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This will be my first SR Purchase. Don't mind spending a few bucks for something good that I intend to use for what I hope will be a long "Lifetime".
That said, I am considering one of two models. The TI "Loup et Bellier" in 5/8 round, or the Boker Arbolito also in 5/8.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Been shaving with Safety razors for a bit and ready to make the move to straight. Or at least I think I am.
Thank you!
Im pretty new still, but i bought a TI for a first razor i still enjoy it. I would suggest buying the one you like the looks of better, they will shave pretty similar. Youll have 2-3 razors before you even see SRAD hit, but what fun it is.
Maybe the better question is which one to buy first :gl:
My advice? Don't buy either of them. Instead, find a 5/8" razor that has already lasted "a long Lifetime" (or two)... it's what we call a "known quantity", and doesn't have to be perfectly honed or restored; instead, take the money you'll save by buying a "used", older, and imperfect razor, and use it to fix what's needed: maybe some scale repair, perhaps a little clean-up on the blade -- certainly a professional honing -- and voila! You've got a straight razor with-a-history, in the size, shape, and grind that you want, for less (or the same) than you'd have paid for a brand-new one.Quote:
Originally Posted by acf972003
Just my perspective; but, as cyclists say: "Steel is real", and old steel almost always trumps new steel. There's plenty of "old steel" available -- through the SRP classifieds, and other sources -- so, take your time and consider developing some "sweat equity" in a vintage straight razor.
Smooth shaving!
first things first... welcome to straight razor shaving :) if i can give you some advice, don't start with an overly expensive razor if you haven't done SR shaving before.. look in the classifieds section, or whipped dog, there are shave ready razors there which won't set you back as much as a boker or ti whilst achieving the same result. it's more important to get the basics right and for that you need time and patience. buy a good strop, that is a crucial part of shaving, and take the time to learn to strop your razor correct. enjoy :)
I have a TI that I love. Love shaving with it. I paid a good bit for it though. $412 USD to be exact. I've never gotten to shave with a Boker. I don't think an expensive quality blade will get you a better shave than a less expensive quality blade that are properly honed. I say get whichever you like more as they both should give great shaves.
I started off with a Shavette.
Welcome in!
Both will be good blades if properly honed, as mentioned what you want or like are as paramount as anything else.
A few of my favorite blades are opposite ends of the spectrum.
A Dovo Bërgischer Löwe, Genco Head Barber ($12 eBay find), Böker Red Injun 101 (another under $20 find).
The edge and user are as if not more important than the rest.
Get what appeals to you and learn.
A strop of know quality is important although many will say buy a cheap strop to start (you can have inexpensive with known quality).
I love my Illinois #827, not expensive by any stretch, and stays out for use to this day.
Here is a pic of it after several years of very regular use.
It hangs with my SRD English Bridal which I also love.
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Good advice above, and you can find an Illinois 827 on Amazon. Either razor will be an excellent shaver, so long as the edge is dialed in and the user, you, know how to use it. There will be some trial and error on your part, but it will all come together in time. I have two TI's, and both are incredible shavers. Good luck!
I bought a new boker king cutter 5/8 from invisible edge in the UK. It came shave ready, the guys at invisible edge had opened the package and resealed it (presumably after honing it).
I have no prior experience with straight razors so I can't comment on any other makes etc and can only give me opinions on the razor I received.
The one I got had a dead even grind, the spine was straight and uniform. Its a full hollow grind and edge itself was thinner and more delicate than I expected. In all though it is a very beautiful bit of steel and I have no regrets about buying it (which is more than I can say For some expensive kitchen knives I've bought). If you buy a boker and its like the one I got I'm sure you would be very happy.
I don't have a ti in my collection..... But, I just got a boker.... It's awesome..... Look at dovo too...
Hi and welcome. Both makers are going to supply a great razor capable of bbs shaves and a lifetime of use. Any real difference will be in which grind and size you choose. Get what you like most and go from there. A basic rotation is 2 razors so you'll just have to get the other one later to start your rotation.
If I can make a suggestion. I am fairly new as well so I can come at this with your perspective I believe. They number one are correct SRAD will hit before you even realize it so just f e the fact you will have both.... Finances allowing eventually. That's out of the way ..... I have a Thiers-Issard Spartaus 889 in 5/8 with amber tortoise shells ......; it is an amazing razor I also have a new Boker 5/8 and a vintage H.Boker model 1056 in mint condition. The Bokers shave just as good !!!! Let me give you a 3rd and even better option, a 5/8 Ralf Aust ,....... I know it's not TI or Boker , but will shave every bit as good in Germany Aust is considered equal to Dovo and Boker ....... And it is only $99 opposed to $300 and your just getting started ! Use that other $200 buy a good 3" strop a stand for the razor a new cream or soap and some after shave and with the remaining $50 fill your car up with gas. Seriously I own 2 Ralf Aust razors they are top-notch you will NOT regret it.
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And for good measure here is the Boker 1056 on the left and the TI on the right
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So have you been able to make a choice and if yes, what is it? Not to nosy, just like to know :)
I don't have a Boker, But I love my TI.
