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

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    Junior Member Greek's Avatar
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    Default What's a good straight to start with ?

    Ok guys I know you probably answered this about a million times already so I'm going to sneak this one in . So I'm ready to jump on in with shaving with the straights but don't know what's a good razor to start with . I've heard w&b is good thiers is also well respected . I'm open to suggestions if I should start with s vintage blade or new one . I'd probably prefer a shave ready blade for now due to my inexperience in honing and stropping that would have to be done by one of the pros on here . I'd like to have something good/high quality if that's possible around 100-150 range perhaps but maybe that'd be overkill due to inexperience . Looking forward to hearing all your suggestions thanks .


    -Mike

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    Senior Member Chugach68's Avatar
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    Shave ready is a must. New or old. Depends on how much you want to invest. Several guys sell here in the classifieds, as well as many online sites varying from Whippeddog.com for inexpensive route to custom made and restorations from gemstar customs. As long as the blade is quality and honed properly you should be good.
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    Moderator Razorfeld's Avatar
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    Welcome to SRP. A great ride is ahead of you. Lots of answers to your question. A lot of people start with a shavette to get the hang of it. In many ways a shavette is fussier than a straight razor. A number of people go to the SRP classified and look for reasonable priced blades that have been reconditioned and honed shave ready by the many experts in the Forum. And some look at lesser priced new Dovos (check SRD website) as one of the better beginning razors. But STAY AWAY from eBay at least until you know what to look for in a razor. I learned the hard way and have a, literally, a big mug full of bad steel razors. If I could met them down and cast it as something useful I would. Also read the SRP Wiki section for beginners, especially on stropping. Forget canned shaving goo. Read up on basic soaps. At most drug stores and the like pick up a Van Der Hagen box of a shaving soap, a small bowl with a decent brush. Cost under $20. Enough to get youstarted. Use an old soup bowl or big coffee mug and practice building a decent lather. Takes more time than you would think but very satisfying when you get there.

    Now that you've gotten through all of that, welcome again and enjoy!
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    He of the unconventional nature. Mechromancer's Avatar
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    I'd say rounded tip narrow blade to start with if you have that option available. Though don't be afraid of a square tip. 1/2 to 5/8 wide for ease of control. Avoid the massive blades at first. I've had good luck with vintage but choices can be limited. Check the classifieds here. Ebay is good if the the description says the razor is honed and shave ready. My personal favorites are W&B, Simmons, Boker, and Holley. As a general rule of thumb, if the blade is from Sheffield England or Solingen Germany then you have good quality steel.

    As far as brand new, everyone says Dovo. I've never tried one myself. Avoid Kreiger, Master, and Gold Dollar as the factory edge may be questionable. Besides, stainless blades are not really for the novice.

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    Senior Member blabbermouth 10Pups's Avatar
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    Look in the classifieds. Has anybody ever heard a compliant from someone that bought there ? Pick one that looks cool to you, ask questions, and pull the trigger when you know your comfortable. I think we all respect any razor that shaves well. 5/8 round point is a good start but hey your opinion is what matters. Just because I like Ducks doesn't mean a Genco is not a great choice. Okay I got one of those too but lets not get into that right now :<0)


    Welcome to SRP
    Last edited by 10Pups; 09-10-2013 at 03:39 AM.
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    what Dad calls me nun2sharp's Avatar
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    Check the classifieds, affordable quality, and everyone here has a reputation to hold up.
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    Senior Member Headcrowny's Avatar
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    Ralf Aust 5/8" round point from SRD. There, how's that for specific?!

    I just bought one and another newbie just posted that he got his today. $99, which is not expensive. Honed and stropped to be shave ready. Free 2nd honing as well. Super fast shipping. And ... pretty much everyone seems to be sold out on most everything else :-)

    I got mine to create a set-point of "this is a good blade". My second purchase was private party, not shave ready, which was so I could GET it shave ready and increase my skills. After that I'm planning on just looking around and seeing what's intriguing.

    Crowden
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    SunD3v1L (09-11-2013)

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    I'm in the same boat as OP; good words of advice above, thanks.

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    Make ready the heat. henryconchile's Avatar
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    My 1st new razor last year was a Dovo 6/8 Best Quality straight razor for $85 from SRD; it was professionally honed, shave ready, and came with a free 2nd honing certificate. I got a new Illinois #127 strop for $35 elsewhere.

    You'll still need a strop for straightening the razor edge before a shave. Time to start practicing your stropping.
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    Member One2mny's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by henryconchile View Post
    My 1st new razor last year was a Dovo 6/8 Best Quality straight razor for $85 from SRD; it was professionally honed, shave ready, and came with a free 2nd honing certificate. I got a new Illinois #127 strop for $35 elsewhere.

    You'll still need a strop for straightening the razor edge before a shave. Time to start practicing your stropping.
    +1 me too. great razor and great guys to deal with
    My OCD thinks that my wallet has no bottom!

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