New to Straight razors

Hello everyone,

I want to start out by saying what a great sight this is, it has been very helpfull in my search for information on this topic.

I have decided to switch to a straight razor for a number of reasons. I am looking for a bit of advice as to where to start though. I am considering the dreadnought shavette. I realize and understand that the shavettes have a higher learning curve and are not as forgiving as a traditional straight razor. But while doing some research it seems that most straight razors are what I consider very expensive. it seems that the cheaper ones are around $80 and quickly go up from there. I realize that you get what you pay for but this is also a substantial investment when you haven't even added in the brush and other things you might need.
I also have sort of an issue with buying a blade that has been used before. So if anyone could please give some advice on this I would greatly appreciate it.

Welcome! I haven't actually used a shavette, so I cannot speak to the difference you would experience between a quality straight, and a shavette - however I can and will reiterate that you get what you pay for, and a quality SR cannot be beat! The classifieds here often have razors that will be good shavers, and won't cost you too much. The main thing - enjoy the journey my friend! You have made good choice by coming to SRP!

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Originally Posted by Mordiem

Hello everyone,

I want to start out by saying what a great sight this is, it has been very helpfull in my search for information on this topic.

I have decided to switch to a straight razor for a number of reasons. I am looking for a bit of advice as to where to start though. I am considering the dreadnought shavette. I realize and understand that the shavettes have a higher learning curve and are not as forgiving as a traditional straight razor. But while doing some research it seems that most straight razors are what I consider very expensive. it seems that the cheaper ones are around $80 and quickly go up from there. I realize that you get what you pay for but this is also a substantial investment when you haven't even added in the brush and other things you might need.
I also have sort of an issue with buying a blade that has been used before. So if anyone could please give some advice on this I would greatly appreciate it.

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Welcome.

At the risk of incurring the wrath of others here who know more than I do, I would recommend based on my own experience that you go right for a traditional straight razor. I myself tried the shavette and did not have a good experience at all. Once I decided to go with a traditional straight razor and commit to stick with it, I have never regretted my decision.

My first razor was a brand new Ralf Aust 5/8 and it is less than $100.00 from Straight Razor Designs and it comes truly shave ready from an expert. I found in my experience that the shavette was less forgiving and the transition from the shavette to a traditional straight was just one more thing that I did not need to worry about any longer.

There is plenty of advice out here and I suggest that you start by watching videos and reading all that you can before buying anything. That is what I did and it really helped.

Frank

Hi Mordiem, yes the initial outlay can be expensive, but when you take into account the cost of disposable carts over a period of time, it starts to look better. A cart may last a week, a properly maintained straight razor could last several generations.

You won't get a quality new straight for much less than $100 or very close to it. I think you're best bet is vintage. There are things I wouldn't use in a used state like a brush but razors are no issue and they can be sanitized if need be. if you stay away from the "magic names" you can get a vintage quality razor in near mint condition and shave ready for probably $50.

Thank you all for your advice,
I was talking with the wife about all of it and she is all for it providing we can find one at least initially that isnt overly expensive. I was in health care, in the setrilization field which is what leads me to not want to use a second hand razor but thinking about it further if it really is that important i can take it to my old friends at the hospital and have them autoclave it for me. With what I learned while there there are just some nasty bugs out there that freak me out. Anyhow, The wife was all for going to several local antique store/ malls to see if we could find one there before we go to ebay. While looking on ebay I found some really great deals but I can't seem to find the posting again on here that lists the brands to shy away from when buying a SR can anyone please link that if you happen to know where it is.

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Originally Posted by Mordiem

Hello everyone,

I want to start out by saying what a great sight this is, it has been very helpfull in my search for information on this topic.

I have decided to switch to a straight razor for a number of reasons. I am looking for a bit of advice as to where to start though. I am considering the dreadnought shavette. I realize and understand that the shavettes have a higher learning curve and are not as forgiving as a traditional straight razor. But while doing some research it seems that most straight razors are what I consider very expensive. it seems that the cheaper ones are around $80 and quickly go up from there. I realize that you get what you pay for but this is also a substantial investment when you haven't even added in the brush and other things you might need.
I also have sort of an issue with buying a blade that has been used before. So if anyone could please give some advice on this I would greatly appreciate it.

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I agree with your analysis of shavettes and straights, and would advise you to do start where you're most comfortable. What I would advise against is getting a true straight that costs less than a shavette, usually made in Pakastan or China due to workmanship issues that could really hurt you.

As far as shaving with a used razor, get some Barbacide if you want to eliminate the danger of health risks. It's good to have around if you're sensitive about newly-acquired products and want to guarantee safety.

If you like the shavette some stick with that as their preference, or you can opt for a true straight later.

I found it

Brands of Straight Razors to Avoid - Straight Razor Place Library

Welcome to the forum.

Welcome to SRP! I would also recommend you seek out a vintage straight razor. You can find them in the Classifieds here for as low as $50. Good luck! :)

Welcome. It is difficult to simply switch to a straight style razor. There is a learning curve. I'm not familiar with the shavette you mentioned. I like the Parker shavette. A traditional straight is easier to use but much harder to keep sharp. Once you know what your doing, it's really easy.

