Thread: Hi guys. Some advice needed.

Hello, guys. Been a lurker for a bit and to be honest I still feel overwhelmed or like I know nothing. Anyway, I've been shaving with a shavette for about a year or two now but I just ran out of "refills" and I'm think why not buy something on the inexpensive side. I used to have a straight razor given to me by a family member and my step dad would maintain it for me (hone mostly) but I remember missing the "weight" and quality like feeling it gave compared to the shavette which is so light and flimsy/plasticky feeling. I lost that razor some years ago in a move out lf state so... There's that.


Anyway, my question is this: Any of the classifieds on this website youd recommend under 100? I'm on a tight, tight budget and was wondering if any of you guys could provide some wisdom. I realize I wont be getting something brand spankin' new and will have some scratching, maybe hone wear or spots, etc etc but that doesn't matter to me at this stage so long as I get a fair deal and i can get a good shave and keep it a while! Any recommendations from ebay? Seems lazy of me but I just honestly don't have an eye for the "oh thats not a good deal, has so-and-so wrong with it".


I've also heard (from here) some pretty good things of whipped dog and was wondering if the unseen for $41 is the best deal available? Kind of want to keep the budget around 60-70 ish for the razor.



All help appreciated and thanks in advance!

I would recommend watching the classifieds on here. All of my dealings on here (2 razors) have been perfect. I seem to trust these guys more. I have no experience with whipped dog, but I did just buy a razor on here for 50$ that was shave ready. That's the beauty of this... A 300$ razor isn't necessary.

The sight unseen deal from Larry is a pretty good deal and it's like playing russian roulette while you wait to see what shows up in the mail. It's cheap, the razor will be shave ready and serviceable. If you just want an inexpensive razor to shave with, it's tough to beat.

I've gotten razors from Whipped Dog and to be honest they were a very good deal. If time is on your side I have seen some deals go through the classifieds that make me look twice. Quality blade nice condition with three free honings for under a hundred. They are not there all the time and go fast. Yesterday there was a shave ready 5/8 swedish razor for $45. That is the spot where there are crazy deals. The but is that you have to wait and watch...

Hello Mr Near,
Welcome to the membership.
I won't respond to your question, instead i'll wait and watch for somebody with over 500 posts to suggest Larry at Whipped Dog. :-)
Ralph, (Ralf)

+1 on Whipped Dog. Regardless of looks it's the shave you are after. Larry does a good job and gives a good edge to the razors.

+1 Whipped Dog, I started there and I highly recommend his service. The razor will be sharp and do the job. He also does a poor mans strop kit for $25 which is great value for maintaining the edge. Simply you have nothing to lose...

+2 on whipped dog!

I have his two strap poly/leather and ebayed one of his Silver tips.

He honed an eBay razor I got for a great deal. Super sharp very pleased with the service.

If you're on a tight budget that would be my recommendation. If you aren't pressed for time classified s and eBay might give you some entertainment from 'the hunt'. If you are eBaying ask the group for advice...they can give you a collective yay or nay on a razor.

Good luck!

Hi,

Im a beginner as well, and from advice from this website, ordered a "sight unseen" razor, silvertip brush and poor-mans strop kit from Larry, and couldn't be happier as a great place to start.

First, the razor. Not pretty, but nice edge and shaves well. As it is cheap, in not worried about dropping it etc.

2nd, the brush. I dont have others to compare it to, but it lathers very well and is nice to use. Doesnt drop hairs.

3rd. The poor mans strop. Great kit. Came with 2 leather strops (cant remember if I paid extra for that), plus a balsa strop with green and red paste. Also came with extra strop paste/powder, neatsfoot oil and instructions. The lot was around $100 delivered to Australia.

Communication from Larry at Whipped-dog was great, very friendly and helpful fellow.

I wasn't on such a tight budget like you (but still a limited budget), and intended on getting better gear, but glad I didn't start with an expensive strop! I already have a few nicks in mine. I haven't dropped my razor yet or knocked it against the sink etc, but still glad I didn't start off with an expensive one. I was initially intending on also getting a better brush eventually, as I didn't think I would get a good brush for the $20-30 larry charged, but after using it for a while, I really don't think I need to upgrade to a better brush (leaving me some more cash for a better razor).

Thanks so much guys. I'll be emailing Larry when i get home for the strop and razor.

Quick question before I do. What do you guys think of that Boker Good as gold and that Bengall in the classifieds?