Im taking the plunge

Ive had it! For the hundredth time today I shaved in the morning, and by sunset I have razor bump-patches all on my neck. No matter how carefully, softly, and preparedly I shave with my Mach 3 I cant escape the painful aftermath of irritated, overly-sensitive skin. Its been 3-4 months that Ive been thinking about switching over to straight razors primarily to help out with my sensitive skin.

Ive been ready to buy for a couple weeks now and check the B/S/T thread often, but just dont know which razor to buy. Its an investment and I want to make sure I pick the right one. I stopped in an Art of Shaving store for the first time and took a look at their equipment. I'm sure the product is great, but I know that I will be spending more than I need to buying retail. So, I guess Im looking for some direction with brands of razors, brushes, and strops to get me started....FINALLY!

Appreciate any advice...

Check the B/S/T forum for starter sets. A razor, strop, shaving brush & shaving soap or cream are usually included in a starter set.

Total budget?

Check out the "Critical Info" sticky for a list of Good Razor Brands. Then check in the B/S/T section for shave-ready razors. I would also suggest seeing if Mike_ratliff has any of his Wapienica's ready. They have rave reviews from other members here, and are great for new shavers. He has a thread in the B/S/T, or you could PM him.

Also, "The Topher" (Chris) sells Newbie Starter Kits. You might PM him and see if he has any available...they're a very reasonable price.

Good luck!

Thanks for the info thus far. Im definitely looking forward to getting a second-hand razor to begin with from the B/S/T forum.

My budget is somewhere in the 100-120 range. What do you guys think about Geneva Cutlery Genco 1470?...

http://www.theinvisibleedge.co.uk/page23.html

My advice is to buy a new first razor -- which with regular stropping should last you awhile without the need for honing. This way you will be guaranteed a very sound shaving edge, and will probably make your transition all the smoother! (no pun intended :nj )

Your buget of $120.00 will allow you to buy a new Dovo stainless steel at Classic Shaving or at Vintage Blades. For a little more money, the Founder's Razor at Classic Shavng is an exceptional razor.

If your bead is heavy, buy at least a 6/8. Happy Mornings ahead!

RalphS

I would also agree you look into buying one of those Wapi's from Mike. I would not suggest buying a new Dovo...and I mean no disrespect here Ralph. The Wapi will not cost you as much as a new Dovo, comes shave ready, and will be from a trusted member of the SRP community.

+1 WAPI or +1 New Razor

The used market is so crazy now.

. . . . and I meant no disrespect for any of the great resellers here. :) I have not jumped into collector status yet, and all of my razor buys have been new ones, and I made a happy transition into straight shaving.

RalphS

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sarty24

I would also agree you look into buying one of those Wapi's from Mike. I would not suggest buying a new Dovo...and I mean no disrespect here Ralph. The Wapi will not cost you as much as a new Dovo, comes shave ready, and will be from a trusted member of the SRP community.

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I bought a shave ready razor and a paddle strop from one of the members here on the b/s/t. I just started myself and it's been working out good so far.
Can't beat the price. Especially since I'm a newbie and just wanted to see if using a straight razor was for me.

But I have to admit... I'm looking around for my second straight and it's probably gonna be a shiny new one.

So... new is nice, but I don't think you can go wrong with a b/s/t buy.

I would reccomend a used wapi or starter kit. I have purchased both ans had great success with each. My total investment so gar has been under $150.00. That included the starter kit, 2 unhoned wapis from poland, 3 tubs of soap from mama bear (it's very important to use a quality soap), and an alum block (also very important.