Thread: My First Razor Help

Hello everyone. I've been researching everything for a while now, and I want to go ahead and purchase all of my items tomorrow. I've been looking at this website alot
Straight Razors
Here's the deal. I'm really not sure what to look for, or what's good/bad. I would like to get some advice/recomendations from experienced straight shavers, that know what makes a good one. I want a really good razor, that i'll use for a very long time. I'm willing to spend $300-$500 for a razor, up to $100 for a strop, and I want a silver tipped badger brush/bowl. Can anyone please help me with links or recommendations to specific razors I should get and why? I'm not sure what to choose.

Thanks

+1 Pm to Lynn

There are too many choices when spending that kind of money for someone else to make up your mind. Anything Lynn suggests will be more than adequate but you could spend half that much and have very nice equipment. The higher prices will get you style and pannache to satisfy your personal tastes as it would be difficult to find a poorly performing razor or strop on your budget.

I like the site you mentioned buying from (I have a Hart Steel 6/8th from them). However my first razor advice would be from straightrazordesigns. I would look at a 5/8-6/8ths with one of their strops in the package deal. They are a great vendor and I have much from them. I would get the upgraded 3in strop if you have the means to get it. That's my opinion on the matter.

Nic

Well, my fascination with straight razor shaving is as much mental as it is for a physical shave. I do want something classy, and something that will make me feel good to look at. To tell the truth, I want to spend between $300-$500, definitely want something non-beginner; but I understand the issues with that. What should I base the 5/8 or 6/8 on? I also heard the contour matters to? The hart steel looks pretty cool, because I get to pick the handle to go with the blade. Handle part is easy, blade is where it gets complicated. I'd opt for the shiny one with a square edge, just for looks. Any suggestions from here?

http://www.classicshaving.com/Hart_Steel.html

I base the size suggestion on maneuverability. Also, I didn't mention the grind. This is where I might differ from some. I enjoy a nice quarter to wedge grind as I have a very coarse beard. I also enjoy, and here is the key, a very sharp full hollow. But I started with a wedge and would recommend it to anyone with coarse hair. That's why I love the Hart's so much. Try a Wade and Butcher or Frederick Reynolds wedge at some point. Nice.

Good luck
Nic

Ok guys, I think i've found it

DOVO Straight Razors

thoughts?

That's a sweet razor. Stainless steel has pros and cons. The good is the fact that it is less prone to rust. Also I feel they hold their edge longer, however they never get quite as sharp as carbon steel. The stainless is also a tad harder to hone when you get to that point.

Nic

My $80 Dovo best quality has been great for the first few shaves I have with it so far! I'm still working on the stropping though, might take some time to perfect it! I would have a hard time dropping that much money on something that I'm learning and not even sure if I'll like.

On another note, I love the scales and gold accents on the blade!!

Have you got the Dovo yet? It's a nice razor, but I wouldn't buy it myself; not as a first razor not unless I wanted someone else to hone it for me.

I've never had a stainless razor, but I hear they are difficult for a beginner to hone.

I'd actually get a nice vintage razor from this site in the classifieds, making sure it comes shave ready.

Everyone here who is experienced knows how important it is to get a shave ready razor; honed by someone who uses a straight daily.

I wouldn't pay more than 60 for my first razor; you can get really nice vintage razors for that price. I'd get a full hollow 5/8. I'd get a good strop with good hardware (D rings both ends). I'd get a Norton 4/8 and a Shapton 16k and a boar brush and a badger brush.

I'd frequent this site every single day and hang out in each forum, but mainly the beginners' forum (having made a mistake yesterday, knowing what you did wrong, and talking about it is sometimes more valuable from advice that comes from TRYING to remember what you did wrong ;-)

Of course I'd also read the Wiki (library).

For the amount you're thinking of spending just on the razor, you could get close to getting all of what I said I'd buy above (I'm probably massively exaggerating there*).

Of course, that's just what I'd do...everyone else is going to say something different...But like General Patton said, "If everyone is thinking alike someone isn't thinking"

[EDIT] *Actually, I just did some Googling and it's not much of an exaggeration at all :-)


Carl

I too would opt for a more inexpensive first strop... You will nick it guaranteed! I know I have a couple of nicks on mine and will have to replace it soon. Bonus is I have gotten better (I think?) at stropping and the strop is not in as much danger as it used to be. I would also recommend a 5/8 for your first razor. I have a nice 6/8, had a 5/8 and also a 4/8. I've nicked myself more times on the 6/8 than with any of the others. I also would recommend a nice vintage razor from one of the fine vendors here in the classifieds. I understand the want to have a fancy expensive razor but until you know if you like shaving with a straight I would save some cash then upgrade later if you so desire. Just my two cents