Ready to go straight!

[Drybonz]

I'm still pretty new to DE shaving, but I feel like I'm getting a good grasp of it, and I'm really enthusiastic about this forum, shaving, and learning more...

So... I'm getting to the point where I can almost no longer resist trying straight razor shaving.

I'm sure you guys in the straight razor forum get these questions all the time... but I need some help getting started. I feel more overwhelmed by the idea of learning all the straight razor stuff than I did when I approached DE shaving.

The first thing I need, to get started, is a razor. I feel confident that I can learn this, so what I am looking for is not a beginner blade, but because of the price of these I want a good workhorse blade that I can depend on for a while. I'm not too interested in collecting a bunch of razors, but more in finding one that I can rely on for a while... preferably new (not vintage), not difficult to obtain, and a reasonable price.

So guys... point me in the right direction... help me get started.

 

[Luc]

I said the same thing about not collecting straights... I try to use them all but I ended up with a bunch of razors.

To start with, you need a shave ready straight razor. 5/8 or 6/8 should be fine, half hollow and a round point is perfect. It could be different than this but I think that's a good, easy start.

A strop is essential. Do not buy an expensive strop, you will nick that strop for sure.

This page should help you: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Straight_Razor_FAQs

 

[Drybonz]

To start with, you need a shave ready straight razor. 5/8 or 6/8 should be fine, half hollow and a round point is perfect. It could be different than this but I think that's a good, easy start.

Thanks I'm looking at that wiki link now... the x/8 is referring to how wide the blade is? Also... I have seen half hollow and full hollow razors... is this referring to the blade being hollow?

*edit* I haven't seen anything advertised as "shave ready"... is this just a given when you buy a new one? Do we have any vendors here that sell them that way?

 

[gull]

I would have suggested whippeddog.com, but you said you wanted a new razor.

Straightrazordesigns.com

thesuperiorshave.com

classicshaving.com

All of those have a low end Dovo razor that should be a good starting point if you MUST have something new.

 

[Drybonz]

Thanks for the links...

Should I consider a vintage as my first razor? I'm open to advice.

Also, should I go for a stainless blade? Is it hard to prevent rust/corrosion on the non-stainless blades?

 

[AdrianR]

...the x/8 is referring to how wide the blade is?

That's right - blade widths are usually given in eighths of an inch.

Also... I have seen half hollow and full hollow razors... is this referring to the blade being hollow?

The blade is 'hollowed' - meaning it started as a triangular wedge secion then was thinned out to produce a lighter, more flexible blade. Razors can be numbered from #1 Wedge to #16 Full Hollow - like this:

*edit* I haven't seen anything advertised as "shave ready"... is this just a given when you buy a new one?

New razors are, as far as I understand, not sold 'shave ready' and must be honed and/or finished before use for the first time. If you buy used from the forum then there are sellers who will offer 'shave ready' straights.

 

[Drybonz]

The blade is 'hollowed' - meaning it started as a triangular wedge secion then was thinned out to produce a lighter, more flexible blade. Razors can be numbered from #1 Wedge to #16 Full Hollow - like this:

Ah... thanks for the diagram... that makes perfect sense. It seems like a full hollow would provide a closer shave?

I am seeing some razors in the links above that are listed as "professionally honed"... so I'm assuming that is the same as "shave ready".

 

[Luc]

Thanks I'm looking at that wiki link now... the x/8 is referring to how wide the blade is? Also... I have seen half hollow and full hollow razors... is this referring to the blade being hollow?

*edit* I haven't seen anything advertised as "shave ready"... is this just a given when you buy a new one? Do we have any vendors here that sell them that way?

5/8 or 6/8 is the size of the blade from the cutting edge to the spine. So, yes, the width.

There are different sizes, 4/8 is small, 5/8 is the average. 6/8 is a bit bigger but will give you a better feedback. I have some 11/16, 13/16 and 7/8 blades too... But for now, 6/8 should be perfect. 5/8 is fine too.

