Thread: General Newbie Questions

Okay, I know to some of you old timers, this line of questioning may sound a little, well, silly, but as I was told numerous times as a wee young lad, the only stupid question is the one unasked (with various exceptions, of course).

I've done some basic research on straight razor shaving and have become intrigued. I watched youtube videos and maybe it's my middle age coming on, but I've gotta give it a shot. So, I have some questions, having used safety razors (currently the Mach III) since I was in high school. Questions:

1. Regarding the starter straight razors, is it recommended to purchase some relatively inexpensive razors initially, until I figure out what I like (ie, one 5/8 french point, one 5/8 spike point, one 4/8, one 6/8? Or, is it recommended to go ahead and buy a couple of higher quality (ie, wooden handled) razors with the expectation that I'll learn to love them equally over time? Either way, I'm looking at Dovo razors, and understand the need for a quality blade regardless of cost.

2. Regarding the shaving cream/soap, I normally use Edge Shaving Gel with aloe. I haven't seen any mention of that type of shaving lubricant on any forums, so I was wondering if anyone had recommendations whether or not to consider that for use with a straight razor. Also, is Barbasol or similar inexpensive soap acceptable for use, or do I really need to buy a high end ($$$) soap on the Internet on an ongoing basis (or make my own, which I will probably not have time to do)?

3. I just purchased a wooden bowl of Truefitt & Hill Luxury Shaving Soap in a wooden bowl on eBay (new, without the box). How does one go about preparing the soap for use for the first shave (ie, scoop a little on the brush into a cup with a little water and stir around until it's foamy, or put a little water on the brush and stir in the wooden bowl until slightly foamy and then apply to the face? (I've only used the gel type soap for years now and before that, it was the Barbasol type soap).

4. Considering that I may travel for work, are there any problems with my switching periodically from a straight razor back to the Mach III? (Will the straight razor cause my skin to toughen or otherwise affect the feel or ability of the Mach III to perform adequately?) Likewise, does anyone have recommendations for a small profile travel kit (with strop) that I should consider purchasing that could make it through the airport without being confiscated?

5. Has anyone seen Lynn's video in its entirety and do you recommend I purchase it for my viewing pleasure? From the snippets I've seen on the Wiki page it looks top notch, and I can appreciate the professional approach and well-rounded topics--I'm trying to keep my entry costs low, but this looks like it may be a staple item. Lynn definitely seems to be an asset to the Craft. Thoughts?

Thanks,
Mike F.

Originally Posted by EdgeWorks

Okay, I know to some of you old timers, this line of questioning may sound a little, well, silly, but as I was told numerous times as a wee young lad, the only stupid question is the one unasked (with various exceptions, of course).

Nothing stupid about asking, but if you take a look at the wiki link at the top of the page, most of these questions are answered there.

I've done some basic research on straight razor shaving and have become intrigued. I watched youtube videos and maybe it's my middle age coming on, but I've gotta give it a shot. So, I have some questions, having used safety razors (currently the Mach III) since I was in high school. Questions:

1. Regarding the starter straight razors, is it recommended to purchase some relatively inexpensive razors initially, until I figure out what I like (ie, one 5/8 french point, one 5/8 spike point, one 4/8, one 6/8? Or, is it recommended to go ahead and buy a couple of higher quality (ie, wooden handled) razors with the expectation that I'll learn to love them equally over time? Either way, I'm looking at Dovo razors, and understand the need for a quality blade regardless of cost.

Chances are, if you find you like shaving with a straight, you'll own several within just a few months anyway. I started in early April of this year, and I have 3 project razors, 2 that are daily shavers, and a 3rd shaver on the way in the mail, so the truth is that it doesn't make a whole lot of difference as long as you get a quality blade.

2. Regarding the shaving cream/soap, I normally use Edge Shaving Gel with aloe. I haven't seen any mention of that type of shaving lubricant on any forums, so I was wondering if anyone had recommendations whether or not to consider that for use with a straight razor. Also, is Barbasol or similar inexpensive soap acceptable for use, or do I really need to buy a high end ($$$) soap on the Internet on an ongoing basis (or make my own, which I will probably not have time to do)?

