All About Pocket Knives

I like knives, multi tools, and hatchets. A few years ago I switched from regular Gillette razors to a Rockwell double sided razor and shaving soap, and I’ve really liked the switch. Now I’m thinking of trying a straight razor. Would anyone here be willing to recommend a few items I could use as a “starter kit” to dip my toe in the water? I like old things and would be happy to get an older razor, but if I’d have a better experience with a new razor to start with I’d be happy to get that instead. Thanks!

Hi, and welcome aboard!
Take a look here ---> https://theshaveden.com/forums/forums/s ... razors.32/
and here ---> https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... m.php?f=70

Sounds like an interesting venture, to AAPK.

The old heavy shavers, 13/16 up to 1" wide straights make some nice shavers. Personally I have a John Jay, believe made by boker, and a couple double ducks that I use regularly. Stirling soap company makes some great soaps and aftershave. I prefer a synthetic knot on a brush, you can pick them up pretty cheap sometimes and they last a long time. Just my 2 cents

Umcknifeguy wrote: ↑Sat Aug 02, 2025 3:58 am The old heavy shavers, 13/16 up to 1" wide straights make some nice shavers. Personally I have a John Jay, believe made by boker, and a couple double ducks that I use regularly. Stirling soap company makes some great soaps and aftershave. I prefer a synthetic knot on a brush, you can pick them up pretty cheap sometimes and they last a long time. Just my 2 cents

Thanks for the info! I figured the best approach would be to start with a shavette, so I know I have a sharp blade. Then once I’m comfortable with it and know how it’s supposed to feel, I can switch to a straight razor that I have to sharpen. I’ve been using a Dovo shavette every day for a week now. It’s been a really fun process. Day three went the worst . I’ve been using a shave soap from Temecula Olive Oil Company and a pre shave oil from The Art of Shaving. Anyway, I’m excited to get a straight razor, maybe in a couple of months. Thanks for the suggestions… I’ll look into those!

After about three weeks using a shavette, project straight razor is progressing well. I’ve gone three shaves in a row now without the sight of blood . Now that I’m getting comfortable with what it should feel like with a sharp razor, I’m starting to look into getting a real straight razor and a strop. I’m planning to start with a new one, and then once I feel good about keeping that sharp I’ll start looking at vintage ones. I’ve really enjoyed this process!

PennyTheDog wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 1:33 pm After about three weeks using a shavette, project straight razor is progressing well. I’ve gone three shaves in a row now without the sight of blood . Now that I’m getting comfortable with what it should feel like with a sharp razor, I’m starting to look into getting a real straight razor and a strop. I’m planning to start with a new one, and then once I feel good about keeping that sharp I’ll start looking at vintage ones. I’ve really enjoyed this process!
IMG_1897.jpeg

Sounds like you're coming along just fine.
Make sure that you get that new razor professionally honed before using it. Straight razors are generally not shave-ready right out of the box.
I send all mine to Glenn at https://gemstarcustoms.com/
Great guy to work with. He also has restored razors you can purchase.

Steve Warden wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 4:40 pm

PennyTheDog wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 1:33 pm After about three weeks using a shavette, project straight razor is progressing well. I’ve gone three shaves in a row now without the sight of blood . Now that I’m getting comfortable with what it should feel like with a sharp razor, I’m starting to look into getting a real straight razor and a strop. I’m planning to start with a new one, and then once I feel good about keeping that sharp I’ll start looking at vintage ones. I’ve really enjoyed this process!
IMG_1897.jpeg

Sounds like you're coming along just fine.
Make sure that you get that new razor professionally honed before using it. Straight razors are generally not shave-ready right out of the box.
I send all mine to Glenn at https://gemstarcustoms.com/
Great guy to work with. He also has restored razors you can purchase.

Thanks Steve!

I’ve actually switched shavettes now: every day for the past two months or so I’ve use the Feather Artist Club SS. It’s more substantial feeling, and the blades are more rigid. I like the feel a lot, and I’ve enjoyed the process of finding a shaving path to get the shave as smooth as possible. A real straight razor is definitely somewhere in my future.

I need to try something different, because I'm not getting the close shave I expected.

Glad to read you're sticking with it.