How Does One Knew If He's Ready For a Straight?

[cleanshaved]

If you are posting here then you are ready.
Have you found a razor and strop yet?

[Doc226]

Wow Doc, what an Obi Wan Kenobi thing to say.

Hopefully the next razor that chooses me won't be too pricey.

[Seraphim]

A Futur set on 6 is scarier than any straight.


You're ready.

[Doc226]

A Futur set on 6 is scarier than any straight.


You're ready.

I agree, I tried the Futur, I did not like the feel at all.

[Alejandro1969]

What's the best straight for a first time 'straight attempt'?

[Price]

What's the best straight for a first time 'straight attempt'?

www.whippeddog.com

The "Sight Unseen" deal. Perfect for the first straight, as it includes all the necessary maintenance gear.

[eastrun]

Just do it!

[Slash McCoy]

What's the best straight for a first time 'straight attempt'?

ABSOLUTE best? A vintage half hollow 5/8 round nose with a 17 to 17-1/2 degree bevel, well centered in the scales, jimps top and bottom, but it must be sharp.

REALLY best? Any good quality inexpensive vintage razor with a good edge. If you can find another source other than Larry that beats a whipped dog in those qualities, buy it quick before it is gone. I think a whippeddog is your best first razor. The finer details of shape, grind, size, style are not so important in your first razor because you have not established your preferences yet, and it is largely a matter of preference. So the sight unseen razor is a good way to go. The main thing is to just GET one, without breaking the bank, that has a good edge. Learn to shave and try some different ones later.

I would recommend that you request that any spike or square point razors sent to you have the point muted somewhat. A spike in a newbie's hands is sure to draw plenty of blood if it is not muted. Larry will do that if you ask.

[cleanshaved]

you will also need a strop. wipped dog has a poor mans strop. don't start with a good strop the risk of cutting it is high while learning.

[koso]

Take Larry's advice and get two strops. I cut my first one to shreds, just as is predicted by everyone here :)

[dpmtherrien]

Just the fact that you're curious shows that you're ready, so go ahead and give it a try.

[Gissy]

+1 on the extra strop. I just ordered a second one, my first was cut up quite bad the first couple of days.

[Parallax]

Hey guys. Thanks for all the advice. Found a straight on the Never-ending-PIF thread. The generous PIFfer sent it to another generous member today to have the edge honed. Once he's done, it will come my way. I was told to hold off on buying a strop so it's a pretty good guess one will be included. B&B members are the best!

Are there videos or instructions that you would recommend before going for the first shave? I'm wanting something concise and to the point.

Also, any advice is appreciated. How difficult is it shave ATG with a straight?

[Toxic515]

ATG with a straight is just a matter of getting your arms and hands in the right position... Then REALLY watching that blade angle. :-D I only have to do contortions for part of my neck.

[mdunn]

I decree it... You are ready

[QuarkVI]

I decree it... You are ready

and we all said 'Aye!'

[retturn2blades]

Para, you are moving fast my friend!

I'm no expert, but you're dealing with apples and oranges IMO. Your success with DE may mean nothing in relationship to straights. My main issue is having to gain hone and strop skills...or to entrust the honing to a stranger. Most guys slice up their first strop and I don't think stropping is something you just learn overnight.

And those carbon steel blades rust just looking at them.

I think one question to ask yourself is: are you ready to take on the additional prep and razor maintenance?

[Obiwan]

Wow Doc, what an Obi Wan Kenobi thing to say.

Hopefully the next razor that chooses me won't be too pricey.

It was a rather wise comment.

[musicman1951]

Too much Blood?

[drathgeb]

How did the shave go? You hooked yet?