Thread: New from London. Help with first razor purchase

Hi, new to this site. Looking to purchase myself my first straight razor but could do with a bit of advice on what to go for. I have read in depth the beginners guide and the FAQ's and what to look for etc etc. So I understand the concept and the importance of buying the correct razor for me and not just buying something because it looks good, is expensive or is for an experienced shaver. I am looking to get something kind of on a budget, the reason I say this is not due to lack of funds or wanting to skimp out on spending on something more extravagant, but more down to the fact I am generally not a very hairy man. To put it bluntly I am 32 and can't even grow a beard. I do however grow stubble but it is patchy in places, and if left for longer without shaving I just look ratty and in need of freshening up. Facial hair (my facial hair anyway) definitely doesn't suit me and so I like to keep clean shaven. Again due not being very hairy I shave maybe once a week or once every 4-5 days at a push, again this being a reason for not being able to justify investing a sizeable amount on a razor. My friend's facial hair grows at an incredibly fast rate and if he wanted to stay clean shaven he would have to shave every day or 2. If I was in his position then I would have no problem with dropping a good couple of hundred quid+ on a setup, but I'm not so would like to keep things modest but also get the best/most for my money.

Now I have 2 outlooks on what to go for;

1. Brand new, meaning maybe less razor for my money but peace of mind. If I buy new I know I will probably be getting a more basic or more of a beginners model that will probably need upgrading when I come proficient at shaving. But it's brand new, so I know there's no risk of damage, nicks, chips etc. (plus I know it's only been used on my face, I know that makes no difference as used razors can be sterilised, but it's like the satisfaction of being the first person to own a new car I guess).

2. Used, meaning more razor for my money but a possible risk. Buying used I could obviously find myself a really nice piece at a fraction of the cost of buying new, something that probably wouldn't need to be upgraded for some time, could also cater for of an advanced shaver and would probably hold it's value. But it could have imperfections, not be right for me, have damage or be more prone to damage etc so would end up costing more on repairs. Plus it's been used by god knows who and that can kind of freak me out when I think about it.

So anyway, can anybody recommend a good new razor that will last me a good few years? Something that's not strictly for a beginner maybe, but more of a good solid all-rounder. I've seen a few beginners sets by reputable manufacturers but don't want to rush into anything. Is it better to buy a complete set or buy everything separately? Would I be able to find a basic setup for say around £100 or less? Or what is a good pricing point to start out for someone who wants to use a straight razor but can't warrant spending a fortune due to not really having a substantial amount of facial hair to back it up? Can someone maybe supply a few links to the kind of used items I should be looking at? Are there any reasonably priced shops in or around London (or Northampton) I can go to to view a range of new and used razors and pick something out and get face-to-face advice as opposed to shopping online? Any more info or help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance and sorry for the lengthy message.

The BST section is always a good place to start, and these are a few factors you should be looking out for as a first time buyer and user, a good brand name the words shave ready, 5/8 or 6/8 and round point, that's enough information to start off with in my opinion, O and yes I forgot to say welcome.

Welcome to SRP!

There are several UK based vendors but the only one I have personally dealt with is the invisible edge take a look at the starter kits they range from 100 to 150. depending on your options and needs for a new TI razor. the only real differences between a "basic razor" an "advanced one" are cosmetic. As long as you stick to a brand that uses decent steel (dovo, TI, boker or hart) a new razor is fine. vintage razors though have much more character and variety of style.

enjoy,
jim

An advantage to buying cheaper vintage razors is that you can afford to try one.or two different sizes and grinds. I thought my first razor would do me, but I have found that I prefer a slightly wider frameback than the 5/8 hollow (sorry cant remember which hollow) I started out with.
I don't really think there is a beginner's razor persay, but as far as I am aware the really wide ones take a bit more skill to use. Like the difference between driving a mini and an artic I suppose. The common advice is that which Jamie gave with regards to a 5 or 6/8 round point.
For a brush and soap just go to boots or Tesco and buy a stick of Palmolive shave soap, or their cream for that matter, or even go crazy, get both and some glycerin for about £5 at a guess and make uberlather. And buy whatever brush they have in stock, ideally bristle of some sort rather than synthetic, again probably about £5-10.

Most of the beginner razors are called that as that are a base model. There less expensive due to etching , scale materials, etc not because of poor blade or manufacture quality. The beginner razors will still hold an edge and shave well for a lifetime or two there just not fancy. Any of the vendors on site should have some quality sets. The sets usually means better product for less as its a bulk buy. On most shaving related items price increases as appeal does so you can set up quite cheap if all you are after is good functional products that aren't fancy. Good luck. Ed

My recommendation is to pick up a vintage straight razor from Larry at Whippeddog.com . I have ordered from him a few times now, straights, DE razors, brushes, and a little bit of everything. Very low prices for very functional items. Great service as well. I had recently ordered a DE razor for a friend, it arrived damaged and Larry sent out a new replacement right away no questions asked. Great prices, great product and a class act all around!

All good recommendations. Just make sure to get it professionally honed to start with. That way you'll know what it should feel like to start with. Wish I could get away with shaving every 4-5 days.

. . . 1. Brand new, meaning maybe less razor for my money but peace of mind. If I buy new I know I will probably be getting a more basic or more of a beginners model that will probably need upgrading when I come proficient at shaving. . . .

A common misunderstanding of what a "beginner's razor" is. Eddy79 has it right:

. . . As long as it's kept sharp, you can use a beginner's razor for the rest of your life.

. Charles

http://straightrazorpalace.com/class...wcat.php?cat=3

Second handers from members on this site.
High quality, low price, no scams.
The items will almost definitely be exactly as described/ seen in the images.
Unlike a new DOVO, when these are advertised as shave-ready, they actually are shave-ready.

I would recommend a 5/8. They are able to do under the nose quite easily, without needing to be rinsed so often that it ruins the shave. As they're in the middle in terms of most widths, they're also a good starting point because you can decide whether to go up or down.

Thanks for all the responses. Much appreciated. Managed to pick up a blade off eBay for 30 quid all in. I know it says to avoid doing this as a beginner but for 30 quid I don't mind sticking it back on eBay if it's not right for me. The one thing I kinda messed up on, which I completely forgot about until after the auction ended, was it doesn't state the size of the blade. Oh well. The auction ended late evening and I put a bid in in the last 30 seconds so I'd imagine that's why got it for 30 quid. Every other razor I was looking at sold for between 40 and 80 quid and this one I'd say looked in better condition than quite a few of them so hopefully I've done alright.

This was the description on the listing;

Vintage HAMBURG RING Razor.

Sheffield steel, forged and hollow ground in Germany

'HAMBURG RING' finely engraved on one side of the blade.

'FINEST SHEFFIELD STEEL FORGED AND REAL HOLLOW GROUND IN GERMANY' visible on one side of the tang.

Both sides of the tang have extra engraved detail.

Not much wear to the steel at all. A little discolouration and some very light pitting (will probably polish out).

The cutting edge has no faults, chips, or pitting nearby. Shave ready to suit after a very light hone and a strop.

The scales are in great condition and look fantastic! Nice luminescent tortoiseshell design, smooth and with no cracks or damage.

* I tried to capture as much detail as possible in my photographs and hope they give a good general idea of the great condition

*Starting price just a little higher than usual because this is a personal favourite and I won't be too upset if it doesn't go*

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I can't upload a pic as I'm on my phone just now but thanks again for the advice. No doubt I'll post again after my first shave