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Well, I'm new here, I tend more towards the usin' instead of shavin' knives.
That being said, I have a strop from my knifely endeavors, and the rest of the kit I inherited from my older brother and my grandpa. All I seem to be lacking is the razor itself. I joined SRP so I could buy from BST, but there are just so many options! Cheaper is better, but I want something quality enough to be worth my time and money.
So, what's the communal judgment? (with specific links, if ya please!)
Dave
Hi, Dave, and welcome! I'm still kinda new here myself, but I'm happy to share my experiences and observations with you.
First, you won't find a more professional and polite group of folks anywhere on the internet than right here in the SRP. I'm a member of a few other forums (including one for USAF personnel), and this one is far and away the most helpful and friendly. Everyone here is truly interested in seeing new blood like us (pun intended) succeed in this hobby. With that, my advice would be to become a regular in the B/S/T forum. Good deals are always popping up there...in fact, right now there's a Keen Kutter 4/8 for sale...$15!
Deals move fast in the BST, so you have to be patient and quick with the mouse. Or, you can post a wanted ad. Folks here have impressive razor collections, and they frequently "thin the herd," especially if the cause is to introduce a newbie to straight shaving. I needed a strop, so I posted a want ad looking for a decent starter strop. I was offered a very nice Tony Miller strop at a very good price. It was slightly more than I was looking to spend at the time, but the product was MUCH nicer than what I was initially looking for, so I took the deal. I'm 100% certain that if you post an ad looking for a nice starter razor, someone will offer one up at a great price. And unlike eBay, you know that the person you're buying it from stands behind the item and isn't gonna sell you junk.
You're in good company here, Dave. Welcome, and good luck!
Edit: After re-reading your post, it sounds like you're asking which razors are good and which ones to avoid. Honestly, you don't have to worry about that here. None of these folks will sell the garbage razors, especially to a new guy. If it's on SRP, you can be assured that it's of at LEAST good quality.
This is a great forum and undoubtedly you will end up owning, and shaving with, several str8s given time.
There are some great deals to be had at BST, but boy you have to be very, very quick or other more eagle eyed members will get the pickings before you. If you do see a purchase you want to make PM the seller first, then post onto the thread. The accepted rule of thumb on BST is that the first to PM gets the goodies.
Well I really dropped in to say, 'Hi and welcome!' :tu
Hello Dave and welcome to the SRP!:)
I would follow the above advice and post a WTB ( Want To Buy) in the B/S/T forum. Be sure you specify that the razor needs to be honed and shave tested, not just honed.
When it come to trusted razors then the razors from Germany, England, America, Sweden, France and Spain are almost always good to excellent. I am referring to vintage razors.
Be sure to use a quality shaving soap/cream and strop for 30-50 rountrip laps just before each shave.
Keep us posted on how your progressing!:)
Welcome to SRP Dave. Check out all the stickies in the various forum sections which provide a wealth of knowledge.
Welcome to SRP Dave!!!
Welcome to SRP! Suggest you post a "wanted to buy" WTB notice in the B/S/T forum. In addition, Kenrup has some good starter kits from time to time. You may want to drop him a PM.