I will be getting my first straight razor this week (thanks to lindyhopper66's generous PIF) but don't have any supplies to keep it shave ready. I'm wanting to know what I need (absolute necessities) and how I can obtain them. I'm looking for decent quality as inexpensive as possible. Keep in mind I will use DE still primarily but use SR as a special occasion shave. Thank in advance!!
I'll let those with considerably more experience offer advice on the absolute necessities, but I will offer these two items: Welcome to the Club! It's fast-growing with many experienced members willing to share helpful advice! If you want to learn to shave with a straight razor, it will take more than one shave a week using it to comfortable with it. If you really wish to learn, I found it best to devote some time to the skill and be dedicated about it. The learning curve can be steep for many, but if one is determined, you'll be rewarded with some great shaving experiences.
Well, I just ordered a 3" Star Shaving paddle strop based on the recommendations from a few other sites. Should hopefully be here by the end of the week.
All you need is your strop. Learn the technique of shaving before you buy all the gear. Most important: Make sure the razor is sharp.
Perfect choice getting a paddle strop first, it'll help you get the motion of stropping down before you move to a hanging one if you like - which will help prevent your stropping from dulling instead of tuning the edge.
