Thread: Beginner, feeling lost purchasing a new straightedge razor

Originally Posted by IQAndreas

I'm not adamant on Dovo or even being a German company, so I am open to both of those. However, I still run into the same problem of not knowing the difference between the dozens of razors each company has for sale.


What makes a razor a "starter razor"? What is the difference between it and a "standard razor" while shaving?

We say starter ai it is no bells and whistles plain jane razor. Blade is the same quality and will give the same shave lasting just as long. They are a good place to start and you can always upgrade if you find you like this way of shaving

OP

I don't want to be answering for Jamie, but my guess is that a "beginner" razor is the least expensive plain Jane model in any makers line. It is no different than the other models in the line as far as the basic blade quality goes. The more expensive models may have bigger blades as measured in height not length. They also may have fancier scales, worked spines and gold etchings. Just remember pretty does not make a razor shave better but only cost more because of the extras.

Bob

The concept of a beginner razor is hogwash. A quality razor is just that period. It's not like you're buying a house and they have what they call "starter houses" which are small and have cheap interiors.

If you buy a new razor whether it's a Dovo or an Aust or a TI or any other recognized brands you will be getting a razor that will last longer than you and give you great shaves. It just needs to be honed and maintained properly.

You pay more for limited editions and special crafting and scales and cases and decoration none of which makes for a better shaving razor.

Maybe, read some more about starting in the library, might help you on making up your mind. There's still a lot to consider, soaps strops and learning how to shave. Maybe you should look at Safety razors, might be an easier decision. But as a new guy stay away from eBay and that kind of item for now, get you a good quality razor from a reputable dealer who uses and hones them. SRD was mentioned also just to test the waters, our classifieds are a good place to start. See if they have been here a while to weed out those who might not hone very well yet, and keep the money low in case you find this ain't for you. Good luck. Tc

Another adjective for 'starter' razor is 'entry level.' As noted by previous posters, this is a new way of shaving for you and you may or may not like it. There is a learning curve in the shaving, and in the maintenance. So investing enough for a quality razor, but no more than necessary, is an intelligent approach.

I'm kinda new at this also and have gotten most my razors off E-Bay, You just have to give it a good look and ask the seller any questions you might have about it. Do a little research and find out about hone wear and what a good razor should look like. Its what I have done and none of my razors (17 of them) have cost me more than $60.00 most were under $30.00. Just saying.

No one saying you can't find some deals, but a new guy is more concerned with a shave ready razor than taking a chance on eBay, we try to give advise that is tryed and true for starting out, Ebay is going to be a little bit harder to get that "shave ready " edge.
Glad your happy with yours, but if the Op wants a razor to start with and maybe keep as his one and the noy, the wisest choice would be to go with a known quality shave ready razor, my opinion is still that new should be a reputable dealer who hones or if used, from the classifieds from a member who has a great track record of selling truly shave ready razors. Give the guy a chance at success. Tc

I know how you feel. There are tons of them and you don't know what to do. Been there done that. What most of these guys have said is dead on. Let me make this easy. They've already told you, that within a brand the difference in price is due simply to the width of the blade, fancy etching, scales made from fancier and prettier materials. Those things don't shave your face, they are just to look pretty in the mirror while your shaving. So to make it easy, I recommend you do the following.

1. Go to Straight Razor Designs and get the lower priced Ralf Aust (best) or Dovo (very good) straight razor in 5/8. You will know for sure that the razor you get is properly honed and ready to shave.

2. Go to whippeddog.com and buy the "poor man's strop kit". Use this strop to strop your razor before you shave. You'll thank me later that you didn't order a more expensive strop to start with. Learn to strop on that, before you go buy an expensive strop. It will save you some tears and a bunch of sanding.

3. Take the free honing card that you get with your razor and put it somewhere where you can find it. About 2 or 3 months from now you're going to need it. Don't lose it.

4. Order some nice shaving soap, a styptic pencil and a good, but inexpensive brush like a Semogue 620 or 830, if you don't have them already.

Job done.

While you're waiting for them, read the articles here about your first straight razor shave and watch Lynn's straight razor shaving video on you tube several times.

Thank me later.

I would suggest buying a strop with readily available replacement leather. That way you will get a good quality strop that can have its stropping surface replaced if it gets damaged.

I just had a very quick look at whipped dog - poor man strop kit $25.
And then at straight razor designs - replacement strop leather starts at $25 for 2" and $35 for 3".
I have not used either comanies products so i cant personally speak for the quality.

+1 on STraight Razor Designs, for your first razor. Then, once you get the hang of it, you can venture into other options. The free honing is really nice - you'll have a known quality razor two times.

Also, don't strop the razor when you get it. It is ready to go, as-is.

You may also want to consider shaving cream over soap, I found that I can get a more consistent lather with a cream like Taylor Of Bond Street, than I can with soaps.

Do a bunch of reading in the forums to learn about everything I got you need and techniques, and don't be afraid to ask questions. You'll get a lot of help here.

Most importantly, have fun!