[shortys94]

Hey,

Thinking about buying a straight razor for shaving as it I hear it would cut down on bumps etc, does anyone have any experienc with this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cutthroat-Sh...4675069&sr=8-1

Only 4 pounds!

Anyway any recommendations on where to buy what to buy would be great, have a badger brush already!

[hitemfrank]

Not a real straight razor but will do the job just fine.

You might not like the blades (but maybe you will). You can get more here. A sample pack would be a good idea as you'll get to try out different blades and find ones you like.

It won't necessarily cut down on razor bumps but it can help once you've learned the technique.

If you already have the brush, you'll need some soap or a cream.

Also a good hing to pick up to reduce razor bumps is an alum block. Wet the block and rib it on your face after shaving, then wash it off a few minuts later (don't forget to dry the block).

[shortys94]

How does one dry the block? Hairdryer?

Also could you direct me towards a real straight razor? Is it a good investment, as in for shaving

Would this be a good pick? http://www.shaving.ie/products/Dovo-...-Shavette.html
I dont necessarily want to be spend alot, but if it isn't going to last ill spend more, do you sharpen the blade or change them

[hitemfrank]

Just give the block a wipe with a towel or something. It's a 2 second job.

Shavettes have changeable blades so you just swap them when they feel dull or start to feel like they tug on the stuble a bit.

If you are after a real straight razor you should have a look over here. The razor wont be new but it will be shave sharp and cheaper than buying a brand new one so if you decide that a straight razor isn't for you you're not out a huge amount.

He has strops too which you will need.


As far as an investment goes, if you can avoid the urge to buy more razors and take care of the strop, you will only really need one razor and strop.

[shortys94]

Not sure what to do now, would a shavette be even worth it?

[hitemfrank]

Well a shavette would work out cheaper than cartridges in the long run. You can buy bulk blades for it fairly cheaply.

It's only you though that can decide if it'll be worth it.

[shortys94]

I dont wanna go buying on eif the shave is not as good as conventional disposable razors, the novelty of a straight razor is pretty cool too, I'd be looking at around 100 for a decent straight razor then?

[hitemfrank]

No it doesn't have to be that much.

My advice is, if you want a straight razor, go for this deal. On there for $58/€45 (shipped to Ireland) you get a straight razor and a strop kit. It wont be the prettiest of razors but that set up will last you more than enough time to decide if a straight razor is for you.

If you do like it then you can spend some money on a nice looking razor and a hone so you can keep it nice and sharp and wont have to send it to someone to do it for you.

[ladhrann]

Originally Posted by shortys94

I dont wanna go buying on eif the shave is not as good as conventional disposable razors, the novelty of a straight razor is pretty cool too, I'd be looking at around 100 for a decent straight razor then?

Remember as well that it takes time and patience to master the technique of shaving with a straight edged razor, but there is plenty of information out there to help you.

Another option might be to ask family members where your father or grandfather's razors are now. I did this and turned up four straight razors.

[MadsL]

Originally Posted by hitemfrank

No it doesn't have to be that much.

My advice is, if you want a straight razor, go for this deal. On there for $58/€45 (shipped to Ireland) you get a straight razor and a strop kit. It wont be the prettiest of razors but that set up will last you more than enough time to decide if a straight razor is for you.

If you do like it then you can spend some money on a nice looking razor and a hone so you can keep it nice and sharp and wont have to send it to someone to do it for you.

^^^

This is good advice. That is all.

However, some options for new razor include the Dovo Best Quality at shaving.ie http://www.shaving.ie/categories/Str...?sort=priceasc

and also these Sansoucci razors on ebay are good for the money.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/manyrazor/m....rmrs=1&_sop=15

You will also need to get this honed before first use.

I recommend a 5/8 or 6/8 for your first razor.

[Gillo]

Originally Posted by hitemfrank

As far as an investment goes, if you can avoid the urge to buy more razors and take care of the strop, you will only really need one razor and strop.

Easier said than done
It nearly gets to a hobby, different razor's, blades, cream's, brushes.

[hitemfrank]

Originally Posted by Gillo

Easier said than done
It nearly gets to a hobby, different razor's, blades, cream's, brushes.

Well i did say 'IF'

I have more straight razors than I care to mention

I would definitely put it as a hobby at this stage.

[Drakus]

Originally Posted by Gillo

Easier said than done
It nearly gets to a hobby, different razor's, blades, cream's, brushes.

+1
And you did not even mention a set of whetstones and maybe a Dia-Sharp Bench Stone to lap them with and thats before you even see how beautiful a coticule looks. My first purchase was a dovo astral sr and strop from waldorfbarbers on Westmoreland st and a semogue brush and proraso creams from shaving.ie. I thought then I had everything and was all set to go, boy was I mistaken. However I dont want to put you off as I would do it all again. You could send the razor off for sharpening every 6 months or so and use your strop to keep it shave ready in between(good idea to have 2 razors if you go this route) but for me I would like to do my own honeing eventually and be self suficient that way. I have a bit of a learning curve ahead and some more financial outlay. Best of luck.

[MadsL]

Hobby! pffft! You are doing it wrong, more of a obsessive disorder..