Thread: 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!

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.

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.

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.

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!