First straight razor, help me decide what to buy.

Sorry to jump on the newbie bandwagon, but that's what this place is for right?

Alright first of all, the basics. I've been shaving with a DE for several months. I have a Merkur HD, two badger brushes, several different english/european creams, a couple of soaps, and tons of accessories. I've been fascinated by straight razors before I even got my DE. Now I'm not scared to try one anymore.

I've done quite a bit of research, and I've been a member of other forums for a while.

I'm pretty sure I want a 6/8 of some sort. I've been told not to worry so much about what sort of grind or wether or not to get stainless or carbon steel. I've also decided on a rounded tip. I think I'm better off with a Dovo, from classic shaving, that way I can get a REAL shave ready razor. I know I need a strop, but I'm definitely NOT getting a hone. Every time I look of videos/text about honing I get confused, intimidated and bored. I'm gonna leave that to the professionals for a while.

So, let me have it. I need all the opinions I can get. ANY advice on where to buy, details of WHAT I should buy are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Neil

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Originally Posted by Neil M

[] I'm definitely NOT getting a hone. Every time I look of videos/text about honing I get confused, intimidated and bored. I'm gonna leave that to the professionals for a while.

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Uh huh. You'll own a set of hones within 6 months. :p That's exactly what I said initially, and then as soon as I was decent at shaving, I began getting the itch to hone. Now I own a couple hones and just (somewhat) successfully honed my first razor.

As for what to get, any of the ones you mentioned should be fine. But you can do just as well getting something from the B/S/T forum here. My first 2 razors were from B/S/T, and I get beautiful shaves from both of them.

Good luck.

I don't know that you need a brand new razor to know you have a real shave ready razor. I bought my first one here from JoshEarl on the cheap, and I assure you it was as sharp as is physically possible. I would wager that most(if not all) of the fellas here selling shave ready razors are selling just that.

I know Kenrup puts together som really nice beginner sets with a strop and a shave ready razor. Otherwise, I would suggest hanging out here and soaking up some general knowledge and check the B/S/T frequently. There's always beginner equipment popping up on the cheap.

Thank you both for the help. By no means do I need to buy a brand new razor. I would actually feel more comfortable buying from someone here who has had a razor and can sell me a truly ready razor. At the moment I don't have enough money but I will be getting a hefty paycheck within a few weeks, plus my income tax return, and I will be on the hunt for a nice razor and strop. Thanks again!

Just contact one of the guys here and get either a kit or at least a good vintage razor that you know will be shave ready. Once you have some experience under your belt then you can look for something better.