Begginers Angst.

[Bumppo]

Ok, I am ready to jump in and start scraping my face with style and panache.
My razor was found in an antique store, a Shapleigh that needs to be refurbished. It will be sent to a person who does these things proffesionally.
A few questions arise.
Do I need a shaving mug, or does the soap puck com in a sealable container that acts as a mug, and why can't I just use a coffee cup?
Does the shaving brush have a reasonably long life, or does it have to be replaced evey so often? Do they last months, years, or forever?
Does a razors grind really matter that much, where I will end up with a constant search for the ultimate shaving tool? ( Yes, I know this is a knife forum and there is going to be a whole pile of Razors next to my pile of folders and my pile of fixed blades.) To start, should I try a few different grinds or stick to one grind? Does rocker matter? Does the tip shape matter? Thanks for your answers and opinions.

 

[Gollnick]

Do I need a shaving mug, or does the soap puck com in a sealable container that acts as a mug, and why can't I just use a coffee cup?

Some soaps come I a suitable container, others separate. You really don't want a sealable container (except for travel) as sealing a wet cake of soap can lead to mold growth (sealing it for a day or two during travel is fine).

If you choose a cream, then you will definitely need a mug or bowl.

Some coffee mugs certainly are suitable. You want a mug or bowl that is at least 3.5 inches in diameter.

Does the shaving brush have a reasonably long life, or does it have to be replaced evey so often? Do they last months, years, or forever?

A good brush can will give at least a decade's daily use.

 

[jacketch]

Does a razors grind really matter that much, where I will end up with a constant search for the ultimate shaving tool? ( Yes, I know this is a knife forum and there is going to be a whole pile of Razors next to my pile of folders and my pile of fixed blades.) To start, should I try a few different grinds or stick to one grind? Does rocker matter? Does the tip shape matter? Thanks for your answers and opinions.

I agree 100% with what Gollnick wrote but would add that you can also face lather with many soaps and some creams. Some like this process but others not so much. You can just use your hand with many creams.

Razor grind, from wedge to full hollow will not have an affect on getting a close shave as much as blade sharpness does but grind can affect how you need to hold the razor and it affects the feel and sound of the razor on your face. They are not better, just different. Full hollow is easier to hone and in my opinion is easier to learn to shave with. The shape of the nose (the end of the blade) and the heel make for differing shaving experiences too. The round nose is easier to use without nicking yourself but the spike or square point is better for accurate trimming around features and beard lines.

Best to you with your shaving experience and post pictures when you get set up.

 

[cuttin edge]

Is a shave with a "cut throat razor" better than say a shave with a "gillette sensor" ? where can I buy a good quality razor? does it need to be sharpened before every shave?

 

[unky_gumbi]

I can't speak for a straight razor, but the double edge safety razor is worlds ahead of the multi bladed cartridge razors. They do take a little longer to get a close shave with, but it is worth it in my opinion. I think the straight razors would take a bit longer to learn, but give much the same results as the DE razors I use.

 

[Gollnick]

I went from Sensor to DE and I can tell you that after a week or so, your shaves will be twice as good. Once you get "dialed in," they will be 10-20x better... and a lot cheaper too. Sensor has gotten expensive.

 

[jacketch]

Is a shave with a "cut throat razor" better than say a shave with a "gillette sensor" ? where can I buy a good quality razor? does it need to be sharpened before every shave?

After 12 hours, my straight razor shave is still better than a cartridge or electric shave. My face is better also. No ingrown hairs, razor bumps or razor burn.