Newb help on some eBay auctions.

First, I'd like to say that this place is great. I've learned a ton. (My first post.)

I really like the look of the Henckels with black scales. I've never had a straight, and never shaved [with a straight] before. I've become dissatisfied with the cost / quality of my cartridge razors. Shaving with a straight edge appeals to the historian and gentleman in me.

I understand that there are a bunch of steps that I'll be going through but the first, it seems to me, is to buy a nice razor. Something to be proud of and enjoy so that I have full motivation to continue to the next step.

I have only one rule for buying things. Only buy the things that you are 100% satisfied with.

As to the auctions, I've seen these two Henckels that I like. (especially the first)
Henckels Model No. XXX
Henckels Twin Works

I like these because they're simple, and clean. Plus I use Henckels cutlery in my kitchen and it is of such superb quality that I feel like it would be an excellent starting point in straight razors.

I like some of the Bokers but I really can't decide on any that I really like. Some of my favorites are the ones with the Boker tree on the scales, but that seems to make them more desireable (obviously) and thusly more expensive. Those will probably need to wait.

I also really like this one:
Joseph Allen Non XLL posted by Tony H / portal5

Are there any tips/hints you guys can give me? I know that any of these razors is going to need to be sent off to be honed before I can use it. Both because I don't have any of the equipment for that and because I'll need to know what a truely sharp razor feels like.

Basically, I'm looking for a simple, dependable, servicable razor with a good lineage.

Thanks in advance for your answers.

I think it would be best to avoid making the ebay pick and purchase a razor that is already honed. The reason is that you don't really know what to look for in a razor on ebay and how to evaluate the condition from the sometimes not so nice photos.

Specifically on the henckels - the first one seems 4/8 or smaller. The recommended size for newbies is 4/8-6/8 and this one is on the small side. I wouldn't go with anything less than 4/8. The second one has bad honewear, don't bid on it.

The Joseph Allen of Tony looks very nice and will prehaps go for a pretty penny.

Since you prefer Henckels or Boker you can just post a WTB in the B/S/T. Expect to pay a bit more because of the names. They will not shave you better than a razor from a less famous maker, because your poor technique will overshadow the razor's capability for a while. Still it's your choice - get something that makes you happy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gugi

Specifically on the henckels - the first one seems 4/8 or smaller. The recommended size for newbies is 4/8-6/8 and this one is on the small side. I wouldn't go with anything less than 4/8. The second one has bad honewear, don't bid on it.

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Thanks for pointing this out!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gugi

because your poor technique will overshadow the razor's capability for a while. Still it's your choice - get something that makes you happy.

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Quite likely right, I've just been impressed with the quality of the knives and cutlery from both brands that the razors really stood out to me. I appreciate the advice, and will probably troll around some more looking for some razors. I missed the newb giveaway drawing deadline by a few days. (Sad.)

Given your choice, what would you recommend as a good starter then?

Watch the B/S/T section here. You can
even post a WTB with what you're
willing to spend. You'll get something that
will most likely be shave ready and will
have already been restored. I have a good
razor that will be ready in a couple of days.
It's a Genco Old Dutch 6/8 square point,
mirror finish shave ready with mahogany
scales. I've offered it to another newbie
for $40 which will basically cover my
costs on it plus shipping. If he isn't interested
I'll let you know.

John

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kerryman71

Watch the B/S/T section here. You can
even post a WTB with what you're
willing to spend. You'll get something that
will most likely be shave ready and will
have already been restored. I have a good
razor that will be ready in a couple of days.
It's a Genco Old Dutch 6/8 square point,
mirror finish shave ready with mahogany
scales. I've offered it to another newbie
for $40 which will basically cover my
costs on it plus shipping. If he isn't interested
I'll let you know.

John

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I cannot, for the life of me, find this post. Are there any pictures?

I haven't posted it yet. I can send you
some pics once I get it set up if you're
interested. I just got the scales today
so I have to assemble it.

John

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kerryman71

I haven't posted it yet. I can send you
some pics once I get it set up if you're
interested. I just got the scales today
so I have to assemble it.

John

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I can't say for certain yet, but I'd like to see some pictures. Taste has such a wide variance between people, ya know? Plus, my wife isn't 100% sold on the idea of me putting a blade on my face. You guys know wives, right? :shrug: However, I'm comfortable with blades myself... having gotten my first pen knife when I was 6 years old. Much to the chagrin of my writing desk and my father. That was 18 years ago, and I've cut myself enough times to be respectful of naked steel and to know how to handle it.

Just have to get her over it. :cool:

I eventually got her to let me buy a sporty car, we'll see how this comes.

No problem. I'll post pics when it's
all set.

John