I would really encourage you to avoid anything you can get at wal*mart. There are lot's of really great options that are reasonably priced at straightrazordesigns.com classicshaving.com thegentlemensquarter.com and many others, as well as the occasional local stuff.

3. I just purchased a wooden bowl of Truefitt & Hill Luxury Shaving Soap in a wooden bowl on eBay (new, without the box). How does one go about preparing the soap for use for the first shave (ie, scoop a little on the brush into a cup with a little water and stir around until it's foamy, or put a little water on the brush and stir in the wooden bowl until slightly foamy and then apply to the face? (I've only used the gel type soap for years now and before that, it was the Barbasol type soap).

There are some really great explanations on this in the wiki. In fact, they're so good, I couldn't adequately run them down here. Really, check out the wiki.

4. Considering that I may travel for work, are there any problems with my switching periodically from a straight razor back to the Mach III? (Will the straight razor cause my skin to toughen or otherwise affect the feel or ability of the Mach III to perform adequately?) Likewise, does anyone have recommendations for a small profile travel kit (with strop) that I should consider purchasing that could make it through the airport without being confiscated?

The only problem with switching to the mach 3 for travel is that you'll quickly realize what total garbage it is. If you'll be traveling by car, just pack your favorite razor, a decent brush, a tube of shave creme instead of soap (you can lather in your hand) and a paddle strop. If you'll be traveling by plain and don't want to check your luggage, you can't take a straight. You'll have to take a DE with no blades, and pick up a pack of blades at your destination.

5. Has anyone seen Lynn's video in its entirety and do you recommend I purchase it for my viewing pleasure? From the snippets I've seen on the Wiki page it looks top notch, and I can appreciate the professional approach and well-rounded topics--I'm trying to keep my entry costs low, but this looks like it may be a staple item. Lynn definitely seems to be an asset to the Craft. Thoughts?

Thanks,
Mike F.

I have not personally bought the DVD, because I'm a cheap bastard, but I've heard many good things, and I've yet to hear a single complaint.

In any case, welcome to SRP, read the wiki, and happy shaving.

Regarding my question #3 (soap preparation), I found an excellent tutorial at Category:Lather - Straight Razor Place Wiki upon viewing the Wiki pages further.

There you go. Like I said, that wiki is full of great information.

I'm not a big fan of the whole wiki system in general, because most wikis are total garbage.

The SRP wiki however, is a gold mine.

To answer the question on blades:

I would certainly advise that you buy a razor you like the look initially, either shave ready from the classifieds or from one of the vendors that sells their razors shave ready. A lot of folks recommend 5/8 hollow round points to start out with, but that is your choice.

Personally, I was curious enough about different types of razors initially to avoid buying one that was very similar to those I already had - by doing this I've found where my preferences are.

Canned goo would not get a recommendation from me. It just doesn't contain enough water. You can buy some very cheap, very effective brushes and there are some very cheap and well respected soaps and creams on the market as well. You can, of course, keep using the canned stuff - but I assure you if you tried the proper stuff you would not want to.

Welcome to SRP . . .

Where in No. VA are you at?

I'm at the National Gathering this weekend but maybe I can help you out, send me a PM if you prefer.

Alan

Just a comment on the soap-- I use Col. Conk soap puck, which costs about $3.50 and lasts over a month. I build lather on my face, so there isn't any cost for lather bowls or scuttles (some folks really like these, however). The brush is the only real expense, but it feels great, lifts the beard better, and is core to the whole shaving experience.

You can buy nice starter kits that sell a Dovo razor, strop, brush, mug and soap. I got mine from

Vintage*Blades*LLC*::...



-Chief

welcome to srp

1. Depends on your values and priorities.

2&3. T&H soap is rather nice in my opinion and you've found the wiki on lather already.

4. nothing wrong with using mach3, you'll probably have much better results with it after using straight because you'll learn the importance of good lather, light touch and sharp blade

5. I think I watched almost all of the DVD. It's good.

Your best option is to get together with Alan - he'll help you much more than anything you can read or watch online. Do your best to meet with him.

Originally Posted by EdgeWorks

Okay, I know to some of you old timers, this line of questioning may sound a little, well, silly, but as I was told numerous times as a wee young lad, the only stupid question is the one unasked (with various exceptions, of course).

