Thread: Noob, purchasing my first razor

Hello all, i've been researching products for the past week now and even about a year ago. I'm a college student and i really don't need anything fancy like a dinosaur fossil handle(joke) or anything but i want something semi quality that won't be junk but affordable...browsing ebay i found a kamisori kr-2 (couldn't find this model on their website...?), i read around that japanese steel is decent stuff, and the price on that razor is affordable to me. Any info or input would be great, i shaved tonight with a straight razor with disposable blades...i think i did a fine job i want to get onto a better piece though. Thanks In Advance.

Those Kamisori's didn't quite hold up to our rigorous standards.

You should PM Forestry about the razors he's selling off. The're a great deal and will come shave ready which should be important to you.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=10455

http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=10399

http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=10457

X

You'll be better served with a shave ready razor from a member here, or a bottom line new Dovo, sent through the honing service at Classicshaving.com.

Apply for the giveaway too.

A traditional straight requires an up front investment. A strop, hone, and finally the razor itself.

First, welcome to the Straight Razor Place. Here you will find a plethora of information on straight razors and shaving with them. My name is Matt, and I will be your guide. Just kidding, that's Lynn's job

I don't know what you've got already, but Tony Miller has a few starter kits on his web site

http://shop.thewellshavedgentleman.c...g?categoryId=5

The kits have everything you need to start out shaving. The Dovo 5/8 is a good start out blade. Nothing fancy, but it is a good blade and the brand is one of the most reputable ones there are.

The other good thing about the kit is that Tony will hone the blade up so that it is really shave ready. Most new blades are not actually shave ready and so you will have to find someone who knows how to hone a straight razor. Many of the guys here can do it, but that means sending it off again after you get it.

Again, I don't know what you have already, or even what your budget is, but these sets are worth considering.

Also, if you haven't yet read it, the "CRITICAL INFO FOR NEW MEMBERS!!" thread at the top of the newby section would be a good thread to visit.

I don't know anything about the kamisori razors, but I am sure that one of the other guys will be along shortly to tell you everything you will need to know about them.

Again, welcome to SRP. I hope you enjoy your visit with us here.

Matt

Edit: Dang it, I was beaten to the post. Alan and Xman got there before me. Ah well, the information is still good so I will leave it. Matt

Originally Posted by Kentriv

Edit: Dang it, I was beaten to the post. Alan and Xman got there before me. Ah well, the information is still good so I will leave it. Matt

They are good points, Matt. Thanks for offering the fresh perspective.

X

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. I'm totally aware that there is money up front which won't be a huge deal, i am a college student so a budget is there. I think i'll probably go with a Tony Miller kit for a razor that's shave ready. i'm actually pretty excited to start once i gather up some loot. I'll be checking out the soaps and the stropping/honing methods till then. Thanks for all the info gentlemen, it's greatly appreciated.

oh another thing, i figure i can practice honing on my replacement blades on my current straight razor, that should work out even if it means screwing up those replacements...who cares right!? On another note, i bought my father a vintage old school gillette safety adjustable razor, i can't wait to see that thing!

Originally Posted by 16valve

oh another thing, i figure i can practice honing on my replacement blades on my current straight razor, that should work out even if it means screwing up those replacements...who cares right!?

You should. That will only teach you bad habits and might ruin your hone. Don't do it. Get a crumby old straight from eBay or something to practice on, please.

X

Sounds like your well on your way to being just as addicted as the rest of us. Welcome aboard. Keep us updated about your experiences. We want stories and pictures and a full ten page report with at least 20 different sources on why straight razor shaving is better then anything else ever. EVER!!!
Chop Chop.

Matt

i bought anythony millers kit on ebay last night, i figured gettin some feedback on both ends while buying his product would be nice. i got the #2 kit so i'll be good for awhile i hope.


i just couldn't wait, i went big and i'm not going home.
i figure it'll all be well worth it

i also bought a vintage straight on ebay called "SHUMATE PEACEMAKER" looks like a really nice blade and i could practice with it.