Thread: Need Some Advice on Buying a Razor

I don't take it as insults. My main point is that Gold Dollars have the reputation they have because they are popular for a cheap razor. From people who hone but don't sell them I have seen reports of very low rates of unusable blades from them even in the 66 which by all accounts is the bottom end of the current Gold Dollar line. From what I have found most of the negatives I have seen are either about the scales which are terrible, or related to getting an unfinished or poorly finished blade.

Don't misunderstand me I am not saying it is a must have. Only that the forums push vintage and restores and while that will likely get you better quality than a GD, there is a little bit of a gamble with that if you don't know razors and don't hone or restore them. Maybe not in quality if you find the right source but in not getting something that isn't finished or needs work. Some may be nervous about using someone else's razor.

Basically it depends on what your expectations and comfort level are.

I would probably have stuck with the replaceable blade straight until I got used to the process. Then probably still get the same Gold Dollar with the same understanding that it was going to be cheap and replaced in 6 months or a year.

I just don't want someone looking at this because they want to get a boyfriend a straight razor but 55 bucks for a vintage is still a little steep for something they aren't sure he will like thinking that they can't look at that Gold Dollar from a reputable vendor because it will turn his face into hamburger meat. It won't if they hone it right and apparently grind the heel back. Several shops know how to evaluate and finish these. If you are a college kid or teenager and your boyfriend has an interest in it there aren't a lot of good options. For the money you can get the best of the bottom of the barrel, something you can't look at but says it has cosmetic issues and is used, or a project piece that he can learn metal working skills on.

It can still be a viable starter, if you research the seller and ask them about their process. Doesn't hurt if they have a lifetime honing deal where you just send it and they hone it and return it. Or a good return policy.

Sorry to come on so strong. I just think that it gets a bad rap because it isn't a Dovo or whatever. It doesn't need to be. It needs to shave and not fall apart before it can be replaced. I can attest to the shave not the longevity.

All valid points, my good man. In order to get this thread back on track somewhat, I will refer to my original responding post where I quote another member's suggestion of looking at eBay. Yes, if one does a lot of internet web-fu legwork, they might be able to find a reputable source for a Gold Dollar, & it be less risky of a gamble. But if you go looking on eBay for razors, you will be lost down one hell of a rabbit hole! And in short order. It is a can of worms that even experienced collectors can feel daunted & overwhelmed by.

Given the situation presented by the OP, the members here often try to point them towards simple & reliable sources & products. This is often the case when trying to help any newbie, whether it is for them, or as a gift. Especially when there are no, or very few/vague criteria for selection. It's like if someone were to ask me what home theater receiver I would suggest. It would be their first system, so they don't have specific minimums, but they also don't have extensive knowledge in its setup & use. I would suggest an Onkyo, somewhere just above the base/lowest end model. They hit that sweet spot of price vs. quality like an MLB slugger. They are so easy to setup and use, it is nearly absurd. And by avoiding the base model, opting for a 7.1 receiver, they can get the minimum number of speakers they deem appropriate, and expand at a later date. Enough anecdotal comparisons.

Before I get sidetracked by something shiny again, something you said reminded me of another good source of razors. You said:

...For the money you can get the best of the bottom of the barrel, something you can't look at but says it has cosmetic issues and is used...

. If one is somewhat unscrupulous regarding the aesthetics of a razor, and are okay with it being used (obviously sanitized), I have heard nothing but good things about Larry over at Whipped Dog. The "sight unseen" razors are generally considered not "head turning" pretty, but great shavers with a great price. Just food for thought for the OP. If she ever comes back to visit us .

Yeah I might have gone the whipping dog route. I don't have problems with the irregular ones. I don't know about a gift unless they are into it and in on it. For the cost of the regular sight unseen you can find some in the classifieds usually. Those you can see what they look like.

I would think a Shavette style, a strop, and maybe a Van Der Hagen kit, though he already has the shave kit. You could give someone a start for like 50 bucks.