Thread: First New Razor

So I have a whipped dog that I'm learning on, but being the Christmas season I'd like to get a new razor. I'm looking for functional, yet nice, so it can hopefully become my go-to for life. $100-200 budget.

Debating between 5/8 and 6/8 as well. The whipped dog I have is 5/8 and it works well. I always have at least a goatee, so under the nose won't be an issue.

As always, thanks to the vets who respond to my post.

Any Dovo, Ralph Aust, TI, Böker, Revisor etc. will serve you well.
They can all be your go-to if you like them, I have a 6/8 round point Genco a plain Jane that is still one of my favorite blades.
I here people say entry level/beginners straight razor and there is really no such thing unless maybe it is one with a guard.
It is really about your preference in size, grind, and point.
I find my preference in grind and point floats around more than my preference in width.
Anything between 5/8 and 7/8 is what I personally like.
Pick one that appeals to you,
I know this is not much help but other than getting something of quality whether that be new or vintage it truly is about personal preference.

Regards
Pat

I look at some of the custom scale jobs members create and I'm envious of that kinda talent. I'd love a cool, funky vintage with some modern scales, but the, main shave ready shops don't really stock that sort of thing.

Was thinking of maybe a Ralph Aust, or a Bismarck with pearl looking handles (if anybody gets them in stock).

If you find a blade you like getting some new scales on it is easily done.
Glen just posted a Ralph Aust he put a new suit on.
I know HNSB has some vintage available (http://straightrazorpalace.com/vendo...sr4s-back.html)
gssixguns usually has some as well (gem star customs) and of course the classifieds are always a good option.

I think blade width is personal preference. I've got a 7/8 LIVI I never use bc that thing is wicked to cut on my jaw line. I actually prefer 6/8, or even a 4/8 Zowada I picked up. You can get it in the tightest of places with no nicks...

Originally Posted by MrWiggly

So I have a whipped dog that I'm learning on, but being the Christmas season I'd like to get a new razor. I'm looking for functional, yet nice, so it can hopefully become my go-to for life. $100-200 budget.

Debating between 5/8 and 6/8 as well. The whipped dog I have is 5/8 and it works well. I always have at least a goatee, so under the nose won't be an issue.

As always, thanks to the vets who respond to my post.

Come back to this thread in 6 months, and see how many razors you have.

You'll be able to find some goods ones on the SRP classifieds, or straight razor designs. Thiers-Issard has some luxurious razors too.

For width, smaller is generally more maneuverable, but the difference between 1/8 won't be overly dramatic.

So the question becomes, why do so many on here seem to prefer 6/8ths if it's negligible? I agree that the 5/8ths is very manueverable.

Also, what about a Spanish point? I'm looking at a Ralf Aust, debating 5/8th vs. 6/8th and Spanish vs. rounded point. I have facial hair, which is what drew me to the Spanish Point as I've heard it's good for trimming around.

On a ruler 1/8 does not seem like much.
When wielding a blade I personally feel it is a fairly substantial difference.
6/8 just seems to me to be the right balance of maneuverability, heft (yes it varies with grind as well), and lather holding ability.
I can shave with any size, I have a microtome in at almost just over an inch and it shaves great (well after some work it shaves great now),
I have a 4/8 I just find that zone in the middle to be what I like.
I can see why a Spanish, French, and spike would be easier for the detail work if you use the tip because the tip is the tip.
Where on a round point there is steel beyond the end of the edge,
I can still use the edge of the sharpened area on a round point to do the same thing and pick off a hair at a time if I need to.

I think I will. I initially only became interested in Spanish Point because it is all they had. Now they have a huge stock so I'm going through RAD on steroids ha ha.

I shave with most sizes and shapes. My Aust Spanish point is a very good and pleasant to use razor. Other than that I like French points well and anything else. A thought, If you are not used to using a square point, take it a bit slow as that point gives no warning of its proximity to your earlobe... Don't ask!!
~Richard