Thread: boyfriend help

Hey- so my boyfriend loves his straight razor, so I was thinking about getting him one for Christmas. He has had one for about 5 years or so.
I would like to spend about $150-$250 and something that will last a while.
I have absolutely no idea what I'm talking with but the ones this guy was trying to sell me were about $375.

if Y'all have any advice or suggestions it would be fantastic! thanks

Check out straight razors designs website. You should be able to find something nice in your budget and it will be ready for him to use Christmas Day.

The owners of that site are very knowledgeable and helpful

Some razors do go for about $375 but they are that much for a reason. It might be a vintage 'mint condition' razor. However, you are not familiar with what is or is not good quality. But for the money you want to spend you can get a nice modern razor from DOVO, Boker, Thiers Issard, or Hart.

The Ralf Aust 7/8 that is on Straight Razor Designs for about 190 is really nice. So is the Boker 6/8 in tortoise shell for 150 or so. That is a good starting place.

Straight Razor Designs is definitely the place to look...i got both of my razors from them....unfortunately at the moment most of the Dovo, Boker, and Ralf Aust razors are currently sold out....but take a look anyway, you might find something

I would consider at least trying to work out what he has, and what he likes about it.
If he has a big wide wedge and knows he loves that particular size and grind then buying him a narrow frameback might not be a good present.
Of course if he has only ever had the one razor then something a bit different might be nice.
For $250 you should be able to get a very nice vintage razor, or obviously an equally nice but different new razor.
Does he sharpen his own razor? If not then you will need to get something shave ready, which means that it has been hand honed.
Sorry I know that I sound a bit negative, and I don't mean to be, I just don't want you to spend that sort of money and it not be something that he really loves.
An alternative, but not so exciting present might be a voucher ( that you could make) entitling the bearer to a razor to the value of $250, that way he gets to choose exactly what he wants, from the supplier of his choice.

Some pictures of what he got might help!

Originally Posted by Lemur

Some pictures of what he got might help!

I was thinking the same, but forgot to mention it, and something in the picture for scale, plus an end on shot of the blade.

I for one say you are a heck of a good girlfriend to put so much thought into a gift for him.

As for a razor, I have a fondness for restored vintage razors. Nothing like having a 100+ year blade and the history behind it.

If he already has a razor and has been shaving for 5 years he sounds like he has the razor part sorted, besides a razor purchase is kind of personal as far as preference goes.

I would recommend a nice brush and maybe an assortment of soaps and perhaps after shave. For less than the 375 you were going to spend you could put togeather a nice package.

I would contact Straight Razor Designs and I am sure they would gladly make some great recommendations.
Brushes and soaps he will always need and a good brush is always appreciated.

PS. Make sure he is a member here, we are always ready to help out a fellow shaver, Merry Christmas.