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Could someone recommend a nice starter straight razor? I do currently use a safety but want to try the straight razor. Tons and tons out there so looking for some good advice on a beginner that will work for a long time. Money is an issue however, I would rather spend money on a good razor that will last as a posed to going cheap and struggling all the way.
jim
Check the classifieds. There are two nice looking 5/8" razors up right now, both under $100
The most important thing for a nooby's SR is that it be truely shave ready and have no issues negatively impacting on shaving or maintenance.
The most certain way is a new razor of major make honed by its vendor. Despite claims to the contary, new razors do not usually come shave ready from their manufacturer.
Less expensive but usually safe is a vintage razor shave ready off the classifieds. Members with few posts cannot sell until they have enough posts to prevent persons from joining to immediately sell off product. Classified sellers use their straight razors.
It may be best to avoid e-bay which sells cheap new razors of poor quality that can not take an edge and worn out and abused razors. There are good razors to be found, but one has to be able to spot issues. There may be greater risk of getting a bad blade from vendors who do not know and use SRs.
I have had good luck on the classifieds. I have sometimes gotten a razor with more issues than I thought on e-bay, a high dissapointment for a nooby without plenty of other razors to fall back on. I have never sold anything or disputed a sale made to me.
HTH
Here's a really nice looking razor, good quality in that its a Boker.
Boker 6/8ths Inox - Reduced! - Straight Razor Place Classifieds
The classifieds can give you exceptional value so don't dismiss them. Every day there's something new to consider. If you see something that appeals to you, jump on it before someone else does.
Also look into a Revisor. Reviser offers many styles and price points. It'll have to be shipped from Germany but you'll find that it only takes about a day or two longer than domestic shipping. Otherwise check out any of the sponsored vendors for either Dovo, Ralf Aust, or Theirs Issard. I would go with a 6/8 or 5/8. My preference is for the 6/8. A round point is a little safer for your first few shaves but, to be honest, I think anyone can manage a square tip right from the start as long as its not a spike point. Buy according to your budget but its best to pay up for a better razor than going overly cheap.
I like that OCDshaver brought razor size into the conversation. Most will suggest you start out with a 5/8" razor as they are better for beginners being they are more versatile. So, when I was starting out I immediately went straight to a 5/8, I didn't know any different or have anything to compare a 5/8 against.
I am a fairly large human being, standing 6ft. 5in. Tall. My size leads to larger hands and a larger head/face. The 5/8 felt small in my hands, kind of like eating a meal with a crab fork, however I knew nothing different. My 2nd razor was a Hart 7/8 and the bulk of this razor felt right in my hand. I now have a hard time using a smaller razor than a 7/8 due to hw it feels in my hand.
My point being, you constantly will hear opinions and they are simply that, opinions/YMMV. What is really going to be best for you will be exactly that, whatever is best for you. For me, I really think my learning curve would have been faster had I went with a larger blade from the get go. So if a 4/8 or and 8/8 is right for you is something you need to determine and won't be determined from a recommendation. Experience, practice, learning and getting that DFS is really what this journey is about! Happy Shaves!