Thread: Buying my first STR8-recommendations

First of all, I've been lurking and learning here a while so let me introduce myself; my name is Damon and I am definitely a newbie. I just bought a Vulfix Super Badger brush, some Taylor cream, and a Moss scuttle (couldn't resist, I love artisan stuff). My next purchases are strop and razor. I will have it honed by Lynn just to have a frame of reference as to what sharp should be. I want a great shaver, period. This is my first straight, I am sure I will buy more, but I want a quality shaver to start with. I don't care about fancy scales or etching, etc. I am not opposed to spending a little dough, but I don't want to break the bank either. I think a 5/8 round point full hollow should suit me, so... suggestions? I don't mind investing in a great strop, as I plan to use it for a very long time so suggestions for a strop are welcomed too. Thanks, Damon

Welcome Damon, it sounds like you have a great plan. Look to get a strop from Tony Miller at thewellshavedgentleman.com or vintagebladesllc.com. I think its a good idea to also get a "starter" strop (Tony has them at his site only) because we usually nick them when learning.

For a razor - Well, you can go new or vintage. New would be TI or Dovo. There are a lot of nice vintage blades in the BST forum here. That's up to you. Enjoy

Jordan

Thanks for the nudge to Tony's website. Definitely the strop I will choose. Like I said, I love artisan work!

Tony's stuff is really first rate. If you have the means, I would pick up a pasted paddle of some sort as well. It will give you a very easy method of maintaining a shaving edge on your razor. Do yourself a favor and CALL Tony to order it. He'll point you in the right direction if you explain your situation.

For a razor, I suggest picking up a shave ready vintage in the BST. I got my first one that way and it's still one of my favorites. You could even post a WTB. Guys(and ladies)around here are good people, they won't steer you wrong.

I started from the bottom, and am slowly working my way up. I bought a cheap razor off Ebay. I sharpened it myself, and was able to manage a decent shave. I traded up to one of the Art of Shaving razors, and was amazed with the difference. I'm thinking about sending my razor off for a real honing. I think I was better off starting out with the less quality shave, and being very impressed when I step up, rather than starting out with the top of the line, and going downhill from there. If you start out with a top of the line edge, your going to go downhill from there, and maybe get disappointed. If you start from the bottom, your going to be amazed every time you make a step up. So far I have been.

Originally Posted by Weeeeee

If you start out with a top of the line edge, your going to go downhill from there, and maybe get disappointed. If you start from the bottom, your going to be amazed every time you make a step up. So far I have been.

That's not necessarily true.

I tend to agree w/ you Old Fashioned. Buying quality up front is always cheaper in the long run. Plus, I have honed/maintained my many knives for 20+ years and I think I should be able to transition to razors without too much trouble. I should have said in my earlier post that after razor/strop purchase, I will be ordering Lynn's Video and a Norton 4k/8k.

Welcome. IMHO As far as where you start, whether it's low or high, it's up to your style. Some people like to work their way up and learn as they go while some people just want to jump in and start with a nice sharp quality razor.

The route you take is up to preferences and finances. Just remember that inexpensive and cheap are totally different things. There are plenty of inexpensive quality razors offered on the BST forum that come shave ready by capable people. You can always pick up one of these and send it to Lynn to get possibly an even better edge.

I say prowl the BST forum until you see a razor you like and if you have questions PM the seller. I've never seen a place where people were so quick to help out the newbs.

Don't let the bug bite you too hard.

I'll just echo what others have said. Get your first razor off the BST area. I would not spend a hundred bucks or more on a first razor. There is too much of a chance you will do something to it as you learn. There are plenty of quality razors there you can get for $40-50 and if its damaged its not such a big deal. Once you have some experience then you can get a nicer razor or you may find a $50 vintage is all you ever need. Also many have found that honing a straight is so different than honing a knife when they try doing a razor they can't believe how much trouble they run into.