Thread: Help! I don't know anything!

So in the last couple weeks I have developed an interest in straight razor shaving. I started poking around online and came across the PDF booklet "The Art of the Straight Razor Shave" by Christopher Moss. I read through it and eventually ended up here. I mentioned my interest in straight razors to my dad, and told me he had an old one that he could send to me. He never used it much and I don't think really knew how. It arrived today and looks like this:

I'm fairly certain my dad bought it used. The box (which looks super old) says Geneva Cutlery Co. Geneva, N.Y. But on the shank I'm pretty sure it says Golden Mule Cutlery, Chicago. It's kind of hard to read.

My first question is, is this something I should use? Having it be free is awfully appealing. I don't know anything about straight razors, so I don't know if either of these brands means anything.

Second question: If this isn't something I should use, where should I start looking, and if it is, what other supplies should I pick up and from where? As far as I can tell I need a strop, brush, soap and a cup. Possibly a barber stone?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks a lot,

Luke

Admitting you are not an expert is a good first step. You can have the blade properly sharpened by someone on the forum. You can use the intervening time to read in the Library and prepare yourself for your first shave.

Well, the simple answer is: Straightrazorplace.com

The long answer is: I have a straight razor made in Chicago, that is truly one of my best shavers. But all the questions you've asked are located in the tomes of SRP's hallowed library. There's an icon for Google search just below your notifications. You can type in "shopping list" there, and it'll take you to a bunch of posts about what people bought, and their impressions I bet. There's also a begginers guide in the wiki. But anything you think you need is fair game for something you "need". I think the bare minimum is a strop(whippeddog.com), a brush, and a soap puck(Walgreens, CVS), and a razor, which you already have. Spend the twenty bucks and have it sharpened by a pro first, who can be found in the classified/vendor services area of SRP. Then get to reading buddy, there's a lot to read here. lol I hope this helps a little, and I'm sure others will offer up even more.

you'll get there...Just keep at it....It took me almost a year to get my straight shaves to were I wanted them and some even say it has taken them longer or shorter...its all on you...just make sure to read up on everything, it really really helps..good luck

It should be a fine shaver. Get it pro honed for about 20 bucks, get a strop, brush, and soap puck and you are ready to go!!

Enjoy!

If you've read Dr. Moss' book you are starting out well. Maybe look for someone nearby or send the razor out.

Welcome to SRP, Luke.
+1 to all of the above.
In addition, I'd bet there is a member close to you who could help you out with honing and technique.
Let us know where you are and, I'm sure, someone will offer assistance.
Hang on and enjoy the ride

Thanks for the input everybody. I think I found someone to hone/clean up the razor for me. I looked at the wiki and found a "beginners on a budget" page that recommended these:

Strop
RupRazor - The Filly

Brush
100% Badger Hair Deluxe Shaving Brush | Tweezerman

They both seem quite cheap compared to the competition, does anyone have experience with either of them? I'm all for saving where I can, but I don't want to buy junk either.

I also found this mug that I really like, but it seems kinda weird to have that as my most expensive purchase.
Straight Razor Designs Bulldog Shaving Mug - Mother Earth - $25.99 :

Thoughts? I'm also open to suggestions on soap.

I would recommend checking out straightrazordesigns.com - I believe it would be a perfect one-stop-shop for your needs. You can send out your razor (which should shave great) to Lynn Abrams for honing, he's one of the best in the business and it's only about $20. In addition, they sell soaps, mugs, strops, and anything else you'd need.

You may be able to get it cheaper from other websites but then you may be skimping on quality and you might pay a bit extra when having to pay shipping from multiple websites. A brush will cost you the most - if it's something you're not sure that you'll stick with, your local Target may have this brush which I actually really like as a backup and it's super cheap. ( Target.com : Furniture, Baby, Electronics, Toys,...: Target )



Edit: As a side note, the products you linked would all work perfectly but keep in mind that there are many many options. As for soap, I think Geo. Trumper soap would probably be a good choice - I personally think they have great scents and are easy to build up lather