Thread: Help! Wanting to buy a straight razor for Christmas..

I'm interested in buying my boyfriend a straight razor for Christmas. I have absolutely no idea where to begin. What all do I need to buy? Best straight razor to start out with? He has never used one before but I've heard him mention multiple times that he would love to have one. I also would prefer to not spend a small fortune, maybe around $100. Help please! I'm clueless, haha

Where are you located?
State side Straight Razor design.
He will need a
Razor (I know obvious )
Strop
Brush
Soap or cream
And any post shave products he prefers.
$100 is a tight budget for the entire set up if you are going to get new.
Larry over at whipped dog is very helpful as well and could get you into a used piece staying at your budget.
You can pick up the phone and call any of the vendors you see advertised on SRP and you will get advice, help, and guidance.
I would also let him know we are here, this site is an invaluable resource for wet-shaving.

If you are overseas there are also some great options that others can fill you in on.

Regards
Pat

+1 for straightrazordesigns.
I tell you what, if you get him a decent razor that is honed by a pro, let him save up for the rest
If he really wants to try one out, he is sure to get the strop and other stuff needed for the full experience once he has a good razor in hand!

Either way (pfries or birnando's) is a good option, a larger razor budget will mean a nicer razor, though not necessarily a better one.
Do you think he would like something brand new, or something vintage? Brand new, you will need most of your budget for a razor worth spending money on, but if he would be happy with a vintage razor, and doesn't mind it's years showing, you should be able to get a perfectly good shave ready razor for anywhere from $30 upwards depending what is available at the time.
A brush and soap don't have to be expensive, allow $20 and you should be ok, and I cant comment on strops as I made mine.

Knowing where you are located can help find a mentor who will be invaluable. I am in the Philly area and have numerous blades, mostly vintage. I am always willing to help a beginner get on the right path. There are many like me here from all over.

Thank you all so much! I'm in Kentucky. Also he wouldn't care if the razor was new or vintage.

+1 to Straight Razor Designs. Double check his site, but I think if you buy a razor from him, you get a certificate for your first re-honing(sharpening) of the razor.

Due disclosure-- Straight Razor Designs is owned by Lynn Abrams, the founder of SRP. His products and services are on the lips of any straight shaver who knows what's what.

Originally Posted by Elise

That's not a bad idea! Haha

Just do it Elise,PM me, I will donate a brand new brush to the project.do not go overboard on this just starting out.

I would go down the vintage route personally, you will need to spend less to get a shave ready razor, and I think they are a bit more interesting.

That suggestion of finding a Mentor in your area and picking their brain would be a good one!
You could give the gift of the razor and a card with the Mentor's name and address for him to reserve a two to three hour lesson on what the young man should know!

The best thing from your perspective is that the mentor does not charge for the time spent!
I have had a couple calls about doing such but did not hear from them again.

A good razor is a gift which keeps on giving...provided good training is available to the person in receipt of the gift.

What ever, may you and your friend enjoy the Birthday!
Sincerely
~Richard