I want to get started with a straight razor

[bennyblade28]

I have been shaving with a DE for a while now and I want to try out a straight razor shave and learn the techniques etc...

Could anyone please help me find a good set up to get started. I have no idea about a budget just yet, or whether its smart to buy a used straight or go for a brand new one like a DOVO.

I am originally from Sheffield, England so I guess the ideal razor would be a Sheffield one, for sentimental reasons.

Advise would be welcome!

 

[chuckr9]

Check out Whipped Dog's wesite - I don't know if he ships to the UK though. Reading here in the Forum a great way to learn before you buy.

 

[Gissy]

Whippeddog's unseendeal w/ poor man strop kit is the best way to start. He ships worldwide and the shipping is cheap. You get everything you need to start for less than the cheapest Dovo.

 

[rimmini]

For starting out, go to the local second hand / antique store and buy a used Wade and Butcher (an English blade). Make sure you check it for knicks, If you luck into it you might get a deal with a strop and hone . You'll need those. Find a barber who offers straighy shaves and give him a pound or two to hone it. Snf dtick the blade in your sock drawer. Next work on your stroke and passes in the mirror using a pencil or an unsharpened training razor. You should be able to pull the implement across, down, and up your face perpendicular to its axis without any movement parallel. Each time you move it parallel you can condsider yourself knicked. Once you are used to working in the mirror, takr the blade out of the drawer and work on holding the Blade (see the wiki) and shaving with the grain. You should be able to do this with a minimum of pressure on the blade. Once you are comfortable shaving with the grain move on to cross and then against. The rest you'll learn as you go.


Happy shaving

 

[Wid]

Whippeddog is you answer.

 

[Clovis Man]

Whippeddog is your answer.

+1

 

[Tonka]

Hi, I would not recommend whipped dog, nothing against whipped dog- the problem being importation and customs, having recently tried to import items from USA to UK it is quite problematic and potentially expensive, you will need to add UK VAT 20% plus importation tax, brokerage and there can be licencing issues depending on the goods.
You do have alternatives here in the UK, this site recommends honemeisters- strop-shop uk, and invisible edge site, those sites sell old/vintage razors and new razors. Have a look at those and find something to suit your budget, they provide it shave ready.

I have just started with a new Dovo and I rather like it.

 

[FJJ]

Hi, I would not recommend whipped dog, nothing against whipped dog- the problem being importation and customs, having recently tried to import items from USA to UK it is quite problematic and potentially expensive, you will need to add UK VAT 20% plus importation tax, brokerage and there can be licencing issues depending on the goods.
You do have alternatives here in the UK, this site recommends honemeisters- strop-shop uk, and invisible edge site, those sites sell old/vintage razors and new razors.

I've ordered a fair few things internationally before, including a whipped dog straight kit (with poor mans strop) and not really had any issues - sure more expensive items are subject to VAT and a handling charge but I didn't have any issues with my whipped dog straight - or a straight that I ordered from Canada.

I can recommend the Invisible Edge too though - great service - got a Dovo Bismarck and one of their extra wide strops last week and was very impressed with both. Having a 3" strop makes such a difference!

I had no issues with my Whipped Dog experience either - took just under 10 days to arrive and was a nice razor, if a little shallow for my taste (I think 4/8"), and the balsa strop is a great tool to maintain shave readiness.