Hi – I just registered here, an eager newbie. I'm not yet familiar with the various forum categories here, so if this isn't the right place for my questions, please guide me there.
Thanks for any & all advice.
- I’ve never used a straight razor, but I’m interested in learning. I have wet shaved for decades. About 2 years ago I abandoned canned shave cream for shaving soap & shaving brush. I’ve tried & liked 3 different shaving soaps – my favorite so far is Poraso Red. I confident that I can prep my face with soap & brush, but I want to say good bye to the Gillette Mach 3 blades I've been using.
- I read SR’s PDF, Traditional Straight Razor Shaving Instructions for Beginners. It’s helpful, especially the parts about honing & stropping. I think I’m ready to take on straight razors.
- FWIW, I have a mustache and don’t shave my upper lip.
- I’m left handed. Does that matter when selecting a standard type straight razor?
- I think I want a traditional hollow ground ⅝" blade with a rounded tip. What other features should I consider?
- Brands? I did read the Wiki on Good and Bad Straight Razor Brands. What price is a good starting point for my first straight razor? I’d rather buy one good tool, rather than have a collection of cheap tools that were rookie shopping errors. Sometimes I actually do that. I guess that rules out a cheap Chinese straight razor.
Thanks for any & all advice.