Thread: Looking for suggestions for a starter setup

Having worked with Larry Andreasson of Whipped dog a lot, I can say that I would trust him way more than a random eBay seller. The sight unseen thing actually makes a lot of sense for a noob; Doesn't matter how many pictures of the razor one sees, there is no way to tell from pictures (unless they are with a microscope) if it is actually honed properly, especially for a nooby who doesn't really know what to look for anyway. I'd much rather get an ugly razor that I know is well-honed and actually shave ready than a beauty that shaves like a pocket knife.

In fact, I would argue that someone with no straight-razor experience is probably better off letting someone else pick out a razor for them, as a new shaver might be inclined to focus on cosmetic qualities that don't affect the shave, instead of underlying geometric and metallurgical qualities. I know I felt really overwhelmed with the options when I started, and the Sheffield I ended up with was probably as good or better than anything I would have picked out myself.

Also, Larry is awesome about taking returns. Of the three Razors I have bought off Whipped dog, one of them I really didn't like (a 1/4 hollow that was just a little too beefy for my tasts). Larry took it back, full refund, no questions asked; Not a lot of eBay sellers will do that.

Sorry if I seem overly defensive, I am not in any way affiliated with WD, just a very happy repeat customer. I do think that anyone who has worked with WD would agree they are a way better place to get started than a random eBay seller.

Originally Posted by FoliageFace

Having worked with Larry Andreasson of Whipped dog a lot, I can say that I would trust him way more than a random eBay seller. The sight unseen thing actually makes a lot of sense for a noob; Doesn't matter how many pictures of the razor one sees, there is no way to tell from pictures (unless they are with a microscope) if it is actually honed properly, especially for a nooby who doesn't really know what to look for anyway. I'd much rather get an ugly razor that I know is well-honed and actually shave ready than a beauty that shaves like a pocket knife.

In fact, I would argue that someone with no straight-razor experience is probably better off letting someone else pick out a razor for them, as a new shaver might be inclined to focus on cosmetic qualities that don't affect the shave, instead of underlying geometric and metallurgical qualities. I know I felt really overwhelmed with the options when I started, and the Sheffield I ended up with was probably as good or better than anything I would have picked out myself.

Also, Larry is awesome about taking returns. Of the three Razors I have bought off Whipped dog, one of them I really didn't like (a 1/4 hollow that was just a little too beefy for my tasts). Larry took it back, full refund, no questions asked; Not a lot of eBay sellers will do that.

Sorry if I seem overly defensive, I am not in any way affiliated with WD, just a very happy repeat customer. I do think that anyone who has worked with WD would agree they are a way better place to get started than a random eBay seller.

Plus for someone new, you know you are actually getting a shave ready razor. So you could buy one for less, but after you have to pay to ship it off for honing, are you really ahead?