that 'right' decision is - for now. Sizes, grinds, steels - they all can feel quite different. Though you'll want your own blade, I would suggest keeping the price humble for now so your funds are available for a 2nd blade (very handy when you need to send one out for honing), or after you settle on a blade(s) you find you really like. A very high quality shaver doesn't have to be expensive - just quality steel with a professional quality edge. I'm thinking the quality/attributes of the edge are more important than a particular maker/size/grind. You'll have your hands full with learning your facial topography in detail, and then learning all the stretches, strokes & facial contortions that allow you to comfortably get each section smooth.

The only *general* thoughts I talk about w/ a new shaver's selection of blade is about density/toughness of beard, sensitivity of your skin (least important imho), and the size of your hands. The beard of steel can be easily shaved w/ a super thin, flexible extra hollow. That doesn't mean that's the easiest blade to learn with. Many guys do just fine w/ a full hollow, but some find the flex a challenge while learning. Those who have trouble w/ blade flex (I did), might find the heavier grinds easier to learn with. They're a bit more forgiving on using pressure (but don't get into the habit), but will perform beautifully with no pressure at all. I've found the heavier grinds a little more gentle on the skin if there's any irritation. Hand size: if you take a glove size larger than 'L' (such as XL or XXL), the shanks on the 5/8 and smaller can be less comfortable to grip and articulate comfortably. This would favor the 6/8 or larger. Though not a hard and fast rule, many makers use a larger blank, starting at 6/8. Larger hands, larger shank - a bit more comfortable to use. Remember many of the vintage blades (1900-1930) were aimed at the avg. man. The avg WWI soldier was 5'3" tall. Smaller guys, smaller hands, smaller razors.

There's no location on your profile, but if you could find experienced guys that would allow you to try some of their gear - it would give you alot of experience with what feels best to you. Should your path wind near the Portland, OR area - hollar. Come try my gear. I have most sizes and grinds. I just don't have a sheffield, 'cause my face won't make peace w/ the feel of the shave.

You'll be amazed at how something that sharp can feel so gentle against your face. Its also quite unforgiving in most cases, but you'll get the technique down and soon have the best shaves of your life. 2nd best isn't close enough to attract my interest.

Have fun, Alba

Hi Albatrosspro,

As a fellow new guy who just took the plunge, welcome to the site! I jumped in with:
Vulfix Pure Badger Brush
Ogallala Bay Rum Soap (The Sage & Cedar lathers very nicely once you get some practise and I think it smells quite nice as well)
Dovo Shavette with black blades (close to the length of a straight)
A lathering bowl
Alum block
Body Shop aftershave (the one thats not really scented)

Its been pretty smooth sailing so far, a few cuts and nicks here and there but the blades are sharp and do not hurt too much. The alum seems to clear up the smaller cuts and nicks very well. I found the hardest part of adjustment to be working with the mirror and getting my grips sorted out but after 2 shaves that felt much better and by the 3rd it didnt feel like much of an issue.

One tip I would give is to start the razor at a 0*degree and then slowly raise to 30*degree for your cut. If you are below 30 with a pass that is with the grain you may only slightly cut or just move out the lather but at least its safer than putting the razor on your face and then just going for it. I've also noticed that my skin can stand up to some "oh shit" moments and that the blade & skin will let you know when its in danger of being cut (but not all the time!)






I found these lathering guides to be useful
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/21136 and
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...28#post2141228
Sorry for posting another forum but I found the photos to be really really really useful and more than I could find at SRP

And here are some youtube videos that I found useful as well:

How To Build And Apply Traditional Shaving Lather - YouTube