Thread: Intro Razor

You know, I've been frequenting the forums during my downtime in the workweek, and I have to say, I can't seem to find any thread that blatantly says:

Hey New Guys, Here's a list of Great Intro Razors!

Anyone have any suggestions? Obviously a newbie won't buy a high-end damascus steel one, and shouldn't buy a "high carbon, Beauty & Barber" blade from eBay (my bad...), so what are some great suggestions?

I've been looking on the forums here, but I don't really know what to keep my eyes peeled for.

So, to the pros, maybe some suggestions of price ranges, things to watch for, and brands that are good for newbies...think you have some ideas?

All of the good intro shave ready razors are in the classifieds of SRP, I'd check there.

I've just read the wiki article. It states what razors to stay away from and which brands are good for beginners. I hope I've learned enough, as I just ordered a Dovo from straight razor designs.....good luck!

I think that rather than telling people what the good razors are, and there are many, emphasis has been placed on telling people what not to buy (i.e. Zeepk, etc). If you want to buy a new razors you have only a limited number of options: mostly Dovo and Thiers Issard. There are a few other good ones as well but these 2 are probably the most common. If you want used, the classifieds, already mentioned by nun2sharp, are the way to go. You would find what you are looking for there. Whether you go new or vintage, please make sure that your razor is in shave ready condition.

Al raz.

make sure your razor is shave-ready

Yeah, I learned that one the hard way. Apparently, it's sharp enough to cut skin easily, but not sharp enough to cut hair. Under-honed, I imagine (and a cheap razor).

Thanks everyone for the tips. Going antiquing with the girlfriend this weekend, and I'll be looking for older razors to restore (via a professional, of course) in addition to getting a nice slightly used razor, probably honed by Lynn.

Thanks again everyone!

Originally Posted by Whatsthe2ndDfor

You know, I've been frequenting the forums during my downtime in the workweek, and I have to say, I can't seem to find any thread that blatantly says:

Hey New Guys, Here's a list of Great Intro Razors!

Anyone have any suggestions? Obviously a newbie won't buy a high-end damascus steel one, and shouldn't buy a "high carbon, Beauty & Barber" blade from eBay (my bad...), so what are some great suggestions?

I've been looking on the forums here, but I don't really know what to keep my eyes peeled for.

So, to the pros, maybe some suggestions of price ranges, things to watch for, and brands that are good for newbies...think you have some ideas?

Any sharp medium to full hollow razor in 5/8-6/8 size would be good.
The main reason you wouldn't buy that damascus razor is the price.
So find a razor in your budget, make sure it's sharp and that's all.
There are few gimmick razors from poor steel that you want to stay away from but apart from that there are way too many razors to give you a comprehensive list. You already saw the list of some of the more reliable brands if you would go the ebay route. If you decide to do that, make sure you have few hundred $ dedicated to the venture. You'll have to learn from your mistakes, there is no easy way to learn what to avoid there.

Prices are very subjective thing - if I wish I can sell a $300 razor for $30, may be because I paid $3 for it, nobody can stop me. Or the other way around.

But if you really insist on a simple advice, buy the dovo tortoise special from straightrazordesigns.