Thread: What's a good straight to start with ?

Hi and welcome,
If I was spending that sort of money I would buy a nice vintage razor, but that's not to say that the next person wouldn't buy a brand new, really depends what you like.
I would be wary of eBay, because some people will say what they think needs to be heard to get a sale. If you are going that route, get some good pictures of both sides of the whole razor, and post them here, you will get good advice, or try and find a mentor who might be able to help you with your potential buys.

Thanks gents for all your positive feedback looks like i have some money to waste but it'll save me money right ? Lol

Originally Posted by Greek

Thanks gents for all your positive feedback looks like i have some money to waste but it'll save me money right ? Lol

Well maybe, over a few or more years, provided you are frugal.

I've spent too much money on razors, and looking back at my history, I'd advise you not to spend that much. Check the classifieds here, or go to a reputable dealer and get a low-end Dovo or Boker. What ever you get, get a shave ready razor. Once you see if straight shaving is for you, then decide if you want to spend more money on a higher dollar blade. Have fun.

Hi and welcome. General rule of thumb is round point(unless you like to bleed) and either 5/8 or 6/8 razor. From there you can make infinite decisions. Ill add a link for good razors but get shave ready. The classifieds are a good place to start. Ebay razors are hit and miss and most won't be shave ready so you'll need honing sell. Good luck.
Good Straight Razor Brands - Straight Razor Place Wiki

I just checked SRD, which is a go-to place for shaving equipment. $115 or so will get you a new razor, honed properly, and a quality strop. You can then pick up an Omega brush and entry-level soap whereever you see fit and still be well within your $150 limit. If you really want to go inexpensively, you can get a razor, strop, brush and soap from Whipped Dog for quite a bit less, which is what I did because I wasn't sure if I was going to like straight shaving.... that was several razors, brushes, strops, soaps and aftershaves ago

It's a shame we can't have some sort of "Starter Kit" for Newbies. You know, like a 7 day set of various types of blades.
I have 2 new razors, a Dovo and a Thiers, and I don't like them near as much as some of the old blades I bought and honed.
There are just so many differences among blades.
I would say to get started it would be best to start with a restored blade from a respected vendor here, for less than $70. Try it out, learn on it, see how you like it, learn what you don't like about it. Then buy another , but of a different style (Wedge vs hollow, or double hollow, or Lg vs. small) Then buy a third that will probably be closer to your ideal, for say $150, and sell the other 2.
So you're in for $150, but you have tried 3 blades, instead of just one you may not like.....
And if you're like me you may get lucky and find out the first blade you ever bought is your favorite shaver. ( $15 off ebay)
You'll still end up buying 20 blades later on, but that is just the sickness setting in.

I have amassed 18 vintage razors from eBay, antique shop and personal purchase and are having them honed. As I get them back I have been putting them in rotation. No two are alike other than being a mixture of American, English, German and Swedish steels. I have four rotating presently and I can tell you, no two alike and I like it that way, Each day is a delight and a challenge to see what kind of shave I get and how I have to adjust to get it. Throw changing soaps, scuttles/bowl/face lathering and a few different brushes and I have an adventure to start off each morning. I am aiming for a 14 day rotation. Plus (of course there is always a plus) I'm putting together a group of safety double, single and injector razors to throw in the mix to use on a whims moment. Let alone a variety of finishing creams or lotions. But I am drawing the line at strops. Just acquired a Russia Razor strop with my last name on it (amazing, isn't it), 2-1/34 x 24 in pristine condition and its older than me. Have to get fussy somewhere.

Been thinking of the Ralf aust with strop from srd in 5/8 . Thoughts on the aust ? And and all these strop options of leather

I don't think you can go wrong with a Ralf Aust, I have a 6/8 Spanish point.........it's a nice shaver