Thread: How do?

I am fed up with disposable razors... been using them for years. I'm almost ready to make the jump to a straight... but I think I need to learn a little more about them before I do. I found alot of useful info here as well as alot of willingness from the seasoned vets to help out noobs... so I joined.

I learned how to shave on a safety double edge... used it for about 10 years and really liked the close shave I was able to get from it. Had a party one night and my beloved razor grew legs. Made the move to disposables and cursed them since day 1... but I still use them because basically I dont have anything else to use. I am looking to change that.

I dig the idea of a straight, but I dont dig the idea of plunking down a few hundred on a brand new piece that I might not like the results from or rarely use due to time constraints ... so the used market appeals to me right now.

Any thought or suggestions on a good used straight? I am not focused on looks or appearance right now .. just a good blade that can hold an edge.

TIA

Be sure to look at the stickies, they have a lot of info that you will find helpful.

If you are doing things on a budget you may end up with something like this:
Badger Brush - $30
Razor (Pre Honed)- $60
Strop - $30
Cheap Soap and Misc Supplies - $20
TOTAL: $150

With the above straight set your cost is going to be about $50 a year for maintenance and new supplies.

That being said, the total cost is much cheaper then disposables in the long run. If you use one disposable cartridge every week that is about $170 a year.

WARNING! A lot of people see straights as a hobby and spend quite a bit more money, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

Originally Posted by adickerson0

Be sure to look at the stickies, they have a lot of info that you will find helpful.

You made my day!

Originally Posted by adickerson0

WARNING! A lot of people see straights as a hobby and spend quite a bit more money, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

Where were you when *I* needed to be warned??!?!?

lol...

I have been checking out the stickies ... thats why I decided to join this forum.

Thanks for the heads up regarding the addictive nature of collecting straights. I have looked at plenty of them and didnt pick them up just because I really dont know what I am looking at. I didnt want to put a sharp dud on my face

In todays market you may be better off getting a new cheap razor rather then used. New razors can be had for under $70.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

You made my day!

That was easy!!!

Originally Posted by chancecatalyst

Where were you when *I* needed to be warned??!?!?

Sorry, I'm new to the forum. If you are having a serious razor addiction problem my advice is to quit cold turky. Please PM your address and I will send you a postage paid box to send me all your old razor equipment so you will not be tempted. I will even share these spoils with Whiskers since he may need some help.

Originally Posted by Whiskers

Thanks for the heads up regarding the addictive nature of collecting straights.

The addiction can be tempered by fully disclosing to one's financial partner how much one has already spent and what one has spent it on

I have been checking out the stickies ... thats why I decided to join this forum.

Glad to hear you like the stickys! Thats Great!!!!

Yes, by all means if you are finding yourself powerless to control this powerful addiction, you may consider joining the self-help group Straight Hobbyists In Transition, (known by its acronym.)
By the way, pardon my ignorance but what are stickies?