hey all,
i've been using a DE razor for a little while now, and i'm thinking about trying a straight razor for the first time and i had a few questions:
1. i'd rather use a less expensive new straight razor than a used one - anyone with suggestions on one such razor (inexpensive dovo, filarmonica, TI). i know that there are starter kits (e.g. well-shaved gentleman), but i don't feel the need to pay the extra money for a brush, soap and mug if already have those.
2. does it really matter how big the blade is? what are the advantages of a 5/8 or 7/8 over a 3/8? are the shaves better with a larger blade?
3. what's the difference b/w stopping and honing? do you need to do both? how long does a strop last?
4. how long does a straight, used almost daily, typically last? i know some of you guys have razors that are decades old, but were they used constantly since new? i figure with the continuous sharpening, it'll sharpen down to nothing after not so long...
5. how do the shaves compare to a DE if a straight razor is used properly?
my impression is that straight razor shaving is a helluva expensive undertaking, but i may be wrong. it seems that you'd have to buy a new razor somewhat often, new strops all the time, pastes to go with strops, hones (whatever they are), and probably many other things i'm forgetting at the moment.
i know you guys have a great deal of knowledge on the subject, so hopefully you'd be able educate me on the whole big bad beast of a hobby.
i've been using a DE razor for a little while now, and i'm thinking about trying a straight razor for the first time and i had a few questions:
1. i'd rather use a less expensive new straight razor than a used one - anyone with suggestions on one such razor (inexpensive dovo, filarmonica, TI). i know that there are starter kits (e.g. well-shaved gentleman), but i don't feel the need to pay the extra money for a brush, soap and mug if already have those.
2. does it really matter how big the blade is? what are the advantages of a 5/8 or 7/8 over a 3/8? are the shaves better with a larger blade?
3. what's the difference b/w stopping and honing? do you need to do both? how long does a strop last?
4. how long does a straight, used almost daily, typically last? i know some of you guys have razors that are decades old, but were they used constantly since new? i figure with the continuous sharpening, it'll sharpen down to nothing after not so long...
5. how do the shaves compare to a DE if a straight razor is used properly?
my impression is that straight razor shaving is a helluva expensive undertaking, but i may be wrong. it seems that you'd have to buy a new razor somewhat often, new strops all the time, pastes to go with strops, hones (whatever they are), and probably many other things i'm forgetting at the moment.
i know you guys have a great deal of knowledge on the subject, so hopefully you'd be able educate me on the whole big bad beast of a hobby.