Thread: The Art of Shaving

So, in my quest to find my first straight razor I've gone to Antique Shops, thrift stores etc. As a newbie, I'm finding it very difficult to even get my hands on a SR. Antique Shops have nothing but rusty old junk and they're asking way to much $$. So I found that there is an Art of Shaving at one of the local Pittsburgh Malls. I decided to make the drive and go there.

I was dumbfounded when the sales person told me they don't even stock straight razors. The walls were filled with creams, soaps, oils etc., but not a single SR. The salesperson was nice, and apologetic for not having anything for me to see. I was really disappointed.

So if you're a newbie like me, I'd suggest you stay away from this retailer unless you are looking for creams, soaps etc. Theses products were quite nice, but seemed very expensive.

The classifieds section here has a great selection of shave ready razors at reasonable prices. Straight Razor Designs also has a great selection of shave ready razors if you want brand new.

Originally Posted by Moonshae

The classifieds section here has a great selection of shave ready razors at reasonable prices. Straight Razor Designs also has a great selection of shave ready razors if you want brand new.

I've been looking through the classifieds every day, several times a day. I'm looking for a 3" round tip 5/8" or 6/8" under $50.00. I haven't seen anything in that range just yet. A member here had a nice SR for sale on Ebay, and he gave me a heads up. But I wasn't able to bid on it

I don't want to drop to much $$ on a SR just yet. Eventually I'll need two (or more) razors, and then I'll probably upgrade and get something a bit nicer.

A shave ready razor at that price is not common place but do keep your eye on the classifieds as they do come up. There are a couple of members here that sell in that range when they can. I have no idea how they do it or where they source their razors from, but with some regularity they have them. Keep watching.

Look at Whipped Dog. $43 for his Sight Unseen razor. Yeah, you don't get to choose the razor, but I've got two from him. Both are decent razors and came absolutely shave ready. If you look at his other items like the poor man's strop kit (leather, balsa with CrOx/FeOx), bargain brushes, etc...you can get started up with SR shaving. I spent $110 with Whipped dog and got the Straigh Razor, Poor Man's Strop Kit, a DE razor, badger brush, soap samples. Comes with some nice notes/instructions on prep and use of the items.

My first Sight Unseen (pic in this thread - http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...first-try.html) is still my favorite. Still shaving after more than an year of use. Of course I only shave with the SR once or twice a month or on special occasions. I use the DE almost daily as a matter of convenience.

My second Sight Unseen was a little rougher than the first, moderate smile, lots of hone wear and some tip wear. That being said, it is still a great shaving razor. Plus, I can swap it out with Larry if I want for the $15 honing fee if I want.

YMMV
Richard

Gentlemen,

Most of the Art of Shaving stores do not carry straight razors. The company offers straight razors online. Either way, make sure to have the razors honed professionally.

Originally Posted by leftyonly

Look at Whipped Dog. $43 for his Sight Unseen razor. Yeah, you don't get to choose the razor, but I've got two from him. Both are decent razors and came absolutely shave ready. If you look at his other items like the poor man's strop kit (leather, balsa with CrOx/FeOx), bargain brushes, etc...you can get started up with SR shaving. I spent $110 with Whipped dog and got the Straigh Razor, Poor Man's Strop Kit, a DE razor, badger brush, soap samples. Comes with some nice notes/instructions on prep and use of the items.

My first Sight Unseen (pic in this thread - http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...first-try.html) is still my favorite. Still shaving after more than an year of use. Of course I only shave with the SR once or twice a month or on special occasions. I use the DE almost daily as a matter of convenience.

My second Sight Unseen was a little rougher than the first, moderate smile, lots of hone wear and some tip wear. That being said, it is still a great shaving razor. Plus, I can swap it out with Larry if I want for the $15 honing fee if I want.

YMMV
Richard

I've been eyeing whipped dog. Do they accept requests? If I requested a 6/8 round point for example, will they comply?

I have no affiliation with Whipped Dog other than being a satisfied customer. I doubt that he will accommodate a request at the $43, but it couldn't hurt to ask.

Both razors I got from him were fairly normal 5/8 without any sharp points. I doubt he would sell too many if he was sending out anything other than beginner suitable razors (ie. spike points, wedges, large blades, tiny blades, etc.)

That being said, IMO focusing on a specific razor geometry may be a bit premature. Get a decent, absolutely sharp instrument in your hand and learn to shave with it.

Richard

I bought all 7 razors I own off the classifieds here. Stay away from the art of shave. The buy me only has cartridge razors. Not one SR or DE...they call them selves a shaving place.

Originally Posted by Obie

Gentlemen,

Most of the Art of Shaving stores do not carry straight razors. The company offers straight razors online. Either way, make sure to have the razors honed professionally.

The last time I was in Vegas I popped into one that I was passing by.. They had a lot of straight razors for sale. All very expensive TIs rebranded with AOS on them. Maybe that has changed since then.