Difference between revisions of "Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving"
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Newbies are discouraged from purchasing vintage razors on ebay, because they do not have the experience to evaluate the condition of the razor - in most cases the pictures on ebay do not provide enough details, but even when they do, a newbie generally doesn't know what is important and what isn't. | Newbies are discouraged from purchasing vintage razors on ebay, because they do not have the experience to evaluate the condition of the razor - in most cases the pictures on ebay do not provide enough details, but even when they do, a newbie generally doesn't know what is important and what isn't. | ||
| − | Nevertheless there are some [[:II:Straight Razors to Avoid|razors that should be avoided]], and even though every purchase is a risk there are few [[:II:Good Straight Razor Brands|popular vintage brands] that are generally good. | + | Nevertheless there are some [[:II:Straight Razors to Avoid|razors that should be avoided]], and even though every purchase is a risk there are few [[:II:Good Straight Razor Brands|popular vintage brands]] that are generally good. |
Revision as of 19:33, 19 September 2008
This entry attempts to provide you with the most basic information, video, and suggestions when you start shaving with a straight razor. It includes suggested equipment to avoid as well as a list of equipment with good reputations. There are help files and links to places to buy gear, links to videos on how to shave and strop and much more. There's even information on what to look for if you decide to shop on ebay.
Basic gear needed:
- 1 to 2 shave ready razors
- leather strop (most people use hanging but paddle or loom will also work); the linen side is optional
- shaving soap or cream (optional but strongly recommended)
- shaving brush (optional but strongly recommended)
- shaving mug or scuttle (optional)
- Lynn Abrams' Video on shaving, stropping, honing, etc.
Shave ready razors
When you see "shave ready" and the razor is straight from the factory, in almost all cases it is not really shave ready. Unless the razor has been honed by somebody with experience it will likely need to be honed BEFORE you use it. WHY? If you are really interested in the reason you can read the detailed explanation. Otherwise just trust me ;).
Choosing a razor
Choosing a razor is a matter of personal preference. If you must have a brand new razor the choices are limited to the three main current manufacturers Dovo, Thiers-Issard, and Böker, the NOS Double Arrow and Wapienica, or from one of the custom razor makers. A brand new razor will still have to be honed.
Fortunately there are many vintage razors which would often be of equal or even better quality than the current production and they will generally cost significantly less. The best place to find one is the Classifieds section of http://www.straightrazorplace.com Newbies are discouraged from purchasing vintage razors on ebay, because they do not have the experience to evaluate the condition of the razor - in most cases the pictures on ebay do not provide enough details, but even when they do, a newbie generally doesn't know what is important and what isn't.
Nevertheless there are some razors that should be avoided, and even though every purchase is a risk there are few popular vintage brands that are generally good.
