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Hi there,
I've joined this forum hoping that I can get some good advice on what kind of straight razor I should get my husband for Christmas. He's wanted to learn how to use one for a while now.
Can anyone suggest a good brand/model for someone who has never used a straight razor before? I want something that's good quality, doesn't rust, and being stylish wouldn't hurt.
Thank you!
Cambria
Hi
A lot of places you can get started.
Depends on how set up he is currently. Do you have a strop, cream and brush? If not try somewhere like straight razor designs or whipped dog.
If it is just the razor consider the classifieds here you get good vintage razors at good prices
in regards to brands depends if new or vintage.
i have a Dovo stainless steel. It can still rust if not taken care of, but I am very happy with my purchase and it is understated elegance IMHO
There is a vendors corner on the forum that is a good place to look for store that sell them. They all have online shops so you don't have to figure out who is close. There are a few brands that are current production and quality. Everyone has an opinion on what is best to start with. Round point and half hollow in a 5/8 or 6/8 is my opinion. There are large ranges in price. A big part of the price variance in each brand is the fancy stuff. Great scales and gold wash and file worked spines. Most of the razors in each brand will shave pretty much the same as far as quality goes. Stainless razors are easier to care for, but they are harder to hone. Make sure that whatever shop you choose that the razor is shave ready.
I would get a restored one off the classifieds on this site. http://straightrazorpalace.com/class...p?cat=3&page=1
When you buy new razors, they're unlikely to be shave-ready, even if they claim to be (Dovo).
6/8 is a good starting width. It's mid-range, so the user can decide whether he wants a thicker or narrower blade.
Strop, soap, oil (for the blade) and a brush will also be needed.
I personally own 2 razors that were new, one Dovo, and one Thiers Issard (TI), Both were honed by an Uberhoner.
I also own about 4 dozen vintage razors of various makes and styles which I have purchased to restore. I have restored and honed about 2 dozen myself and shave with them frequently.
I prefer vintage, here's why:
I rarely pay more than $30, and often paid half that or less.
I enjoy restoring them.
Sometimes you can get a Damn Fine Shaver that only needs honing, not restoration.
There's is a sense of history shaving with something that was used in the time of Abe Lincoln (or earlier)
I actually think the vintage blades are a better and easier shave.
This has been my experience.
My personal recommendation is to buy Vintage shave ready from a vendor here.
If later on one decides to try a different razor, you can sell it for almost what you paid for it, which is going to be much less than you would have paid for a new one.
Stainless does not mean rust-proof. All razors require care in handling and storage.
P.S. We all shave with used razors....
I make this recommendation due to simplicity. It takes months of education to successfully make a purchase of vintage products. This recommendation guarantees a bullseye.