Help choosing first straight?
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Straights, strops, hones, pastes, paddles- it can seem overwhelming. Who knows if you'll even like it? It may take a long time to even achieve the same results you're enjoying now. I'd suggest keeping it simple- a simple, humble, inexpensive straight from a well regarded seller and a decent strop. That should keep you going for long enough to figure out if it's for you.
Don't fret about brands or the like. A well honed cheapie can be every bit as good as a high priced blade.
Don't fret about brands or the like. A well honed cheapie can be every bit as good as a high priced blade.
Straights can be a lot of fun, but there is a pretty big learning curve.
Most newbies seem to start off with a 5/8 round point, as there is less chance of nicking you ear/nose than with a spike point.
Watch the B/S/T, as good quality shave ready straights are posted for sale on a near daily basis.
You will nick your first strop, so don't spend a huge amount of money on it. RupRazor.com sells the Filly strop for $20 shipped.
Larry Andro (http://whippeddog.com) sells budget minded vintage razors that are shave ready for around $30.
Most newbies seem to start off with a 5/8 round point, as there is less chance of nicking you ear/nose than with a spike point.
Watch the B/S/T, as good quality shave ready straights are posted for sale on a near daily basis.
You will nick your first strop, so don't spend a huge amount of money on it. RupRazor.com sells the Filly strop for $20 shipped.
Larry Andro (http://whippeddog.com) sells budget minded vintage razors that are shave ready for around $30.
You don't even have to buy a hanging leather strop. While learning, you can strop on a piece of finished leather placed on the edge of a table. After a month or two, when you are better with stropping and less likely to slice the leather, buy something nicer.
Thanks for the mention, MichiganLover.
Thanks for the mention, MichiganLover.
As already said keep an eye on the b/s/t there are good razors on ebay but the main vendors are watched like a hawk so prices can be a bit on the high side.
Id avoid ebay until you read up on what's good and what isn't you'll eventually learn to sort the wheat from the chaff on ebay, no live links allowed btw in case you didn't already know.
As suggested a 5/8" or 6/8" round point would be a good starting razor something from solingen id recommend, they're usually good starting razors.
Just buy your first from someone reputable and make sure it's shave ready otherwise it'll mean more hassle and even worse shaves.
Stropping wise like larry says anything cheap will do for now, your liable to nick it when first learning.
One of my best razors is a dirt cheap prima, cost me $20 and it's up there with the best so don't let price be the judge.
Id avoid ebay until you read up on what's good and what isn't you'll eventually learn to sort the wheat from the chaff on ebay, no live links allowed btw in case you didn't already know.
As suggested a 5/8" or 6/8" round point would be a good starting razor something from solingen id recommend, they're usually good starting razors.
Just buy your first from someone reputable and make sure it's shave ready otherwise it'll mean more hassle and even worse shaves.
Stropping wise like larry says anything cheap will do for now, your liable to nick it when first learning.
One of my best razors is a dirt cheap prima, cost me $20 and it's up there with the best so don't let price be the judge.
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