Thread: good first time razor?

hi guys.. I have now a budget of $100 for a good shaving razor that will shave my steel wool whiskers..

Don't know about this razor - it's hand made.. but it's Damascus steel, which is probably the best steel possible for quality and holding an edge.


can some of you experts take a look and tell me if you think it will give me a nice shave and will be a sharp, quality razor?

Thanks so much..

Unique Custom Handmade Damascus Shaving Straight Razor Beautiful Gift YR29C | eBay

That's what we call a RSO = Razor Shaped Object...no good for shaving. You'll be very hard pressed to find a true Damascus blade for 5-6 times that price. For a quality Razor, check out the Classifieds here on SRP or find yourself something along the lines of a Dovo Best Quality.

That seems cheap for hand-made, pattern welded steel.
My humble opinion is that you would be better off purchasing a new blade from SRD or in the classifieds section on the forum.

I don't advise.

The best razor for your steel wool whiskers is one professionally honed. Maybe a Thiers-Issard, because they are a little harder and can get a little sharper as a result.

Thx for the replies guys...

i'm gonna give ebay another shot here... lol.

this one is a J.A. Henkel from Soligen...
says unused, and " shave ready "
It's a 11/16ths

but I don't know what grind it is.. I was told by some of you that a heavy razor might be better suited to shave my thick hairs.
Noted that some of you pros recommend a 5/8ths as a good beginner blade, but I assure you that I fully intend to take my time when I get my SR and use it for the first time. Dividing my face into sections and then carefully shaving the smaller parts of my face... I want a good thick, solid razor, probably closer to a wedge than full hollow...

so 11/16ths sound about right?

seriously asking your guys honest opinion...

Mint Unused Vintage Henckels 11 16" 401 Solingen Straight Razor Shave Ready | eBaythx

Originally Posted by magnus28

Thx for the replies guys...

i'm gonna give ebay another shot here... lol.

this one is a J.A. Henkel from Soligen...
says unused, and " shave ready "
It's a 11/16ths

but I don't know what grind it is.. I was told by some of you that a heavy razor might be better suited to shave my thick hairs.
Noted that some of you pros recommend a 5/8ths as a good beginner blade, but I assure you that I fully intend to take my time when I get my SR and use it for the first time. Dividing my face into sections and then carefully shaving the smaller parts of my face... I want a good thick, solid razor, probably closer to a wedge than full hollow...

so 11/16ths sound about right?

seriously asking your guys honest opinion...

Mint Unused Vintage Henckels 11 16" 401 Solingen Straight Razor Shave Ready | eBaythx

That's a nice blade, and Matt68 is a good seller IMO, I've bought from him before, and he's always delivered quickly and as described.

I wouldn't be surprised if it goes higher in the bidding, Henckels are a nice blade.

If this is your first razor, I would advise you to pick a blade from the Classified section here and go with that as a starter...many blades will await you in the future if you decide you like this path!

Cheers!

That's a nice looking razor there. eBay is always a gamble but assuming it really is shave ready and looks like he offers returns, seems like a good choice. The thing is now you have to decide how much you're willing to bid...

If you don't have your heart set on that one, there are plenty in the classifieds here and SRD carries new razors. Just food for thought.

Good looking razor. Be careful of that spike if it's your first.

If this is your first razor, I would advise you to pick a blade from the Classified section here and go with that as a starter...

I think you should seriously consider the help that has been offered in response to your question.
Ralph