For the shave ready, unless it's mentioned 'shave ready', it's not. A brand new straight razor out of the factory is not shave ready. It's sharp, but not enough to shave with...

 

[Defend Tacoma]

Luc gives great advice. I started with a 5/8, but much prefer 6/8ths now. Round points are perfect for beginners, I started with, and now prefer the spike tips. My vote is a 6/8 round point for ya!

 

[Drybonz]

Should I stay with a stainless blade?

 

[dakotaev]

Ah... thanks for the diagram... that makes perfect sense. It seems like a full hollow would provide a closer shave?

I am seeing some razors in the links above that are listed as "professionally honed"... so I'm assuming that is the same as "shave ready".

For the most part you can get an equally close shave with all sizes/grinds of razors, its the preference some like a heavier stiffer blade. They behave very differently but the result is the same in the end so its personal choice. Common opinion is that a stiffer 1/4 - 1/2 half hollow is easier to learn on and then eventually graduate to more hollow blades. I learned on full hollow so to me its all the same.

If the phrase "Professionally honed" is true and not marketing then it should be shave ready. Buying from any of the vendors listed earlier in the thread should be a good bet, they all have a good reputation for their honing service.

 

[Luc]

Should I stay with a stainless blade?

That's more of a preference than anything. I don't have any stainless steel blades. Make sure they are dry before you put them away and you will be fine.

 

[ouch]

Keep this in mind- using a straight is more than just getting a shave. For the guys who stick with it, whether it's for months or years or decades, it's a commitment.

And as for shave readiness, never forget those famous words uttered here years ago in response to the age old question "what is a honemeister":

a guy with a hone and an ego.

 

[Alacrity59]

Honing a full hollow is quicker as you have to remove less metal. Some people like a bit more metal while shaving . . . more solid and stable. The full hollows have a bit of flex that is unnerving at first. I really do like a thiner blade.

It does take some time and commitment to learn how to shave with a straight. I'm 50 . . . and only started using a straight full time at the beginning of this year. I really do wish I had started 30 or so years ago.

 

[Drybonz]

Thanks for the ongoing advice guys... I really appreciate it. I'm doing a good bit of reading up before I consider any purchases.

As far as a strop... I read in the wiki that the Tony Miller strops are the way to go, but I can't find a vendor that carries them. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks again.

 

[johnmrson]

I think that you're better going for a vintage, shave ready straight either from BST or someone like whippeddog.com. You'll get it for a good price, it will be well honed and it will be well priced. A great starting straight.

 

[Drybonz]

I think that you're better going for a vintage, shave ready straight either from BST or someone like whippeddog.com. You'll get it for a good price, it will be well honed and it will be well priced. A great starting straight.

I have trouble getting stuff from BST... it seems to all be sold by the time I see the thread. Thanks for the advice though.

 

[FiveOhNine]

I have trouble getting stuff from BST... it seems to all be sold by the time I see the thread. Thanks for the advice though.

Post a WTB....you'll get responses more often than not.

 

[O. Glenn]

Should I stay with a stainless blade?

Stainless blade is a bit of a misnomer, as the steel will stain less, but it is not stainless... you still have to take care to keep it dry between uses.

Picking up a used blade that is truly shave ready is often the least expensive and most effective way to start shaving with straights. If you like it, you can always purchase a new one later on.

While you work on your technique with a straight, not having to worry whether the blade is sharp and keen enough makes alot of difference. Try to buy from someone whose honing skill is well regarded by other members and you should be fine.

 

[BladeRunner001]

I said the same thing about not collecting straights... I try to use them all but I ended up with a bunch of razors.

To start with, you need a shave ready straight razor. 5/8 or 6/8 should be fine, half hollow and a round point is perfect. It could be different than this but I think that's a good, easy start.

A strop is essential. Do not buy an expensive strop, you will nick that strop for sure.

This page should help you: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Straight_Razor_FAQs

+1 . Although I feel like buying a good strop will force you to be cognizant of your technique and of its care (and not nick it). But YMMV.