Thread: Best type of razor for a novice ?

I am a newbie and would like some clarification please !
Often when razors are up for sale they are classified as either suitable or not suitable for a novice, what criteria are they basing this on ?
Is it the width of the blade or shape or both ?
What do the experts recommend please ?
Kind regards
Phil

Every blade in classifieds would be suitable for a novice perhaps with the exception of a non-muted spike point.
I think the suitable for a novice is more related to price point.

IMO any 5/8, or 6/8 round point is great for a beginner. As was said a spike tip not muted could lead to cuts.

A razor for a novice should have the following qualities (IMO):
5/8 or 6/8 size (not too large, not too small)
Round point (to avoid nicks due to unexperience and distraction)
Shave ready (it's a must)
Easy to hone.
Point 4 (easy to hone) is often discarded, but when I remember my first attempts ... well it's a must too.

Originally Posted by luckypip

I am a newbie and would like some clarification please !
Often when razors are up for sale they are classified as either suitable or not suitable for a novice, what criteria are they basing this on ?
Is it the width of the blade or shape or both ?
What do the experts recommend please ?
Kind regards
Phil

Before you start spending oodles of money on fancy razors, strops and eventually hones, try a shavette with a DE blade snapped in half loaded into it. It's guaranteed shave ready and takes the hassle of a hefty financial outlay at the outset. Then you can enjoy learning to shave properly!

I've been SR shaving for a few months and still in no rush to spend vast amounts of money on a real razor with all the gubbins required to look after it. Experimenting with different blades is great and gives you different feels for the razor.

I'm still using a bluebeards revenge shavette!

All you need is a decent mid price razor,5/8 6/8 whatever makes no diff,you need a strop,cheap starter stop will be fine but you have to learn how to strop also,Hones?? do not even think about them until 6 mos.down the road.

I used a shavette for 7 years. It does help you with technique but I could never get a bbs on my neck with it. It took me 3 months to get it on with a straight and its every day now. I use one about once a month. Its just too harsh IMO. Nothing like a real straight. YMMV as always, just sharing MY experience on it. If it works for you then you are good.

There's not really such a thing as a best-for-novice straight IMO. As long as whatever it is is in good condition.

A lot of people, I've noticed, learn on a mid-sized hollow grind so perhaps that would be a good place to start. But I'd really advise that whatever you get be in good condition and correctly honed - these are the two qualities of a straight razor that make it suitable for a novice.

James.

I agree with James that there is no such thing as a beginner straight razor. I recommend getting a razor that you find appealing. Good luck and have fun.

Originally Posted by TucoRamirez

I agree with James that there is no such thing as a beginner straight razor. I recommend getting a razor that you find appealing. Good luck and have fun.

That is good advice. Take your time, look around. You'll see something that you'll want in your hand. Just be careful, I started by buying one razor about six to eight weeks ago and I am now sitting somewhere at a dozen not counting a couple I bought to practice honing on. I'm hoping I can ease up a little soon.