Thread: Need help choosing a razor

I have been on this site for a while now, but have not bought a razor yet. The problem is that I don't know what to look for. So any help on what brands are good for a first timer, any models would be greatly appreciated. I can not express greatly enough. I have a budget of about $100 for every thing, i know its not a lot but its all I got to work with.

I just Bought my first straight about a week ago, and went through the same thing. I started out with a Dovo Shavette I got for x-mas =$45, $5 for a box of blades...
I used that for a bit and was hooked so I have spent several months looking at straights and reading forums, and checking out any and all razors online. And from what I have found there are many straights out there between $75-$100. And everywhere I look it seems the majority agrees that you can't go wrong with a Dovo. I purchased a "Best Quality" carbon steel for $75 on eBay, its brand new in a sealed box.
Hope this helps!

Make sure you look around. I have seen the Dovo "best quality" go for $75 shave ready. Couldn't tell you where for sure as I have been looking at so many places my head is still spinning from all of the options out there. If you have been here long, I'm sure you know to make sure you buy a razor that has been honed after the factory and is actually shave ready.

What all are you looking to get for your $100. It is going to be difficult to keep under that figure if you need the razor, strop, hone, brush, soap, and bowl. Your best bet to keep it on the cheap would definitely be to look in the classifieds here. Most of the guys here seem pretty cool, and come across as more interested in helping someone out that turning a huge profit. Keep your eyes open and I am sure someone will have what you need.

Welcome to SRP! There are a number of threads where people are looking for advice on how to start with a budget of $100. It is definitely possible. Have you considered buying a vintage blade, such as those found on the Classifieds here? You can get a very nice vintage blade for much less than you would pay new. For good brands check out the Wiki article here: Good Straight Razor Brands - Straight Razor Place Wiki
Likewise there is an article of brands to avoid here: Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki


Zac

Get this: 5/8 Shave Ready Wapienica razor (Wapi's)

I doubt you'll ever regret it. For this price this quality of razor is a steal.
I have one of these, two TIs, one boker, and I use this one at least 2-3 times a week, it is one of my favorites, even I love all of my razors .
It is easy to maintain, not expensive if you manage to screw it up and shaves like a dream

What could you buy with $100. A lot.

Search the classifieds. Most if not all are shave ready and are proven and reliable shavers for the most part.

Welcome and whomever you purchase from as long as it is here, you cannot go wrong.

https://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vsh...cat=142&page=1

I just did some math real quick...

Illinois #827 strop $35 shipped
Tweezerman badger brush $15 shipped
Shave soap just about any of them $5

That leaves you $45 with shipping to get a shave ready razor....

Yeah you could do that....

Just get a vintage blade from our classifieds that is shave ready. You will definitely need a strop though and Ruprazor.com has a starter strop for cheap, I think it's 20$.

Then you can get a soap and brush (omega boar brush) for fairly cheap.

EDIT: I Forgot to mention that you will become addicted to straight shaving and you will need to take a second or third job to support your RAD eventually!

+1 to Disburden. Ken at Ruprazor.com has very nice "starter" packages. Good luck and have fun!

Tom