Thread: What to look for

I am very new to the straight razor world, and I need a little advice. Been shaving for a few months with a straight and I love it. So my interest is growing. I just recently bought the norton waterstone package to give it a go at honing. I need a razor to practice with. A nice cheap one that if (or is it more like when) I mess up I wont give a damn. But one that if I do a decent job it will make a nice shaver. I have been doing some research and even watched Lynn's video with the ebay tips. I have been looking through ebay the past few days and found a few nice looking blades, but I'm still a little hesitant. Any tips on what more to look for? Or even steps on how you make your purchases? Actually, anything would help! Thanks!

You might want to post a "wtb practice razor" in the b/s/t forum there is bound to be a member or two wit ha blade that is in OK shape that a little cleaning and honing will fix... just realize that unlike ebite the blade you get will be clear of major defects like cracks and chips that were carefully not photgraphed... which might dd a little to the asking price... most folks are interested in covering their cost (and a little to go towards the bad ones they got burned on) as this is a hobby not a job.

Or check your local flea market/ antique stores. Use common sense - if it looks bad (cracks, rusted, chipped) or somehow wrong based on what you know so far, pass it up.
While some of these defects may be ok for, and even sought after by, the more experienced razor restorer, you, as a beginner, don't need the distraction nor the headache.

The reason I suggest this over eBay is it's much better to have the razor right there in front of you. If it doesn't pass muster it's much easier to say no and keep going than to try and deal with a seller online, re-pack, re-ship, buyers remorse, etc.

Look for razors $20.00 and under. Some of my best antique store razor finds were in this price range. If you see a razor you like and it seems priced too high, you can try barganing with the seller...nothing ventured, nothing gained. But usually these guys are trying to make a buck off of less than knowledgeable buyers and won't come down in price. Best to go find another.

Just some thoughts for you.

Good luck


Scott

Well thanks for the info... might hit the flea market this weekend
ill post a quick one on the b/s/t section also... thanks!