I am going to pull the trigger today

[Easttexasman]

I have been contemplating buying a straight for some time now.I swear I have put many staights in the cart and then change my mind and now I am tired if standing on the fence.
Here is what I have in mind.
1.Dovo Red Bismark 6/8 from SRD,I really like the idea of the free honing for the life of the razor and I have read that thee 6/8 is great for beginners,plus great price.
2.The Filly strop,I really don't want to pay much for a strop that I will probably destroy,again read that this is great for beginners but the fact that it does not have a handle to hold onto worries me.
3.Treated cotton sleeve from thesuperiorshave to have something to put the razor in to protect from rust.

Is there anything else I am missing?Do I need some of that spray that you use on the strop?Or does anyone think I am headed in the wrong direction with this set up?

Paul

 

[Wid]

Looks to me you are on the right track. I wouldn't worry about pastes and such till you know your going to stick with straight shaving.

 

[Easttexasman]

Now I am just undecided on the strop.I know I have to resist the urge to buy a nice strop but I would like to at least have one with something to hold onto the end with.

Paul

 

[kg4ghn]

Wait for a few weeks/months before buying a nicer strop until you get your stropping down good.

The lack of handles on the filly will not be as bad as you think. A lot of very high end strops come with "barber's ends" (no handles).

 

[Munxcub]

My old strop that I reconditioned has no handles, it's fine. Just jump on in, you'll be fine. Don't succumb to paralysis by analysis, get started, adjust on the fly.

 

[Easttexasman]

Thanks for the encouragement.Trigger is pulled,I am now a soon to be straight razor owner.
And I did order the Filly strop.

Paul

 

[mdunn]

Thanks for the encouragement.Trigger is pulled,I am now a soon to be straight razor owner.
And I did order the Filly strop.

Paul

woot! youre gonna love it

 

[johnmrson]

It sounds like a good set up. Good move on the Filly strop.

 

[ctkelly]

Ambrose still had a few of his veinte strops left, I'd pm/email him if you're looking for a nicer strop for down the road. His strops don't come with handles either though.

 

[Wid]

Ambrose still had a few of his veinte strops left, I'd pm/email him if you're looking for a nicer strop for down the road. His strops don't come with handles either though.

At least not till you put D-rings on it

 

[rajagra]

There is a correct way to hold strops without handles that keeps them flat. I don't have a link to hand, but as I remember it involves wrapping the plain end around the middle or ring finger and doubling it back. This gives a secure grip and ensures flatness.

 

[kg4ghn]

There is a correct way to hold strops without handles that keeps them flat. I don't have a link to hand, but as I remember it involves wrapping the plain end around the middle or ring finger and doubling it back. This gives a secure grip and ensures flatness.

There is a thread about this somewhere. I searched for it but couldn't find it.

Basically what it involves is making the Star Trek sign with your hands, putting your palm face up with the end of the strop in the middle of the V your fingers make, and then closing your fingers on the strop and rotating your wrist under the strop to pull it taught.

You can hold it however you want really, but this way worked the best for me.

 

[Easttexasman]

There is a correct way to hold strops without handles that keeps them flat. I don't have a link to hand, but as I remember it involves wrapping the plain end around the middle or ring finger and doubling it back. This gives a secure grip and ensures flatness.

I will have to experiment with that.

Paul

 

[Gustav]

Welcome to straight shaving, I hope you will enjoy it! I certainly do. Just remember to ask as many questions as you like, take it nice and easy in the beginning and never push yourself into doing anything that does not feel right. There is absolutely no shame in just doing the cheeks to start with and finishing off with your previous shaving gear.

 

[Luc]

A filly is perfect to start with. If you like straight razors, you can then think of getting a cotton/leather or linen/leather strop. Yes, you will nick your strop quite a bit at first...

My daily strop doesn't have a handle and it's fairly easy to use.

 

[Easttexasman]

Wow,I have already bought my second straight,without even receiving the first one.I bought a Filarmonica Doble Temple C-Mon 6/8
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...9&si=fJEe2Z1nO4gY70Q11Tcyv06n4v4%3D&viewitem=

I think it will be a good one but I paid alot for it,,somebody else wanted it too,outbid him by .51 cents.Its usually me that gets just out bid.

Paul

 

[Easttexasman]

The ebay seller has already mailed my Fily and I will have it before the weekend.

Now all I have to do is get it cleaned up and honed by a pro.

Paul

 

[danjared]

Looks pretty clean to me. It just needs a little work with some Maas or something equivalent then a honing.