Top 5 Straight Razors...

[Outlaw]

Hello everyone...
I am 'very new' to the world of cut throat/straight razors.
As a newby, I will probably have at least a few questions I'm sure.
Here are my first couple of questions;

1) In your opinions, what are the best 'starter' straight razors for a newby like myself?
2) And afterwards, when I hopefully become more proficient with a straight razor, what would be the best brand of straight razor to serve me the rest of my days?

Please advise...
Thanks!
-Outlaw-

[red96ta]

The 'best razor' for a starter is shave-ready as well as budget-ready. Examine how much you have to spend and then take a look at the offerings. The only razors to avoid are on the 'do not buy' list found in the wiki.

Since admitting that you're new, I recommend something from the classfieds, whipped dog, or one of the vendors here on the site. You're guaranteed to meet both of the aforementioned requisites for a good beginner razor. Avoid buying your first razor from either ebay or antique stores until you've discovered for yourself what a good shave is. The wiki also gives specific example of what to look for on either ebay or antique stores. while you're learning to shave, bone up or print out the material and begin studying what to look for in the wild.

[ScottGoodman]

Go with a "shave ready" razor from the classified's and stay away from Ebay. Other than that, it's whatever your budget will allow. If you have to have a new razor, I would recommend Straight Razor Designs. You can get your razor shave ready adn a free honing (that's worth $20 + shipping) if you buy from there. The best part is that it is honed by the Master Honemeister himself...Lynn Abrams.

[PhatMan]

Outlaw,

For new production razors, I would recommend starting with the Dovo Best, in 5/8 or 6/8. They are well priced, shave extremely well and are very easy to maintain.

Razor Acquisition Disorder precludes the concept of one (1) razor for the rest of your life !!

However, if I was forced to choose only one razor from my rotation, it would be the TI C135 5/8 full-hollow

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

[MickR]

I can recommend Dovo and Geisen & Forthoff Timor. I use and enjoy both brands. Check for a quality used razor from the classifieds here though.


Mick

[ElChe]

I bought a 6/8 Dovo Special (imitation tortoise) from Straight Razor Designs and really like it. It allowed me to get a quality, new razor at a modest price and the free honing (as mentioned by Shooter) will come in handy.

[Otto]

Welcome to SRP.

1) In your opinions, what are the best 'starter' straight razors for a newby like myself?

The Wiki has a good answer to that:
Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki

2) And afterwards, when I hopefully become more proficient with a straight razor, what would be the best brand of straight razor to serve me the rest of my days?

Well, you could use the same razor. Or read the SOTD for inspiration...
Or just buy a Livi.

[JimmyHAD]

Welcome to SRP. I agree with previous posters that the Dovo is a good place to start. The 5 top razors will vary with each of us based on personal preference.

[Doublewood]

Welcome to SRP. I agree with previous posters that the Dovo is a good place to start. The 5 top razors will vary with each of us based on personal preference.

I think a lot of newbies start off with a Dovo, of one sort or another (myself included) and then through experience or knowledge gained from other users try different brands and grinds.
Beware
dovo's don't come shave ready, so will need honing

[thebigspendur]

The best razor in the world whether you are a rookie or seasoned veteran is the one you can master and maintain and gives you the kind of shave you want. Everything else concerning the razor is just window dressing.