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hey guys, so i am very keen to start using a straight razor, they have always really appealed to me.
I am going to need Razor, Brush and Strop.
I am after a razor that will stand the test of time. Quality is very important but i dont by any means need the best on the market.
I will need international shipping and cant wait to hear everyones suggestions.
Reading around the place i am quite confused on what to go for.
Thanks for your time and effort!
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522940/2104673.htm
DOVO Genuine Ebony 5/8 Spike Point is what i am thinking of going for, but i really have no idea.
I love the look of it and from what i have read it sounds like a good razor to buy.
Though i am the first to admit i have no idea :)
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Those are very nice razors. However, you can also save a good amount of money by just watching the B/S/T section. Members are always listing shave-ready razors for $30-50. You could also PM Mike_ratliff and see if he has any of his shave-ready Wapienica's available.
If you check out the Newbie's Info Sticky, there is a list of GOOD razor brands. If you find any of those, you should be good to go.
I have a Hoffritz 5/8 that is in fabulous shape. I can give it a fresh hone, I have brand new boar brushes and Tweezerman badger brushes. I have some strops made up but I can make one specifically for you. Send me a PM so we can fix you up with what you're looking for.
I cannot recommend a spike point for a first razor, start with a round point.Quote:
Originally Posted by btbam
Not trying to question someone who's been at it longer than I, but...
I'm not entirely convinced that starting with a Spike is a bad thing. I started with a Spike, and I've had my share of nicks, but mostly from scything motions and moving too quickly. I've found that it allows me to get much closer in precision areas (especially when I had my goatee).
I really appreciate everyones words.
Money is not really an issue for me but i will without doubt check the B/S/T section!
I am after a precision razor, but if starting with a spike is not a good idea then i will have to try to find somthing else.
I have always taken care when shaving so i think i should be ok. I will be purchasing some disposable straight razors tomorrow if i can track them down and i will put some practice in.
Shouldnt be too hard i have watched a few videos and read a heap.
the reason I advise against a spike for a beginner is that a sharp square point is much less forgiving of angle mistakes, especially when you are not applying even pressure along the length of the edge. (since it tends to dig in when pressure is brought to bear on it)
as long as you stay mindful of the point and where it is on your face, you should be ok. just one more thing to keep track of and try and build good habits with; when I was new at it I found that I cut myself a lot more with a spike because I would focus on other things like blade angle and pressure and inevitably forget about the point, and wind up dragging it across my earlobe or nose or something.
if you have a beard or other facial hair that requires great precision, a spike is a good choice. I keep a goatee myself, and when I shave, I do most of it with a wide round point, and then do detail work with a skinny (4/8) spike point.
your experience may be different, if you really like the look of the spike, go for it, just be aware that it is a tad trickier than the round point.
I definitely agree with that. Unfortunately I've not had the opportunity to experience a Round Point just yet. My Zeepk was a round point, but I only shaved with it ONCE! :) Hopefully soon, the wife will let me purchase one so that I can compare.
Ok sure I understand completely.
I have taken another look and I also really like this razor
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...940/190248.htm
it is a little more expensive but I do really like its style.
I plan on purchasing a cheap disposable straight razor today (if I can find one)
Do you guys feel this is a good purchase?
Also when it comes to honing, I am the least confident in this area.
Is it best to try and track down a professional in my area?
I have American Crew shaving cream and shaving brush.
are these completely useless or are they ok, in anyone knows?
As long as you opt for Classic Shaving's honing service (which is provided by our founder, Lynn), you shouldn't need to worry about honing for quite a while. You'll simply need a good strop.
I really can't offer any advice on the disposables. Some guys think they're a good idea to help learn technique without the hassle of stopping. Others prefer to jump right in. I personally had no problem skipping the disposable and going straight for the real thing.
Your American Crew will work just fine. In the future, I'm sure you will want to try what else is out there. And trust me...there are TONS of options. Just look at some of the threads in the Soaps & Aftershaves forum.
There is no doubt that is a nice razor. I think you are making a good choice trying a disposable straight first but I'm not sure that your next razor should be that one. While I don't think a spike point is so bad for a beginner, I would not want someone to start out with such an expensive razor. ESPECIALLY if you are intending to maintain your own razor(s). That is, if you want that razor, by all means get it, but I would suggest that you get a sacrificial cheaper one as well. Get a decent but cheaper razor to practice with both for your shaving, stropping, and honing techniques. That way you are less likely to be found crying over your trashed $190 razor. Simple analogy is, would you want your kid to learn how to drive in your shiny new Porsche?
hey, cwrighta70.
Thanks so much for your help mate.
Do you feel the DOVO "Bergischer Lowe" 5/8 will do me well?
I am after a blade i will use for the rest of my life.
And i will get lynn to hone what ever is my final choice :)
Utopian i do beleive your poitns are extremely valid. I think i will purchase a second hand razor to begin with and to practice stopping etc.
Off to the B/S/T forum with me!
A couple of thoughts....
I am a relative newb ( a couple of months straight shave time) though I have done a ton of research (100s of hours). I am going to repeat things I have seen all over and what I have had the chance to find out is true.
When someone asks what razor to get for their first razor the answer is a used one. Why? Well there are a couple of reasons....First a "newb razor" costs less and usually comes shave ready. Some would say that to be a "newb razor" it has to be shave ready. Second, the used razor is good because of that smaller investment. If damaged due to improper stropping, or dropping the blade or.... the pain is not as bad. Also if for some reason you decide that straights are not for you , your not out as much cash. Third, when you learn to hone you want (really you do) a old blade to practice on. If you start with a "newb Razor you can take it with you and it will become an old friend.
A new razor has no drawbacks except higher cost, need to have it honed, and you will put unnecessary wear on it when you learn to hone.
Oh, while many of the older razors do not have that "Cool New look" they end up growing on you. As this is a step back in time style of shaving. The "OLD Blades" have their own Cool factor.
of course YMMV
^^ I agree! Although I personally think that vintage razors can look every bit as cool, if not better, than new razors!
btbam, I do think that Dovo would serve you well. From what I understand, they are fantastic shavers, and 5/8 seem to be a great starting point for new shavers. My first was/is a 5/8 and I love it.
thanks guys! PM sent cw