Thread: Hello

New to the forum and have yet to put a straight razor to my face. I am going to try because i never look foreward to shaving. Electric razors make my face feel like the hair was burned off with acid. My Fusion disposables cost an arm and a leg, get hopelessly clogged up fast, and after the first use iritate my face to no end.

I have been doing my homework for the last few hours and found this site from an article on www.shavemyface.com Now comes the hard part: Digging in my wallet.

For a razor, my thoughts were to pick up a pair from an antique store and pay someone here to put an edge on them. I have seen lots of them and never paid em any attension. Figure i can have 2 ready to use for the same price as a descent new one and someone from the site can make a few bucks from me.
My question is what do i look for? Some are probably only suited for looking nice as an antique. Other then the obvious heavy rust or nicks in the blade, what makes a particular razor atractive as an item to return to service?

As suggested by everyone, i will probably spend on good soap. That will be useful even if a straight razor isnt for me. Then need a brush and afordable strop. I would be happy if i can keep my initial cost around $100

Kinda struck me as wierd that theres a whole comunity of folks that are pasionate about shaving, but im glad you are here.

Welcome to SRP. I usually recommend a new razor to those starting out because it is a known quantity. For the most part the razors offered in the SRP classifieds will be high quality and if the seller says they are shave ready they ought to be. If you go the antique store route IME the sellers there often have an inflated view of what their wares are worth.

If you go to the "razor clubs" forum here you'll see some of the razors members hold in high regard. In most cases only good condition razors are posted in those forums with full blades, little or no hone wear, chips or cracks on the blades. Scales (handles) should be in good shape, preferably original if it is a collectible, with no cracks or the dreaded cell rot. That is what you want to look out for if you go razor hunting.

I found that guide as well and thought it was pretty good. When I started out, I decided to get a starter set which included a new razor, strop, a puck of col. conk's soap (which I still use today-- love the stuff, and it is cheap), shaving mug, and a boar's hair brush. I've seen Dovo starter sets for about $120 or so. Many of the web sites that advertise here have sets like that.

If you want a vintage razor, I'd check out the classified section on this site, as these will be razors you can actually use. If you get one from an antique store (or ebay), you really don't know what shape it is in unless you know what to look for. It is hard enough learning how to shave in the beginnig without throwing a questionable razor into the mix.

Good luck!
-Chief

Welcome!

Yep, we're a funny bunch here lol!

If you want to get an antique store razor and restore it, there are several experts here who do this sort of work. Gssixgun (Glen), Maximillian (Max) and Undream (Brad) to name three.

There are also several great vendors out there; Check the Vendors Corner forum for a list of them. They will be able to sell you any extra kit you might need like strops and so on.

If you havent already, check the Wiki: Straight Razor Place Wiki, the Beginners Guide (Straight Razor Place Wiki:Books/Beginners Guide - Straight Razor Place Wiki) and the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki)

Pay particular attention to the good and bad razor brands in the FAQ if you are out on the hunt. Theres a lot of stuff out there thats no good, so make sure you do your homework!

Its generally recommended that new guys go with a new razor as there will be no faults with it, but if you really want to go looking, bear a few things in mind..!

Make sure the razors you get dont have too much spine wear (flattened spines due to honing) and that there are no chips or cracks on the blade. Make sure the scales are not warped and that the blade doesnt catch when you close the razor. If the razor smells strongly of vinegar, leave it as it has celluloid rot.

Do some research here for common problems people encounter with old razors, and dont be afraid to pass a razor up if you have doubts! Theres plenty of them out there..!

Also, take a look in the classifieds here for some great classic shave ready razors.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Welcome to SRP! Everyone has given you great advice to follow. However, I wouldn't count on saving scads of money. After about six months please let us know how many razors, strops, hones, brushes, mirrors, aftershaves, pre-shave oils, shaving soaps and creams, etc., etc., etc., you have purchased. Yeah those AD's have a way of sneaking up on you...

Originally Posted by Asymetric

For a razor, my thoughts were to pick up a pair from an antique store and pay someone here to put an edge on them. I have seen lots of them and never paid em any attension. Figure i can have 2 ready to use for the same price as a descent new one and someone from the site can make a few bucks from me.

That's an admirable thing to do...but here's something to think about. In my area, antique store razors run between $25-$30. By the time to shell out another $20 for honing, you're in nearly $50. If you check the classifieds, you can find entry razors at about $60 or so restored....that's like paying $10 for a restoration job and SURE can't beat that!

Having said that, I started the exact way you mentioned...I went out and spent my last $30 on a vintage model from an antique store. The biggest thing to consider is whether the razor looks like it was responsibly owned in the past. Check from frowns, sight the razor and check for warps in the blade, rust, pitting (if there's rust there will be pitting under it).

Other that that, have fun...that's what it's all about

Originally Posted by dward

After about six months please let us know how many razors, strops, hones, brushes, mirrors, aftershaves, pre-shave oils, shaving soaps and creams, etc., etc., etc., you have purchased. Yeah those AD's have a way of sneaking up on you...

That just cannot happen with this. I have so much other stuff around here that my old lady thinks is just junk and wants to throw out.


[Chant]Cannot happen. Cannot happen.
[/chant]

Hi Asymetric,
Welcome to SRP!
whether you buy antique or new is really only a matter of taste.
I personally knew i was always going to have more than one razor because I read that a razor has to rest 24 hrs while the "fin" hardens after being in contact with water.I also wanted to learn the art of honing razors so I wouldn't have to send them away.Remember nearly all old razors have dings and chips in the blade and need repairing.
I wanted a vintage razor around 150 years old knowing that it had been owned and used by men who had never seen electric shavers.(Also because Neil Miller says that the steel used at that time was better quality than modern steel.)Because of this all my razors are over 50 years old.I have six.
Despite the above ,I realse there are good modern razors out there and you could find very good razors both antique and new on this site in the classifieds and on SRD.
All the above is in my humble opinion.
Happy shaving!
Kind regards
Noggs

Welcome and have fun!