My suggestion... I'd start with a str8 Feather with the ProGuard blade. Hone your shaving skills with that First and then move to the standard straight. Idea.
I have been shaving with a straight razor for just over a year now, and from my limited experience I would say that the most difficult thing for me to get to grips with regarding maintaining my razor was learning to hone, and although I am nowhere near in the same league as people like gssixgun and Lynn Abrahms or some of the more experienced members here, I can, after much practice and perserverence now keep my razors shave ready. Again in my humble opinion, I would start with a basic strop or "poor mans strop" this is because you will probably nick or cut it more than once whilst you are learning to use it. I would concentrate on refining your technique before. you even consider thinking about getting hones. good luck, and if you get stuck on anything...Just Ask!!!
I think they are two very different experiences. If you want to use a straight razor, start by learning how to use a straight razor. I found the shavette route led to more nicks and didn't help me learn straight razor shaving.
At first when I looked into traditional wet shaving, I looked at the shavettes also. Thought they were an inexpensive straight experience. Having read numerous threads and watched videos I quickly decided I didn't want to bother with that kind of "straight". It's either the real deal or nothing for me. I admit, I can be a bit black/white but to me those shavettes are very sexless, they're "nothing". Just a tool to shave with, but with no appeal. To me, that is. So I'll stick with the real straight.
I've found what should be a decent strop, 3" wide and also some paste to that. And on top of that, I've found a domestic honer-service! For a fair amount, he hones straights for a living, so that problem is taken cared of. I don't know if I even wanna bother with it myself. Man this is gonna be good
I haven't ordered a strop yet - many seem to look a like but the price varies a lot. I've found a leather (from cow hide) and canvas strop, 3" wide for around $20. I've also found some that "look the same" for 5 times that. What gives?
Martin, I'm no expert on this subject (and hopefully someone with more experience will chime in on this subject), but I have recently done some research on the subject of strops—particularly the styles, the materials used, the benefits of using certain materials, the proper care of them, etc. One thing seems to be apparent about the reviews and comments made on the variety of strops out there: 'you get what you pay for'—in most cases. The quality of materials and more importantly, the craftsmanship that goes into making it are generally reflected in the price. Currently, I am using a relatively inexpensive strop I picked up used from another TSD member. For me, it's a perfect 3-inch wide strop to learn upon. Not too much invested in it (less than $50), and besides improving my skills with this strop, I now have a basis upon which to compare when I eventually upgrade to a 'fancier' model.
One thing you don't want to do is go for a cheap strop because their leather and build is substandard to others. However, you also don't need to shell out $200 for a fancy-dancy Kangaroo hide that is adorned with the skin of a Dodo bird either; there's a great many you can find for around $50-$70 that will literally last you decades with some standard maintenance. I'm not sure if there's any that aren't too far from you though, OR that don't cost an arm, leg and one kidney for shipping. EDIT - OH! I just noticed that Juan at Giftsandcare.com has some decent strops in stock and he shouldn't be too pricey for shipping to Denmark at all. I did go through a few online Danish vendors and they seem to have the brand name, overpriced stuff that isn't worth it IMO.
You are absolutely right, Juan has a nice selection! I haven't thought of looking there, dunno why. Can I assume it's a good quality? I've (actually not me, but my wife) has dealt with him before and the shipping was very fair. I found the same on the danish shops - overprices stuff. Thanks, Justin!
Always happy to help! After work I can look a little more into depth if you like but my quick peek last night gave me the instant impression the strops were quite decent for their prices.
If I only knew what brands to look for. It's not like Mühle, Merkur etc where I know what's what. I'm really in the dark here. You could sell me the worst crap for premium and I wouldn't know. I'd really appreciate the help, Justin! No rush though... I haven't found my cahuna yet to start that straight shave
They all seem to look relatively decent, the only issue IMO on those is that they are just a piece of leather, there is no fabric or felt piece that comes with them - that would bother me quite a bit. I'll hop around a few more sites tonight and see if anything better comes up though
Ahh... yeah as far as I understand, the leather is for final touch and the canvas is for the "rough" start? Or is it the other way around?
