Thread: Straight or Swept?

Hi Guys

Well I've finally managed to save enough money for a couple of decent razors after being ripped of for a pair of RSO's.

I've seen a few affordable vintage razors in different styles at several reputable sources, but before I part with my hard earned cash I just wondered whether there was any concensus on whether a beginner should start with a straight/parallel blade, a swept blade or if it doesn't really make any odds either way.

Any thoughts or advice will be greatly appreciated!

Cheers

Steve

What's an RSO?

I really don't think that it makes a difference for a new shaver. Whether the blade is straight or smiling (what I assume you mean by swept), the methodology is the same.

RSO = Razor Shaped Object. They're good at being paperweights but not much else!

But yeah, that's what I meant! Must be something in the UK/US translation!

Cheers mate!

I say go with whichever razor floats your boat. If you're learning, then you'll just develop your technique around that first razor.

Originally Posted by SpockIOM

Hi Guys
. . .
I've seen a few affordable vintage razors in different styles at several reputable sources, but before I part with my hard earned cash I just wondered whether there was any concensus on whether a beginner should start with a straight/parallel blade, a swept blade or if it doesn't really make any odds either way.

Any thoughts or advice will be greatly appreciated!

Cheers

Steve

FWIW, as a beginner myself --

There's a lot of personal preference in the choice of razor. Grind (wedge / hollow), point (round / spike), "balance" (entirely subjective) -- everyone has his own opinions.

I'm at 5 razors now, still counting up. Based on my experience and reading on this site, if you have a tight budget . . .

. . . Get a "shave-ready" vintage razor from Whipped Dog Straight Razor Sales or the "straightrazorplace" Classified ads, or

. . . Get a "shave-ready" Dovo from Straight Razor Designs.

and don't worry too much about the details of blade shape, etc.

There's no way of predicting what _you_ will like. _I_ don't like spike points (I cut myself), and I like light blades (full hollow) better than heavy ones. But those are very personal preferences.

No matter what you choose, you'll be jumping into the pool blind. Just get something really sharp, and start scraping your face with it.<g>

Charles

Originally Posted by SpockIOM

Hi Guys

I've seen a few affordable vintage razors in different styles at several reputable sources, but before I part with my hard earned cash I just wondered whether there was any concensus on whether a beginner should start with a straight/parallel blade, a swept blade or if it doesn't really make any odds either way.

Steve

One other consideration --

If you're going to sharpen and hone blades, straight blades are easier to work with than "smiling" blades.

I haven't played with a really smiling blade yet; the first one will be interesting, I'm sure.

CHarles

Originally Posted by SpockIOM

Hi Guys

Well I've finally managed to save enough money for a couple of decent razors after being ripped of for a pair of RSO's.

I've seen a few affordable vintage razors in different styles at several reputable sources, but before I part with my hard earned cash I just wondered whether there was any concensus on whether a beginner should start with a straight/parallel blade, a swept blade or if it doesn't really make any odds either way.

Any thoughts or advice will be greatly appreciated!

Cheers

Steve

Thought.....

With modern hones a razor with a linear edge is
the easiest to keep "shaving sharp". We tend to lap
our hones flat and honing methods take advantage of that.

A razor that has a smile can require special attention
to hone and strop correctly. By special I do not
mean difficult just different.

Since you have encountered things that might resemble
an object with nearly the shape of a razor let me
point you to the Classified at the top of this page
and to pay attention to the sponsor banners on the top and sides
of the forum that sell shave ready razors. In the Classified are also
razor honing services that are a bargain.

The WiKi (again see the top of this page) has beginner
information pages as well as other good information.


And welcome...

SpockIOM,

As a honing newbie, I can certainly attest that the non-swept (parallel) blades are much easier for me to hone than swept blades.

I have an old swept no-name near-wedge which I use to practice honing this type of blade on, and it has driven me to distraction at times

Slightly swept blades like the C135 TIs are just about OK for me !

Shaving wise, I have not found that swept blades shave any better for me than the non-swept (parallel).

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