Thread: New to the straight razor world

hello ben i am also from the UK. There is two uk websites that sell razors both new and also vintage. Both are members here and i belive all their blades are trully shave ready.
the invisible edge
strop-shop

Thanks Pedro. Even with all my searching i missed that site.
It looks to have some good razors for about £35.
Il look into it further.

What are you using at the minute Pedro?

Welcome To SRP Ben.

Well, this one's going to the post tomorrow (click to enlarge)...

That is one nice razor. I love the shape of the blade.
Cant wait to have a shave with it. Looks like it will be a great work horse.
Thanks Robin

Well i am going about this a bit back to front really. i currently use a shavette and have done for about 3 months. but i have bought two vintage straights which i am half way through restoring. I will hone one my self when finished and send the other out for some comparision even thought i already know which one will be sharper.
Unfortunately both of mine came from ebay as could not find shop with any in glasgow so need quite a bit of work.

Originally Posted by WitnessTheFall

That is a very kind offer sir. I have pm'd you my details.
I can get a Dovo best quality in the UK for about £60 but i dont really have the cash yet.
I dont know if i should save up £100 and get a higer end model or if i should look for another company.

I wouldnt mind getting a vintage razor but as im new to the razor world im not sure about the restoration needed to get an old razor up to shaving standards.

The kriegar is ok but it fond after the second pass my face is on fire. I had to switch to my Wilkinson Sword DE razor till i can get a good razor.

Thanks guys
Ben

Welcome...

In looking up what a "kriegar" was I found a good quote on the B&B site:
"Great looking handles! But you can't shave with a handle."
This quote mostly answers your question about needing a higher
end product. Many of the higher priced blades are more expensive
because of the handle material and the polish and finish of the
blade. This is true for new razors or antique ones.

A restoration can be light, removing crud and rust or complete taking
great care to remove all corrosion, pits and polishing it to a
mirror with exotic new handles. Both end with a bevel set
and honing to be shave ready.

If you are on a budget shop for a "light" restoration but shave ready
blade. At times some of the guys here stumble on a no name shaver
that does not justify a week of restoration work in an auction lot of blades.
Keep your eyes open -- sometimes these show up as a beginner special.

Hey NS. Yeah that is true about the Kriegar razors. I love the handel on mine but as for the blade
I was told that stainless can be great if worked right, however most people iv spoke to seem to shave with carbon steel.

Il get a good idea of what a good sized sharp blade will be like when i get that one from Robin. I think what i will do then is save up and keep my eyes open on here.
I was bidding on a restoration razor on ebay today but was out bid.
There is a nice one on the classifieds for $40 which looks quite nice.

I keep looking on there in the hopes that a nice $20-25 one is being sold. Iv seen a few nice ones that have sold for that on here.

Thanks
Ben

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

In looking up what a "kriegar" was I found a good quote on the B&B site:
"Great looking handles! But you can't shave with a handle."

Interesting tidbit. Here is the complete list: Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki. The Wiki is always worth a read.

Originally Posted by WitnessTheFall

I have looked at a few on ebay in the UK but over here, all the vintage razors go for silly money for some reason.
I wasnt really looking to get a really expensive one, i just wanted to shave with a razor which has a longer blade than 2" and gives a better shave than the one i have. I am getting a better shave from my DE than my Kriegar, so i know something is wrong. Haha

To get a razor honed here by one compnay it costs £16 which is about $30. Seems quite steemp. My dads a knife maker but he dosent have and very very fine stones. He did just pick up a new Japanise stone so i think that might work. Not sure what grit it is but i know its a few thousand.

Thanks
Ben

Ben,

Welcome to SRP...

Lynn is correct...Check the SRP "Classifieds." You ought to be able to find a str8 razor that fits your budget and suits your needs.

BTW...A bit of friendly advice. I would avoid ebay if you are just entering the world of str8 razor shaving. What looks like a good dea,l at first, may not turn out to be in the long-run.