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Hello from Perth!

R

rc89

Member
Hi Everyone,

Disgruntled cartridge razor user here. After yet another unpleasant shaving experience with some nasty razor burn I've decided it's time for a change, and I want to try and master the straight razor! From what I've read they provide a much better shaving experience and better results, and the safety razors lie in between cartridge and straight.

It took me a while to find this forum, I've been looking into it for about a week and I found this yesterday. Since then I've been browsing it quite a lot. I was particularly happy when I found a thread where someone suggested an Australian source for truly shave ready razors, which is something that I hadn't found previously. So it looks like I'll be here a lot as I make my straight razor shaving journey!

For a razor, I read that Ron Spencer is a reputable seller and was going to buy this Vintage 5/8 J A Henckels No 401 'Platinum' Straight Razor. This way I know it's truly shave ready, and I have confidence in the blade quality, price isn't bad either. Before I read up on the topic, I was considering a Dovo 5/8 for $170.

For the strop, I'm undecided. I'm torn between getting a quality extra wide strop and looking for something cheaper, as I've heard it's common to accidentally cut into the strop when starting out. I'd hate to destroy a high quality strop (and waste money)!

I look forward to many more shaving discussions with you all, and any feedback on my initial purchases would be most welcome.

Thanks!
Russell
 
Thanks for the welcome! Nope, never been in the defense forces, though I was considering the reserves for a time.
 
Welcome @rc89 - I am sure you will have a great time here (y)

As for straights, I think you should talk to @Mark - super friendly and helpful and seems to have always a great deal for members here.

Have you given the lather a thought as well? I haven't used a cart in decades, but many say, that changing to real lather and brush will give you the single biggest improvement to your shave....
 
Hi Alfedus, sounds good, I'll shoot Mark a PM about about the razors.

I haven't considered the lather at all to be honest, currently I just use a shave cream from the Body Shop because a friend works there. Not sure how that would compare to the real lathers you mentioned though, not great I imagine? I'm certainly interested though, I want to make shaving into more of a morning ritual than just a morning pain in the ass.
 
rc89 said:
Hi Everyone,

Disgruntled cartridge razor user here. After yet another unpleasant shaving experience with some nasty razor burn I've decided it's time for a change, and I want to try and master the straight razor! From what I've read they provide a much better shaving experience and better results, and the safety razors lie in between cartridge and straight.
Russell
Click to expand...

A safety razor is just as good, if not better, given the time taken to learn to use a straight. It looks like it's easy, but it's not. 3 failed attempts on my part after I'd already been using a safety for a few years. The hype over straights is driven by people that use them. Be prepared for significant outlay, a long learning curve, and extra time and expense in maintaining the edge with strops and hones. You morning shave will take you half an hour or more if you're trying to learn.

It's best to give people the other side for balance. Lots of people have given up on trying to learn to use a straight.
 
rc89 said:
Hi Alfedus, sounds good, I'll shoot Mark a PM about about the razors.

I haven't considered the lather at all to be honest, currently I just use a shave cream from the Body Shop because a friend works there. Not sure how that would compare to the real lathers you mentioned though, not great I imagine? I'm certainly interested though, I want to make shaving into more of a morning ritual than just a morning pain in the ass.
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum.

Great group of guys here mate and you will learn a lot.

The Body Shop Macca Root cream is actually quite good. You will notice a difference between it and some of the Artisan soaps around though.
 
Hi rc89
Welcome to the forum!
Im still a newbie here but its a great place to learn and everyone's very friendly! :)
 
Hey Drubbing, nsavage, Snooze,

Thanks for the welcomes, and the warnings! I did consider the safety razor, it definitely has more appeal than the cartridges, but I'm more drawn to the straight's. Not sure why exactly, I think it would feel more impressive to be able to do it, even if it's just an internal thing (not really going to tell anyone about it). Seems more refined than using cartridges too.

I'm prepared for a slow journey though, I'm expecting some cuts and an inability to remove all or any facial hair at first. Fortunately, I don't shave my mustache, soul patch or chin, so that might make my process a bit easier (or perhaps harder, as I need to be more accurate?). After a month of solid practice every 1 or 2 days I'd be quite happy if I can at least get rid of all the hair, with not too much stubble left behind, without needing to switch back to cartridge to finish the job. Worst case, I fail completely, I won't look back on the money spent and regret it.

As for the lather, I'm certainly open to trying a new product, especially if it'll improve the shaving experience. I haven't read much at all about them though, any suggestions would be great, but I'll certainly look around the forum for more information on them.
 
I don't have permission to reply there yet :( I'm keen to try any recommended products though. I'm not a fan of peach, but I wonder if it's at all possible to describe the scent of Illusion and Juicy Froot?
 
Welcome. There is a wealth of knowledge here and everyone is happy to share.
alfredus said:
Have you given the lather a thought as well? I haven't used a cart in decades, but many say, that changing to real lather and brush will give you the single biggest improvement to your shave....
Click to expand...
This.
Learning how to create a great lather is crucial to a good shave, whether straight or DE. It is simple and yet needs learning. I would even go so far as to suggest you learn to lather whilst still using the carts. Then at least you're not learning two skills at once.
 
Hi Psmith, your signature is great! pshrimp lol

I think I'll start practicing this tomorrow, it certainly seems to be a much more important part of the process than I previously thought, usually I'd just quickly coat the face and move on. I'll do a bit of research and make sure I'm doing it right.
 
Psmith said:
Welcome. There is a wealth of knowledge here and everyone is happy to share.

This.
Learning how to create a great lather is crucial to a good shave, whether straight or DE. It is simple and yet needs learning. I would even go so far as to suggest you learn to lather whilst still using the carts. Then at least you're not learning two skills at once.
Click to expand...
I have to agree with @Psmith. In fact I would say it is the most important component of a good shave. A good lather will really help protect your face and definitely makes the whole process more enjoyable.
 
The Body Shop Cream will definitely be more than adequate to get things going - although why not get some others as well :D

The Body shop brush on the other hand...while it will create lather, it is not very enjoyable (ie very prickly) to use. So I would definitely invest (~30$) in a decent synthetic brush, to get things going...we have for the first time one easily available (for a decent price) in Australia via @shavetheman

Lather is often the most underrated part of the shaving equation - you will not get a decent shave without a decent lather - and this is even more true for a straight. I would also highly recommend, that you start to learn the lathering process before changing to a straight, it will make life a lot easier.
 
The Stray Whisker synthetic brush and a tub of Cella or a La Toja shave stick and for less than $50 you've got the makings of a great, slick lather that will make your straight shaves that much easier.
 
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