Honestly, if your looking to switch and price is genuinely an issue, I would be more inclined to suggest you start with a Double Edge razor, a decent brush, and some tradition cream or soaps. There is a learning curve ,but it is much easier. Over time you'll stumble across a decent straight, and a decent strop. Be patient and the cost will be buffered over time. You'll not notice it as much.

Even if you were to start with a straight I'd suggest you, literally, spend the next two months studying the forum and wiki, before attempting to shave, or buy anything. Also, find someone near you that you can get some information and training from, if at all possible.

Straight shaving is a little like learning to sail. Go buy a sailboat and try and sail around the world without lots and lots of study. It'll suck. And you can't cut your face on a sailboat.

Your concern about the sanitation of a used razor in not unfounded. However there are alternatives to autoclave sterilization, such as hospital grade disinfectant. Barbicide is a popular one, but there are alternatives.

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Barbicide is a United States Environmental Protection Agency-approved hospital disinfectant. It is a germicide, pseudomonacide, fungicide, and viricide. In addition, it kills the HIV-1 virus (AIDS virus), Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

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wikipedia

If you want to stick with the autoclave method, buy a shave ready vintage and have the penned pin replaced with a screw type pin. The scales, which would be damaged by an autoclave, can then be removed for the autoclave and replaced after. Having the pin replaced will likely cost but if it allows you to have peace of mind it will be well worth the cost.

Jonathan

Hi and welcome. I would advise against buying from eBay unless you know what you are looking for as it is easy to get a poor quality blade or one in poor condition or with issues that will affect performance. Whipped dog might be a good place for you to start cheaply and you can upgrade as your skill and wallet allow. The advice to read for a while before making purchases od a good idea and after a few weeks you will have a lot better idea of what and where to buy. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask.

Welcome to SRP! I agree with the posts that say to skip the Shavette; they are a bit dicier than real straights. The edges are crazy crazy crazy sharp, and to shave you only need crazy sharp. There are good blades for ~$100--Dovo Best, Ralf Aust, and don't be afraid of used razors, as long as you buy one from someone who actually understands "Shave-ready." Whipped Dog is a good vendor--or see if anything strikes you in our Classifieds. Some of the best blades ever made are also among the most affordable--if you can find an old Genco without too much hone wear, you'll be off to a great start. They're affordable because Genco made a zillion of them. Barbacide will kill anything. Also consider that you can polish the blade, and that will remove everything from its surface. If you insist on autoclaving, either get one that's all-stainless or follow the advice about removing the scales first.

Best wishes and happy shaving!

Welcome to SRP!

Although I didn't have the concerns with the initial costs, I never realized that a cheap Dovo (was my first) would start at $100 + s/h. But I dove in with both feet and had it honed professionally (another $20) by an SRP member.

I got a inexpensive brush/soap/stand kit off Amazon for $22. Not the greatest but it worked while I saved for a better brush.

The point I want to get to however, is I wanted to learn to hone my own razors. I bought two Gold Dollar SRs off ebay. I figured for $12, even if I screwed them up, oh well.

Well, I honed them, and now use them regularly. They work well and are a little heavier than my other two form Germany (carbon steel). I love them all. Folks even commented how I might end up enjoying my GD more than the more expensive ones (probably due to the fact I honed them myself). I can't speak to the longevity of the Gold Dollars either (yet). I do have a 12,000 grit stone for touching them up when it comes to that (I've only been at this for about 2 months) but most folks have a fine stone even for their higher end razors as stropping will only keep an edge for so long depending on certain factors.

Perhaps, just to get one in your hands this might be the route you take. Heck, I'd sell you one of mine cheap-o's but I'm not a vendor on SRP.

Try that route. Contact one of the Vendors and see if they'll hone a stainless steel Gold Dollar SR for you.

Your total investment would be around $26-$28 but for that amount, as suggested, you could go with a nice DE razor for a while perhaps.

I wish you all the luck. And must warn, once smitten, it's all down hill. But it's a fun ride brother.;)

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Originally Posted by Mordiem

Thank you all for your advice,
I was talking with the wife about all of it and she is all for it providing we can find one at least initially that isnt overly expensive. I was in health care, in the setrilization field which is what leads me to not want to use a second hand razor but thinking about it further if it really is that important i can take it to my old friends at the hospital and have them autoclave it for me. With what I learned while there there are just some nasty bugs out there that freak me out. Anyhow, The wife was all for going to several local antique store/ malls to see if we could find one there before we go to ebay. While looking on ebay I found some really great deals but I can't seem to find the posting again on here that lists the brands to shy away from when buying a SR can anyone please link that if you happen to know where it is.

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I'd go with a used/antique razor from SRP or Larry at Whippeddog, then you're sure that your first razor will be a decent shaver and honed to shave ready. I'd also be a bit wary of the autoclave route as you may end up with damaged/twisted scales. I use barbicide as others have mentioned and I've shaved with about 50 different razors all pre used with no ill effects. Take a look at the Barbicide information details it seems to kill most things and is recommended for hospital use

Whipped Dog all the way!

Shavettes are different - they're lighter and in my experience, far less forgiving to errors. They will be cheaper unless you buy a super fancy one. They require less maintenance - swapping blades over is the extent of it. You won't get the same bad-ass feel with them however and if your experience is anything like mine you'll quickly want to try a proper straight. Cost wise you are better off with a shavette but take a look at whipped dog - you can get set up for far less than you might imagine.

Hi, and welcome to SRP !! :chapeau