Another what razor thread!

[btbam]

hey guys, so i am very keen to start using a straight razor, they have always really appealed to me.

I am going to need Razor, Brush and Strop.

I am after a razor that will stand the test of time. Quality is very important but i dont by any means need the best on the market.

I will need international shipping and cant wait to hear everyones suggestions.
Reading around the place i am quite confused on what to go for.

Thanks for your time and effort!

[btbam]

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522940/2104673.htm

DOVO Genuine Ebony 5/8 Spike Point is what i am thinking of going for, but i really have no idea.

I love the look of it and from what i have read it sounds like a good razor to buy.


Though i am the first to admit i have no idea
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[cwrighta70]

Those are very nice razors. However, you can also save a good amount of money by just watching the B/S/T section. Members are always listing shave-ready razors for $30-50. You could also PM Mike_ratliff and see if he has any of his shave-ready Wapienica's available.

If you check out the Newbie's Info Sticky, there is a list of GOOD razor brands. If you find any of those, you should be good to go.

[Kenrup]

I have a Hoffritz 5/8 that is in fabulous shape. I can give it a fresh hone, I have brand new boar brushes and Tweezerman badger brushes. I have some strops made up but I can make one specifically for you. Send me a PM so we can fix you up with what you're looking for.

[jockeys]

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522940/2104673.htm

DOVO Genuine Ebony 5/8 Spike Point is what i am thinking of going for, but i really have no idea.

I love the look of it and from what i have read it sounds like a good razor to buy.


Though i am the first to admit i have no idea
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I cannot recommend a spike point for a first razor, start with a round point.

[cwrighta70]

Not trying to question someone who's been at it longer than I, but...

I'm not entirely convinced that starting with a Spike is a bad thing. I started with a Spike, and I've had my share of nicks, but mostly from scything motions and moving too quickly. I've found that it allows me to get much closer in precision areas (especially when I had my goatee).

[btbam]

I really appreciate everyones words.

Money is not really an issue for me but i will without doubt check the B/S/T section!

I am after a precision razor, but if starting with a spike is not a good idea then i will have to try to find somthing else.

I have always taken care when shaving so i think i should be ok. I will be purchasing some disposable straight razors tomorrow if i can track them down and i will put some practice in.

Shouldnt be too hard i have watched a few videos and read a heap.

[jockeys]

the reason I advise against a spike for a beginner is that a sharp square point is much less forgiving of angle mistakes, especially when you are not applying even pressure along the length of the edge. (since it tends to dig in when pressure is brought to bear on it)

as long as you stay mindful of the point and where it is on your face, you should be ok. just one more thing to keep track of and try and build good habits with; when I was new at it I found that I cut myself a lot more with a spike because I would focus on other things like blade angle and pressure and inevitably forget about the point, and wind up dragging it across my earlobe or nose or something.

if you have a beard or other facial hair that requires great precision, a spike is a good choice. I keep a goatee myself, and when I shave, I do most of it with a wide round point, and then do detail work with a skinny (4/8) spike point.

your experience may be different, if you really like the look of the spike, go for it, just be aware that it is a tad trickier than the round point.

[cwrighta70]

I definitely agree with that. Unfortunately I've not had the opportunity to experience a Round Point just yet. My Zeepk was a round point, but I only shaved with it ONCE! Hopefully soon, the wife will let me purchase one so that I can compare.

[btbam]

Ok sure I understand completely.

I have taken another look and I also really like this razor
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...940/190248.htm

it is a little more expensive but I do really like its style.


I plan on purchasing a cheap disposable straight razor today (if I can find one)



Do you guys feel this is a good purchase?

Also when it comes to honing, I am the least confident in this area.
Is it best to try and track down a professional in my area?


I have American Crew shaving cream and shaving brush.
are these completely useless or are they ok, in anyone knows?