Thread: Looking for razor for my boyfriend

My boyfriend has recently decided he wants to try to shave with a straight razor and has hinted that is what he would like for Christmas. I know close to nothing about straight razors and have been looking around for bundles, hoping to get a good deal. I have found a few but I want the razor I get him to be nice.
I've found these:
Star Buffalo Horn Straight Razor and Shaving Set - Vintage Straight Razor

Full Straight Razor Shaving Set For Under $65 Dollars - Vintage Straight Razor

I don't know if these are good razors or if I should shy away. Would it be better to buy a nicer, pricier razor here(or somewhere else), and try and gather the brush and other accessories else where? I'm not in a position to go over 100 dollars. Being a university student leaves my bank account rather dry. If I could get any help or suggestions, I would love you all forever.

Thank you so much!

Those are not such great deals in my humble opinion. I fell for the great deal thing when I started out and it didn't last 2 shaves. If you want to go inexpensive Google up whipped Dog. The sight unseen may be ugly as all get out but it will work. Nice razors(are shave ready) run around a 100 new but you can find some great ones right here in the classifieds. You will need a strop and brush and soap. Brush and soap you can get at wall mart or cvs. Strop is the smoothest leather you can find. Go inexpensive here because he will cut it up learning. More will come to add their 2 cents .
:<0)

Also I don't know where your at but there maybe someone close that can give you a hands on look and greqat advice. There are a lot more of us out there than you would think .

I have to second what 10Pups has said.
And he speaks the truth,
Larry at whippedog is good bet and will take the time to communicate with you.
10Pups also hit on that you may be close to someone which is a great point,
you could also PM a senior member, moderator, or mentor here and have many questions answered via a phone call.
There is a bit more to this sport than one may realize and I will say good for you for doing a bit of leg work first.

Regards
Pat

Originally Posted by pfries

I have to second what 10Pups has said.
And he speaks the truth,
Larry at whippedog is good bet and will take the time to communicate with you.
10Pups also hit on that you may be close to someone which is a great point,
you could also PM a senior member, moderator, or mentor here and have many questions answered via a phone call.
There is a bit more to this sport than one may realize and I will say good for you for doing a bit of leg work first.

Regards
Pat

I am just going to second Pat/ third 10 pups.
I would not get either of those based on all the threads about packages that sound suspiciously like those ones.
Regards ed

Originally Posted by edhewitt

I am just going to second Pat/ third 10 pups.
I would not get either of those based on all the threads about packages that sound suspiciously like those ones.
Regards ed

My experience comes straight from that sight :<0)

Originally Posted by 10Pups

My experience comes straight from that sight :<0)

Yes ok, I didn't want to say I heard they are rubbish in case I got sued.

Classic edge has got some nice holiday packages:
Holiday Straight Razor Starter Set!

While a straight may sound nice or cool to him he may be better served with a nice Double Edge razor a brush and some good cream or soap. there is a fair bit of work needed to get into straight shaving that may not fit the university lifestyle.
a proper DE shave is very nice and once he has that down and has spent some time reading up on straights himself he will be able to add a strop and straight razor (or perhaps just a shavette) to his arsenal.

selecting a straight razor for somebody can be a challenge if you are not a user and no matter how well you do if he does not take the time to learn to strop and care for the razor it can be ruined in a very short period of time. if he decides he does not like the DE you can easily repurpose that to shave your legs; they will like it.

enjoy,
jim

I also fell victim to a "beginner straight razor set" from that website. Needless to say it was horrible and I thought about giving up straight razor shaving if that is how it felt. Luckily I reached out to this site and listened to some of the tenured members. So I eventually broke down and got a nice razor even though I still wasn't sure if I would like it. Now I'm addicted!

Buying new is always an option and a new (good quality razor) shaves great! However, I get shaves just as nice with 50 and 100 year old razors that have shaved more faces than I'd care to know. So if you are looking to save money and still get him a razor, buying used/vintage is always an option too. There are plenty of members here who I'm sure could sell a vintage razor, shave ready, for a fraction of the price of new.

Syslight, I'm going to have to agree (and disagree) with you about straight razor shaving not fitting the university life. It doesn't fit because people who find out you shave with a straight razor want to see your razors, then touch them, then see how sharp they really are (and dull them). Not to mention the strop, soaps, creams, after shaves, and brushes. To solve this problem I hid everything throughout my room and didn't ever pull them out for show. I lived in a fraternity house and sometimes my brothers got a little nosey. I'd disagree with you however, because for me it is a chance for me to set time aside and just do my thing. I enjoy all that goes into shaving. Stropping, face prep, lather, and the actual shave. So setting time aside for it is no big deal. In fact I kind of like being one of the few, if not the only person, on campus that shaves with a straight razor.

So it just depends on the person I'd say. That whether or not straight razor shaving is suitable for the university life style. As previously mentioned, a double edge safety razor is a great alternative or "gateway" shaver to stepping into the world of straights. Keep us posted with what you decide and what he thinks of it!

Best wishes,
Zac