Thread: What to look for in a straight razor

Ok I have been all over the net many many many sites selling straight razors. Prices seem to very from 80 to a couple hundred dollars. So I have to ask as I'm as new as you get to this. What makes a straight razor better than the next one? Beginner seem to be cheap is this cause they won't hold up and last long? I want to buy 1 but I want a real nice one that will last a long time what should I look for?

jim

First off welcome to SRP. Secondly read the wiki section that tells you what razors NOT to buy. Thirdly, look at the classifieds section here. There are razors on sale that are from fairly new to over a hundred years old so age isn't really a big factor alot of times as long as it's from a reputable maker. The steel is the most important thing to me in a razor and will it hold up. Some nice beginner razors- Dovo and Ralf Aust. These can both be found at Straight Razor Designs for a good price and they're coming to you shave ready and honed. It's really what you like and as long as you're getting them from a reputable place like this site, SRD, Vintage Razors LLC., you shouldn't have a problem. I started with a Dovo Best Quality for like 100 bucks. I still use it to this day. Study up here on this site and you'll get some good ideas. Hopefully more guys will jump in and be able to answer your question a little better. I hope I helped in some small way.
Regards,
Tonhy

I think that the single best choice I made was buying from SRD simply because I trusted that the razor I got would be in excellent shave ready condition.

When I started - the first two shaves I would have sworn the razor was seriously flawed, it pulled and tugged and hurt , but knowing where it came from helped me to KNOW it was me not the razor, so with all the knowledge on this forum I figured out my angle was wrong and I was applying too much pressure etc etc etc

Amazing how sharp the razor got when I figured out how to use it better

One less variable in the mix

Until you've had more time to acclimatize to the Str8 razor world I'd suggest staying away from most of the sites you mentioned. Keep an eye on the classifieds here. Nothing wrong with a used for your first just make sure it's professionally honed before use. If all goes well and you end up buying a new blade you can always resell your original used one right here although you'll be surprised how many hold on to it.

...I have found, time and time again, that the single biggest impediment to my straight-razor shaving enjoyment is honing; I seem to suck at it. It's not that I don't have the requisite tools -- the right ones, or enough of them -- I do; or, that I don't know how to use them -- I do. Rather, it's having purchased straight razors (on eBay, but could've been anywhere) with warped spines. If you can't lay the blade down on a demonstrably flat surface, without seeing light (or, if you can't stroke the blade down-and-back on a wet, lapped-flat hone, without it moving the water along the entire width of the blade like a squeegee), then it's going to be a PITA to maintain the edge and a disappointment to shave with.

If the front-end alignment on your car is "off", you get it fixed (rather than replacing unevenly-worn tires). If, if, if. But, short of a regrind, there's no making a "silk purse" out of a "sow's ear" razor.

The time to check is before you buy. Besides, who needs more than a couple or three straight razors, anyway?

Can't really add much more to what has been said except to re enforce the buy a shave ready razor from a reputable retailer. That goes for new or used. I would stay away from auction sites until you gain a little more knowledge about straights.

If you are asking about the price difference of between new entry level straights and new higher cost straights from a reputable maker, then the cost difference is usually not a reflection of build quality. It is a reflection of added bells and whistles such as bigger size blades, nicer scale materials and added ornamentation. A plain Jane new entry level straight should last a lifetime unless there is a manufacturing flaw or you have an accident like dropping the razor.

Plenty of members on here shave with razors 100-150 years old so the razors could conceivably last several lifetimes if not mistreated and are well cared for.

Lastly but most importantly a warm welcome to the forum.

Bob

Im also a newb (4 shaves in) and spent over a week doing what you are now! e.g. Trying to sort through all the info and get something beginnerish but not crap. My advice, get a 2nd hand shave ready razor from someone reputable. I got a sight unseen from Larry at whipped dog and was expecting something that wasn't eye catching but shave ready. I might have won the lucky dip but its a very nice razor in good condition (est 1900-1920). Unless i get a custom i can't see myself ever buying new. I'm actually amazed that i can purchase pieces of history that are 150 years old for $30, AND they still work as well/better than new.

Essentially all you need is a decent quality razor well honed. It doesnt need to be pretty to shave well. As long as those 2 requirements are met the sky the limit in the way of possabilitys. Most beginners are recommended a round point 5/8 or 6/8 razor.

first welcome to the clan. as far as a first razor and believe me it will be the first of many I would go with a round point 5/8 in one of the name brands mentioned. the razor I bought from straight razor designs came shave ready. as mentioned before the more you use it the easier it will get. go on the internet and type in lynn abrams straight razor shaves and watch. he also has a lot of videos on related subjects. shaving is something men should enjoy so alow enough time to enjoy the experience. the reason I went with a round point first is nicks. I find that now I the square point I have will be turned in to a mod. round. hope this helps. remember enjoy the experience.