Was 'gifted' with a very thick beard and grew up hating shaving. As I'm sure you all can relate, I tried all kinds of cassette razors and electrics and never found relief. I basically resigned myself to the #1 clip trimmed beard forever. A couple weeks ago, I stumbled across wet shaving as a new possible solution. I got excited!

Being the... 'thrifty', 'smart' shopper I am (lol), I did a bit of online research. The research centred primarily around youtube, as I was also interested in doing some advance research on stropping, etc. and I'm a visual learner. In my travels, I found many people giving advice on buying a 'cheap starter' razor. 'Don't buy a new Cadillac for your first car', they said. So, naturally, I went shopping on 'the Bay' and bought myself a stainless Chinese razor (not a Golden Dollar, but close) for $20 (pictured). A strop for $2.50 and a Badger hair brush for $10. Thrifty shopper's victory, what a bargain.

After a long, anxious wait for everything to arrive on a slow boat from China (literally)... everything arrived today. I located a local guy to me to get my razor shave ready. In our email exchange he asked about my razor... this is where I learned the err of my ways. He was very honest and helpful- gave me some advice instead of just taking my money. He explained the metallurgy of these razors and made what seems like a sound recommendation to either get a Norton 4/8 and invest some time into trying to get it usable myself or shell out some more cash on a new razor. His parting advice was the best- he referred me to this forum. I wish I found it before I spent money.

So, long rambling back story out of the way (sorry), here's my question forum: Let's say I've got $50-$75 to spend to 'get started'. What should my next move be? As with any art form or hobby, I expect to make more investments down the road... but I want to get shaving (and have a good experience doing it) with this next investment.


  • I could blow the money on the Norton stone, learn the art of honing (while learning all the other beginner stuff) on this razor?
  • I've read a lot (here) about how it's important to start with a professionally honed razor. Do I pay for a hone on this thing anyways?
  • Do I throw out the Chinese razor, shell out money on a new one and $25 or so on the hone?


Now that I think of it, those options don't even factor in this cheapo strop. That might factor in with the decision- will it work for now? or is it throw away too? At $2.50 investment I'm less concerned about having to toss that.

I've read some of the threads about the GD's and I don't want to inadvertently stir up that debate! Just looking for advice from experience. Cheapest, smartest place to put my money so I can get shaving.

Thanks for the help- and sorry for the long-ish post.

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