I think I ask the stupidest questions here. And I post way too often.

Originally Posted by EdgeWorks

I've done some basic research on straight razor shaving and have become intrigued. I watched youtube videos and maybe it's my middle age coming on, but I've gotta give it a shot. So, I have some questions, having used safety razors (currently the Mach III) since I was in high school. Questions:

Originally Posted by EdgeWorks

1. Regarding the starter straight razors, is it recommended to purchase some relatively inexpensive razors initially, until I figure out what I like (ie, one 5/8 french point, one 5/8 spike point, one 4/8, one 6/8? Or, is it recommended to go ahead and buy a couple of higher quality (ie, wooden handled) razors with the expectation that I'll learn to love them equally over time? Either way, I'm looking at Dovo razors, and understand the need for a quality blade regardless of cost.

Buy something you think you'll like. Whether you like the look, or after reading about what other people like for various reasons, or anything really. I bought something because it was a Solingen less than $10 and only needed a hone. If it's something that appeals to you you'll be more likely to like the shaves/not blame the razor (mental placebo effect?) which is really important. A bad workman blames his tools. It's harder to blame something you like than something you dislike.

Originally Posted by EdgeWorks

2. Regarding the shaving cream/soap, I normally use Edge Shaving Gel with aloe. I haven't seen any mention of that type of shaving lubricant on any forums, so I was wondering if anyone had recommendations whether or not to consider that for use with a straight razor. Also, is Barbasol or similar inexpensive soap acceptable for use, or do I really need to buy a high end ($$$) soap on the Internet on an ongoing basis (or make my own, which I will probably not have time to do)?

I bought the Van de Hagen set. Costs $10. Has a bowl (actually really nice, glazed clay, real big, I'll actually use it forever) a boar brush and generic pleasant smelling soap. I've never used anything else. The sentiment seems to be though if you learn to lather with that you can lather with anything lol. I don't think its that hard.

Originally Posted by EdgeWorks

3. I just purchased a wooden bowl of Truefitt & Hill Luxury Shaving Soap in a wooden bowl on eBay (new, without the box). How does one go about preparing the soap for use for the first shave (ie, scoop a little on the brush into a cup with a little water and stir around until it's foamy, or put a little water on the brush and stir in the wooden bowl until slightly foamy and then apply to the face? (I've only used the gel type soap for years now and before that, it was the Barbasol type soap).

Whatever you want. Personal preference. Experiment. Do stuff til it works.

Originally Posted by EdgeWorks

4. Considering that I may travel for work, are there any problems with my switching periodically from a straight razor back to the Mach III? (Will the straight razor cause my skin to toughen or otherwise affect the feel or ability of the Mach III to perform adequately?) Likewise, does anyone have recommendations for a small profile travel kit (with strop) that I should consider purchasing that could make it through the airport without being confiscated?

Here's something I'm ashamed of... I still use my Mach3 or Fusion if I only have two mins. However, I always use the brush and soap (works ten times better than canned stuff I promise) and I use the same principles, I do a WTG, XTG and ATG pass, and I pay attention to the grain. I can now get almost perfect shaves with disposables too. I think the mach3 is a little closer (fewer blades) but the Fusion I can be basically BBS in literally 30 secs (more surface area=less pressure so more speed lol)

Originally Posted by EdgeWorks

5. Has anyone seen Lynn's video in its entirety and do you recommend I purchase it for my viewing pleasure? From the snippets I've seen on the Wiki page it looks top notch, and I can appreciate the professional approach and well-rounded topics--I'm trying to keep my entry costs low, but this looks like it may be a staple item. Lynn definitely seems to be an asset to the Craft. Thoughts?

I don't have it (too poor), so you can make do without it. BUT! if you can afford it BUY IT! and a styptic pencil. DEFINiTELY a styptic pencil. I bet though they don't admit it, even pros nick themselves when in a hurry.

Originally Posted by khaos

I don't have it (too poor), so you can make do without it. BUT! if you can afford it BUY IT! and a styptic pencil. DEFINiTELY a styptic pencil. I bet though they don't admit it, even pros nick themselves when in a hurry.

Yeah, I second the styptic...its just so much fun to use