Beginner's Decisions!!

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I am going to start a new thread and just cut to the chase.

I am new to straight razor shaving and need advice on razors.


I have after much searching, reading, and study narrowed my choice of razors based on what is available to the following:


SRD's Ralf Aust 5/8" Black Straight Razor & Strop Set


or one of the following 3 razors in classified


Germania Cutlery Works with custom scales


Frederick Reynolds 5/8 with custom scales


Joseph Allen&sons NON XLL Sheffield 6/8


I like SRD's combination set as it gives me a break on the strop.


I like the FR but am afraid of the smile.


I like the JA but am concerned about the quality of the steel.


Being a total novice my concerns are probably absurd to the experienced.


Anyone willing to help me make a decision?


Terry

I would go with the Ralf Aust. Excellent razor.

No need to be concerned about Sheffield steel. The FR is also Sheffield. As to a smile, many shavers like a smile since they feel it helps them get in places where a non smiler has a little difficulty. The only concern to have with a smiler is in honing it properly. But then, that is an area not to even be thought of till you have a good basic shaving pattern down, know your beard pattern, can build good lather and strop without destroying the edge. Maybe like 10 months to a year down the road and then to learn how to refresh the edge before learning how to completely hone from bevel up.

I do second the Ralf Aust set. Razor comes honed, ready for use out of the box, honed by Lynn.

Welcome to SRP, haven't heard one bad thing about the RA. As for the smile, if anything makes it easier to shave.

Ralf Aust from SRD hands down.

I got a 6/8ths RA from SRD with a Spanish point as my first razor.
A - I like the weight of a 6/8ths and don't find it hard to manuever.

B- the Spanish point is way better than a spike and isn't all the way round which I liked alot.

Do make sure you dry it really well after use though because I got a few specs on it pretty easily, but a little maas polish helped that. Enjoy!

Their all good choices, as a beginner all you need is a good shave ready razor. The classifieds are a safe bet. Or buy new, but the razor needs to be honed by someone who uses them, that way you can learn how to shave , now all you have to do is pick, just stay away from the do not buy list and other RSO,s out there. Tc

I just read a thread which may have resurrected my dwindling desire to become a straight razor shaver - Pasted Strops "The Experiment". It seems maintaining a razor may not be nearly so overwhelming as many would make it.

JA 6/8 is my vote. Sheffield steel is high quality, I find the slightly larger blades easier to strop to start with. Also find them easier to shave with. Personally started with two Bengall 6/8s I found in an antique shop. Have given them both to two very happy beginners. (Nicest razors have found yet).

On top of all that you might want to get a razor from Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment to practice with. Stropping and later on honing can ruin a razors edge really quickly when done wrong, for stropping you can also take any dull knife (butter knife) to practise. Let us know what you decide, they are all good choices.

It isn't overwhelming, it's just that everyone wants instant results. Once you actually learn, it's very easy I maintain my razors for months on end with nothing but good stropping. It's the first thing you must master, a good edge is the foundation for learning to shave proper. Then you can learn to shave. Tc

The others are all great, but get the Aust set, it's a good first step, with NO risk.

Welcome to the world of straight razor shaving and Straight Razor Place. I am a semi-beginner and have been SR shaving for about 6 months. My first purchased razor was the RA 5/8 from SRD, which came freshly hone by Lynn. I purchased a 3 inch strop which makes stropping a lot easier, especially for us beginners. The kit is the way to go as far as I am concerned. I am completely happy with the razor and now I have a 6/8 RA as well.

Enjoy the experience.