Hello. I am currently a three blade cartridge shaver. I'm 100% Gringo, but I live in Costa Rica, and I've only been back to the USA once in the last two years. Costa Rica provides some special challenges to becoming a straight razor shaver.

Shipping is challenging. It's not impossible, but it can be expensive, and customs can be jerks. Muling-in is the best option, but it's time consuming, and mostly one way. In other words, what I buy needs to be the right thing when it arrives.

Here's where I need help. I will need to learn to hone on the fly–no choice–so I want to get a blade that holds it's honed edge as long as possible. In a perfect world it would arrive honed.


  1. Are there specific brands or metals I should be considering to narrow my search?
  2. In life I have been able to pick things up quickly. Am I crazy to think I can learn to hone from videos online?

I've considered that buying two blades up front might be the smart move. I imagine the second blade is only shortly behind the first anyway. And then the third, the fourth, and around the fifth my wife will start asking the tough questions...

I am leaning towards 5/8-full-hollow, vintage, but could go new if the price was right. I am hoping to stay near the $100 mark for the first few blades (each). When I grow up I will spend more. I have been to Whipped Dog, but just browsed. I am also aware of the classified option on SRP. Are there other places I should consider looking?

Thank you in advance for any advice. Being the new guy is always fun. I am willing to kick down any knowledge I have on Costa Rica for anyone who wants to know more about the Happiest Country on the planet. Kidding, but dead serious. I've learned a lot in 26-months.

Cheers,
Damon