Thread: Groomsman Gift Idea

New to straight razing and do not own one myself. I am getting married this summer and thought a great groomsman gift for me and my two best friends would be straight razors. Something we could all tackle learning together, and if we failed, not the end of the world. Without breaking the bank, I am looking for suggestions on the best options and what is exactly necessary. I don't want to buy these guys a straight razor and then they have to go and drop $$$ on a strop and other essentials. Nobody likes getting a gift that requires you to spend money to use, but maybe that is going to be the case. I also don't want to buy one of those starter kits as I am almost positive they are crap. Firm believer in that you get what you pay for and giving them a cheap razor will end in none of us using it.

So, advice? Suggestions? What are the essentials, just a razor and a strop? Thanks for the help!

The basics are strop, razor, soap and brush. Check out SRD for the razors and strops. For quality razors and strops at great prices you will be hard pressed to find better and the razors will come shave ready. There are cheaper routes but you will get cheaper quality.

SRD are good quality kits. Razor and strip or razor strop soap and brush.

You can find wet shaving kits (not straight razor) a bit cheaper at SRD as well.

The real benefits are had in the brush and soaps. I will never shave with canned cream again. Straight or double edge safety razors will get you that better shave but new quality straights will set you back and it is wise to stay away from cheap ones that sound like a good deal.

What do you mean by, "new quality straights will set you back." Set me back financially, I am assuming? Thanks!

Originally Posted by Justin606

What do you mean by, "new quality straights will set you back." Set me back financially, I am assuming? Thanks!

Yes. An entry level razor runs about $100. +\-

But as said, look at StraightRazorDesigns' kits. The strops are top notch, And they have a nice selection of razors.

Originally Posted by Justin606

What do you mean by, "new quality straights will set you back." Set me back financially, I am assuming? Thanks!

Yes financially. if it sounds to good to be true it probably is. Good new razor brands are Thiers Issard, Dovo, Boker, Ralph Aust, Revisor. You'll need to make sure it is shave ready. That term "shave ready" is thrown around a lot. Without a true shave ready razor your journey will not go far or be pleasing. Factory edges are usually not shave ready. They need to be hand honed and stropped.

Well I would think that unless you have a crazy wedding budget, custom brushes and some nice soaps would be a great starting point. No matter what you shave with, it will get better with a top quality brush and soap. Strops and razors would also be nice, although not everyones cup of tea. I think you know these guys fairly well and would know if the strops and razors may just become dust collectors. There are a few guys that do custom strops for very reasonable money too

Get them an an enexpesive Brush,some decent shaving soap and they will learn about wet shaving even if using carts.
If they want to progress,they will.

A nice idea Justin606, but make it a worthwhile gesture by investing in worthwhile equipment. Good luck.

While not having the same type of appeal as the shaving with a naked blade, a DE is classic and nice. A quality soap, a decent best badger brush and an Edwin Jagger DE would make a nice sub 100$ gift.