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I have been reading up on straight razor shaving and have decided to get one (as soon as my big box store supply of cartridges runs out). As I researched and saw Boker, Dovo, etc as brands to consider my wife noticed what I was looking up and recommended I consider an Israeli made blade. She has no reason for this other than her grandfather used one and he swore it is the best around.
Can anyone shed light on this?
I've never seen or heard of a straight made in Israel. Of course it's possible but considering when the state came into being and the golden age of straights was over by then unless you find a custom maker factory production is highly unlikely.
Hmm. That makes sense. Just thought I would ask. Guess I'll be looking in the classifieds for a good used sr. Thanks.
I would get one BEFORE your existing setup runs out, that way you will have a back up during learning.
There are DE blades made in Israel, maybe that is what was meant. They are pretty good too, Personna is the brand I think.
Bob
Thanks for the info guys!
Switching gears a bit: I've heard that a newb should not get an 'antique' blade. If it is shave ready, why would I not want one?
What you probably heard is that a newb shouldn't get a SR from an antique store, ebay, or anywhere else that doesn't sell it shave ready- this is the single more important factor in buying a straight razor (at least for your first couple). There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a vintage SR, as long as it is shave ready; in fact, many guys would recommend buying vintage over new for your first one. If you have any doubt as to what "shave ready" means, be sure to do some reading in the wiki/library.
Welcome to SRP! Enjoy!
And if you're still in doubt, pick a few SRs you like and post a link to each one here. There are unfortunately many lovely-looking pieces of shit out there :)
If I find a good brand (listed on this site) would it be ok to get that at a good price and have it honed to shave ready before I use it? What does that cost?
Carefully read all the info on the ad you're reviewing. If you don't see that it's been honed to shave ready then ask the seller if it is. If not then you can usually arrange to have it done for $20 or so. Check here under the Member Services in the classifieds for honing work.
Sounds good. I'll keep reading through the wiki and working towards a good blade.
Plus, you need to find a mentor near you. Advantages is a good chance of meeting for a one on one session where he most likely will hone your razor free and give you more info than you can handle as your brain takes a week to absorb everything told you. I am fortunate, mine is a 55 minute drive from me and each meeting is a delight in info gained and hard lessons on eBay junk.
Israeli Personnas are very good DE blades. While not quite as lazer sharp as some, the edge lasts best, IMO.
Nothing wrong with a vintage razor with a good shaving edge. I prefer them, myself.
Just ask questions of the seller and be sure they know what they are doing.
Nice blades.
Solution: Get a vintage blade from Manah, a vendor in the classifieds located in Israel!
jasonrhoads, hi and welcome to SRP!
I've never seen or heard of a straight razor made in Israel. Jewish companies - yes, there were a great number in Europe before WWII. They made different types of straights.
I am relativly new to shaving, I picked up a Very Nice 1800's razor from a Rag and Bone store for (I think) $10 then spent a small amount of money getting it completely restored and honed from Stefan, For about $20 less then my Dovo Bismark I have an excellent shaving razor.
Aside from Shopping online, an option is to check Antique stores or Estate sales. You can usually find razors in good shape, then have someone here restore it for you. There are lots of articles on what to look for, and what to avoid when looking for razors.
Don't believe "Shave Ready" unless its from a reputible source.