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Hello all,
I am just getting into straight razor shaving. I need some help with a good brand/razor to begin with. So far I have found what I think to be good starters from the brands Dovo, Vintage Razors, and others.
Can anyone give me some advice on what razor brands to look into?
Thank you!
Welcome. This is a loaded question with to many variables for anyone to give you a "straight" answer. There have been literally hundreds of different manufacturers and just about all of them are good. Check out straightrazordesign.com or whippeddog.com for good razors at a fair price. Most will recommend a 5/8 blade with a round point. Also check out our library and the wikis for a ton of information on razors and what to look for and as always, we hope you enjoy your flight with SRD.
Better yet check out the classifieds here at SRP and ask questions about the razors listed!
If you go to Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment and send an email letting him know that you are new he can set you up with a good beginner razor for a great price. Whipped dog is also a great place to get everything to start with for less than $100, much less. The classifieds are another good place to buy items but it is better suited to someone who knows just a tad more than the OP.
The list of new razors is rather short - Dovo, Boker, Revisor, Thiers Issard, Wacker, Ralf Aust, Hart. But the list of vintage is damn near endless. If I were looking at new, I'd suggest Revisor or Boker based on personal preference. It'll be hard for you to know you're preferences until you get into it. My suggestion is to go middle of the road until you know better. Nothing too big. Nothing too small. 5/8 or 6/8 in size and stay away from spike points.
Welcome to SRP!
I'll second or third Whipped Dog. You get a pro honed razor set up for cheap, so if you decide that you don't like the straight you haven't lost a lot of money. There is also a good chance that you will bang up your first razor and it isn't as psychologically painful with a beater razor as it is with a brand new one. Regardless of if you go with new or used, the most important thing is to make sure that it is professional honed. See the member services in the classifieds here for honing services.
Make sure you check out the Library and the beginners information.
I been shaving with my Boker for two months now, its a nice razor to start with coast about $100.00. The question is how much are will to spend and have you every shaved with a straight? IMPO I wouldn't go crazy spending alot of money on a straight like buying a 400.00 razor but like i said before good one's are not cheap and cheap $20.00 are no good. Set yourself a start up budget and try to find what you need with in that amount. good luck and check out RoyalShave | Classic Wet Shaving Supplies - Safety Razors & Straight Razors Men's Wet Shaving, Grooming, Skin and Hair Care - West Coast Shaving
There is a vintage Boker in the classifieds for a seriously good price - may be worth considering as a starter razor. There are other vintage razors on there which are well worth a look - depending on your price range.
Whipped Dog is worth considering but bare in mind that if you buy a "Sight unseen flawed" razor, it will very likely look butt-ugly. Check the classifieds first - you may well find a prettier razor in the same price range.
For new razors, OCDshaver nailed it - many of them tend to be around the 5/6" blade width and full hollow so shaving wise it's going to be close but there are a range of fancy scales and different blade decorations that affect the price.
I know ( from reading other posts) that revisors will need honing before use, they do make some nice razors though. I would just ensure that whatever you buy comes shave ready - and that means hand honed by the vendor prior to dispatch. I can't speak from personal experience but the general advice is to avoid ebay purchases at first, until you know what you are looking for. I would look at the classifieds here too, ask the vendor questions or 3 gen PM a mentor about your potential purchases.
Hey there, Texas and welcome!
Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Straight Razor Place Library
Great place to start which details Choosing a razor, razors to avoid, etc.
First razor, I'd avoid point of any kind. I would prefer a swooped heel and rounded toe. 5/8 or 6/8 is a good size to start with.
Read up. Lots of good info there. Don't act too hastily. Bounce your ideas off us all. We've all been in the same boat.
kind regards,
Simon