Buying decisions

Hello all,

I hope this is the right sub forum for this kind of post. If not, I apologize.

I'm currently at the edge of buying my first real SR. Currently I'm using a Shavette (cheap Ustura/Sedef one) but I really want to make the switch. The choices I currently have are the following

Erik Anton Berg 5/8
Erik Anton Berg - Imgur

EDACO Solingen 6/8
EDACO Solingen - Imgur

So I'd get these "shave ready" for ~$110 each. Any reason why I should take one over the other? Like I mentioned, I'm new to SRs so I have no experience in stropping/honing.

The alternative would be a new SR from Ralf Aust OR a Feather Artist Club DX.

So yea, any input is appreciated :)

H8Blood,
Both Anton Berg and Edaco are fine razors and you will do well choosing either one. The Berg is also a faux frame back. I don't know how much experience you have with the straight razor — you will find out the traditional shaver is a different story from the Shavette. If I were you and had the funds, I would opt for both the Berg and the Edaco, since one is a 5/8 and one 6/8, both combined giving you a good variety. If choosing one is a must, then I would go with the Edaco, because the Berg frame back might feel a wee bit awkward at first. For your other choice, I would forget the Feather and go with the Ralf Aust, especially since you're trying to move up to the traditional straight razor.

Are the two razors you linked to "shave ready" razors? I think that is an important consideration for a beginner to start with a shave ready razor. The easiest and best way to assure that is to start with a clean slate new razor like the Ralf Aust from a reputable vendor who supplies it shave ready and usually with a free second honing.

You might give this a read, if you already haven't, The Shave Ready Razor - Straight Razor Place Library.

Bob

Thanks for the answers you two and thanks for the link BobH, will check it out.

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If choosing one is a must, then I would go with the Edaco, because the Berg frame back might feel a wee bit awkward at first.

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Is there a reason for that? If I recall, the angle should be around 30°-45° to your face, right? So does the faux frame back really make a difference there?

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Are the two razors you linked to "shave ready" razors?

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Yes, both are "shave ready" and come from well known individuals

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Originally Posted by H8Blood

Thanks for the answers you two and thanks for the link BobH, will check it out.

Yes, both are "shave ready" and come from well known individuals

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You are welcome and seeing as both are shave ready either would likely do. Both are know reputable makes that appear to be in good condition from what I can see, not an expert though, in two popular sizes. Personally I like a 6/8 sized razor so I'd lean towards the Edco.

Bob

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Originally Posted by H8Blood

...Is there a reason for that? If I recall, the angle should be around 30°-45° to your face, right? So does the faux frame back really make a difference there?...

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Specifically, because different grinds have different feels to the shaver. It's all personal preference really. AS are 100 other decisions in the SR realm.

And forget degrees, ~2 spine widths will get you there. You'll have to run -any- SR a little bit tighter to your face than any disposable straight-like razor. I don't know exactly why, but it's been the source of many "my new straight ain't sharp/i've been using a shavette" threads on here AND is directly addressed by Lynn Abrams in his Beginner video.

(Video info: POST 17 of this thread: http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...-hair-out.html)

HTH

As it's your first razor I'd go for thr Edaco or the Ralf Aust as they will likely be easier to learn with. Good luck

Seems like I should pull the trigger on the EDACO. Thanks for all the replies, links and videos

I'd go with the edaco as it would probably feel better on a strop.

Actually got an offer for a third alternative

Revisor Solingen 5/8 with a nice wodden scales
Revisor - Imgur

Would get that one "shave ready" for ~$160 which is $50 pricier than the EDACO but $80 cheaper than the Ralf Aust with black plastic scales

Where are you getting the price for the Ralf Aust. SRD had them for about 100

Yea but I'm not from the US. So I'd have to add

Shipping: Priority Mail International $33.61 OR Priority Mail Express International $48.96
EUST: 19% of the complete price (that includes shipping) - $25.39 OR $28.30 (depending on the chosen shipping method)
Customs: The % of this one varies from product to product, so I dunno how much that would be

So that would at least be $159 without customs. And yea, the price I mentioned for the Ralf Aust was for the stainless steel 5/8 with a spanish head and a "serrated" tang

Man that sucks. Know how you feel though. There is little locally so end up paying out for postage. Best bet is larger orders as the more you buy the less it works out to be per item. The revisors have a good rep though.