Thread: Help. Need to buy SR for bf xmas. No clue where or what.

So, I need to buy a straight razor for the boyfriend as a Christmas gift. He isn't a newb, problem is that I am. I want to get him something... antique? Nice? Legit? Cost isn't an issue, I literally just have no idea where to look. I don't even know what he currently uses, other than it's a straight razor. I would prefer something well made and from an older time, as he seems to have been born in the wrong era. I'm okay with having to send it to someone for cleaning/recovery/whatever as well. I just don't know where to look for said item. eBay sounds like a terrible place for someone like me, as I'll have no idea what I'm looking at. Are the classifieds on this site a good place to look? Can someone direct me to a legit seller on eBay? Recommendations?


HALP.

What's your budget?
What's his experience, aside from not being a newb?
What razors does he currently use?
What kinds of things has he been speaking about, shave wise, lately?

If you can post a picture of his current razors (safely) we might be able to determine his "style" (Blade size, point type, grind profile) to get you in the ballpark.

I suppose under a thousand dollars? Price isn't too much of a concern,
He's used one on and off for a few years, but has begun using one regularly as his only source of shave a few months ago.
I honestly have no idea what he uses. It was around $150 and newly produced (I'm sure that helps exactly zero).
Um... he has problems with his skin being dry and has had a couple ingrown hairs. Nothing out of the norm. I think his biggest issue is that there's not much available where we live. We're in Alaska, so there's not a lot of options locally.

Ok. I'll have to ninja a shot somehow. Not exactly a way to nonchalantly bring up the subject.

Do you happen to also know if he likes to hone (sharpen) his own, or if he happens to send it out. That info might help us determine the grind and profile that may suit him.

For that amount of money you can purchase an extremely nice razor. You may want to lookup forum member mycarver on the forum. He does extremely nice restoration work on S.R. Here is a link to his website. Exquisite Blade - The Home of Fine Straight Razor Restorations

I don't know what the protocol is on replying to people, but I just figured out that it's a "starter" razor. I think he just chose one and ordered. SO, I don't think he will care what I order him, as it will automatically be nicer than what he has. I guess help him decipher what he has a preference for?

I'm cringing as I type this, but does that involve leather in anyway? If not, I'm thinking send it out until he's comfortable with it. I know he won't want to potentially cause damage to it until he's 100% sure what he's doing.


** I'm perfectly fine with getting something and having it restored... this is just way more complicated than I had previously thought. I read up on straight razors, and my head about exploded with information.

Originally Posted by thegirlfriend

I suppose under a thousand dollars? Price isn't too much of a concern,

Would you like another boyfriend? And props to you!