Thread: New guy from Il.

Thanks for the props and comments. I decided to refinish the Laymann & Carey 'Eclipse', myself. It cleaned up very well. And have used it the past 2 mornings.

I believe I'll have the 2 Wade and Butcher restored by someone who can do them justice, without hurting them, since they appear to be the most valued of any of them.

Since, I'm getting back into straight razoring, I think I'll buy one and use it. At least until I'm more comfortable. While the Eclipse is OK, I have, of course, nicked myself a couple times around my off-side ear lobe area, due to the toe being 'not beginner friendly.' And it's a little on the thin side.
I have read, and read and read some more, regarding moderate priced beginner razors. Although, I believe I have read too much, because not I'm really undecided on what to get.

Any suggestions for a, say, $100 beginner? I have everything else, strop, brush, scuttle, etc. Just need a good blade. Something, that after I get the hang of it again, I can hand off to my oldest son (who is 24yrs old) for him to learn on. Then for him to hand off to my youngest son (who is 22yrs old) for him to learn on. THEN and only then will I pass down one of Dad's razors to them.

For around $100 you can purchase a Ralf Aust or Dovo from Straight Razor Designs. The razor will be shave ready and a good reference point for when you hone your own razor. The classifieds here are also a good place to look.

Here, by the way, is the Eclipse I redone.

What size would you recommend?

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

For around $100 you can purchase a Ralf Aust or Dovo from Straight Razor Designs. The razor will be shave ready and a good reference point for when you hone your own razor. The classifieds here are also a good place to look.

Originally Posted by AcesandEights

What size would you recommend?

A 5/8 or 6/8.

That is a nice looking blade, should treat you very well. Do you have a strop for it yet?

Originally Posted by dinnermint

That is a nice looking blade, should treat you very well. Do you have a strop for it yet?

I have my Fathers original strop. However, I want to preserve it, so I'll make another for daily use (I am a custom holster maker, so I have a herd worth of leather in the shop).

The Wade & Butchers aren't worth so much money but are just great shavers. I have them from the 1860's thru the 1950's & they are just well made & take an edge well. I have found no need for a new razor yet. I have collected around 60 vintage straight's & paid less than $30.00 for each one. I just got a later 6/8"heavy grind Wade & Butcher in good shape for $10.00 & it would shave when I got it at a local flea market.
I also am from Illinois. I live in St. Joseph just east of Urbana on I-74. Is Cowden near Carbondale?We should get together. I am looking for a concealed carry pistol & you might be able to help me.
Best to you!

Dave"Slawman"Huffman

Originally Posted by Slawman

The Wade & Butchers aren't worth so much money but are just great shavers. I have them from the 1860's thru the 1950's & they are just well made & take an edge well. I have found no need for a new razor yet. I have collected around 60 vintage straight's & paid less than $30.00 for each one. I just got a later 6/8"heavy grind Wade & Butcher in good shape for $10.00 & it would shave when I got it at a local flea market.
I also am from Illinois. I live in St. Joseph just east of Urbana on I-74. Is Cowden near Carbondale?We should get together. I am looking for a concealed carry pistol & you might be able to help me.
Best to you!

Dave"Slawman"Huffman

I have no intention of selling of them, as they are my late Father's, so re-sale price is a moot point. At least for the W&B's, I don't plan on using them, either. The others, yeah, probably will use, just not as daily's. That's the main reason for purchasing the new Dovo 6/8.


I am, actually, a lot closer to you than Carbondale. Cowden is about 45 mins west/south-west of Mattoon. I can fix you up on a CC pistol. I'm open 5pm-9pm Mon-Fri and Sat/Sun by appointment. Do you have anything in mind?

Not sure yet. Between a 380 or a 9mm.
Don't be afraid to use the W&B straights. You won't wear that big blade enough to make a difference in your lifetime or your kids either. Once you shave with a big vintage W&B you will know what I mean. My main shave is a 6/8 pre 1881 W&B that I love. I have found that German razor will get sharper in many cases but not be as comfortable as a English blade. That is just what I find & the next guy might have a different experience.

Dave