Thread: Beginner in straight razor shaving help!!!

Tell me guys, what should i buy ?new or filarmonica? Take a look at the filarmonica razor that i posted, what do you think?

Originally Posted by Ilie

Tell me guys, what should i buy ?new or filarmonica? Take a look at the filarmonica razor that i posted, what do you think?

I would advise against that Filarmonica. In fact, I would advise any beginner to not go for a Filarmonica. They are even more popular than they are common and usually demand a hype premium, especially the ones in good shape. And this particular specimen is not in good shape. has seen substantial restoration work, has lost width at least at the heel and the toe, has in my opinion badly done new scales (unoriginal) and something bothers me about the grind. For that kind of money you could get a new Aust or Revisor.

Originally Posted by Ilie

i'll buy a dovo or this filarmonica: Rasoir coupe chou FILARMONICA 14 chasse en noyer Collection Essonne - leboncoin.fr

can you give me some nice dovo models around 190 euros?

I sugest this one
https://www.zwickmeister.com/Straigh...-5-8::459.html
Böker makes fine razors as well
No mater what you buy, even if it says "shave ready", give it to a pro who will do some fine honing.
Good strop must follow

So you advice me to buy a dovo?

Yes, why not
New is new

Originally Posted by Ilie

So you advice me to buy a dovo?

Make sure you get the one *you* want! Check out the various styles offered by the reputable manufacturers mentioned in this thread, and get the one that fits your budget that speaks to you.

There's no point getting, for example, a 7/8 1/4-hollow ground brand X because someone suggested it to you if what you really want is the 5/8 extra-hollow round point brand Y. Personally I like big, heavy, wedge-y 19th century Sheffield razors. But that's just me, so I never advise anyone that those are the "best" razors to get, because it's a very personal thing.

It is really a personal thing
But since you asked which one you should buy, i suggest the new one.
No matter if it's dovo, böker, puma, filharmonica or some custom producer.

There are a few low cost shave ready razors that would be good beginner razors in the classifieds, if you want new , get one, but it's your decision, not ours so make it and learn to use it, the razor won't shave well till you get it and start learning, the strop is something you need time on too. But many new guys start this then quit, because it's more commitment than their willing to invest in. That's why if you want the classifieds are a great option to learn on a properly shave ready razor then buy your second one from wherever, but shave ready so the key, not the brand. Tc

I sent you a PM with an option that I think will be to your advantage.

Enjoy the ride, it's a long strange trip but well worth the journey!

For a beginner I would recommend you buy a vintage shave-ready razor. Fillies are great razors but I don't think you should start with one. You need to acquire stropping and shaving skills before you can get the most out of them.