Thread: I cannot decide!

I have to admit I've always thought Straight razors were really cool and shaving in general. I would be the type of little kid who would go to the bathroom with his dad while he was shaving and pretend I was shaving too even though it was with some toy... Now Im 18, I've been shaving for about 3 years so far and I feel read to move up the ranks( I sound crazy right? haha). I'm interested in investing in something not too expensive. I think something around 50 dollars would be good. I'm no expert on the topic but I'm guessing that because straight razors don't have a large market the way other products do, so youre probably getting what you pad for which is understandable. And do know that this is just my first straight razorand I wont be keeping it too long. And honing it self is something that takes many many years to master and I'd rather begin practicing such a skill on a cheap razor over a 300 dollar one. I'm willing to go a little higher than 50 bucks but I honestly do not want to spend too much concidering that I'm leaving for Europe in a couple of weeks so the wallet is a bit dry. I can't seem to decide what to get, I thought perhaps I could get some suggestions? I'm also willing to get something decent but used for a cheaper price rather than something bad but new for the same price.

Welcome to StraightRazorPlace, Sep.
If you're serious about learning how to use the straight razor, you couldn't have come to a better place. You'll soon find that out by yourself.
About your needs for learning. You need a razor, but you'll also need a good strop. If you pop a question in the BST-section of this forum, there are several people who can make you a very good offer on a starters set (razor+ strop + ...) I'm sure those gents will symphatize with your age and financial situation and cut you a good deal. They also will make sure you buy a properly honed razor (we like to call it 'shaveready"), so you can start off without worrying about the performance of your razor.
Further, I advice you to do plenty of reading in the many useful threads this forum has to offer, before you even think about putting your new best friend to your face. Another great resource you can find here: The Straight Razor Shave
I'm sure other people will direct you to Lynn's DVD, that covers every thinkable topic about straight razor shaving. I haven't watched it myself, but the many recommendations that DVD keeps receiving here speak for themselves.

Good luck,
Bart.

Found this on classicshaving.com. I don't own this one personally but I do own several dovo razors and tend to like them. 5/8ths is my favorite size. I can't speak for others but my first straight edge was a 7/8ths TI and I found that size very difficult to use and to learn with. (still do) 5/8ths gets my upper lip and neck much nicer. If you can't find a used one you might want to think about it. Prior poster mentioned the strop, which is important, but I'd also really recommend a shave brush and a good cream or soap. This REALLY makes a very big difference.

DOVO Straight Razors

considering that the cheapest new dovo will cost you about 65 shipped and it will likely need honing, the only options in your budget are
- a double arrow (chenese) or wapienica (polish) if you want new
- a vintage razor

If you go to ebay you should consider that you'll probably need to have it honed by somebody (and if you're not exceptionally lucky at least light restoration on a vintage one). A better option is probably getting it in the b/s/t section, or a couple of members sell the wapienica and double arrow razors after they've honed them (mike_ratliff and kenrup come to mind).

What are your thoughts on using a rubbing stone over a strop? Also, lets say I get a shave ready razor from here, how long will the sharpness last before I have to hone it again?

Time between honing largely depends on how you shave, thickness of beard growth and a great many other factors. As far a using a rubbing stone I can't really give you an answer there. I've never tried it. I do know that you will need a strop fairly soon, but you can get away without having one for a while by stropping the razor with your thumb. This is fairly short term ( I've done it on short trips) and will probably get you going for perhaps up to a month. Though you'll have some rough shaves starting at week 2 or 3. By using a strop you can postpone honing a razor for 6-12 months, again depending on usage and thickness of beard. The only way to really know is to use the razor for as long as you can stropping on your thumb, and get the strop when you notice the blade starting to pull and get uncomfortable. I'm fairly confident that by not using a strop for some time will probably mean you'll have to hone the razor sooner rather than later. Hope this helps. On the bright side if your taking off to the UK odds are you can find a fairly cheap strop at an antique store while there.

Another thought for you would be to start with a stainless steel blade. SS has the disadvantage of being harder to hone, but you get one of those babies sharp and they stay sharp for longer than a carbon steel blade. Might give you more shaves before having to buy the strop.

I would say to hit up kenrup with a pm and see what he can offer you as far as a starter set. Otherwise a shave ready Wapienica from Mike Ratliff would be my choice and a starter strop from Tony Miller. Look them both up in the vendors section of the forum. I would suggest that you get a strop from the get go. There is enough to worry about without having to worry about stropping on something other than a proper strop. Stropping incorrectly will dull your newly honed blade and keep you from having an enjoyable first shave. Another nice thing about Mike's Wapi's is that they come with a three month honing touch up in case you do roll the edge. You will be able to use a canned shave gel if you want to limit your initial outlay. In time you will find that you might enjoy all aspects of shaving and look for any way you can to prolong the ritual!

As far as a stone, most people strop before each shave to true the edge of the blade. A barber's hone, very high grit polishing stone (12k or better), or a paddle strop with chromium Oxide paste applied to it will refresh a fading edge. But it should be between a month and 3 months on a new blade depending on your beard and how often you shave. Some people have gone for a lot longer on blades by retouching on a pasted strop (sometimes 6 months to a year).

Hope this all helps. Apart from this, read, read, read. There is a lot of good info here...

Originally Posted by Sep

... I'm willing to go a little higher than 50 bucks but I honestly do not want to spend too much concidering that I'm leaving for Europe in a couple of weeks so the wallet is a bit dry.

If you're off to travel Europe for the summer I'd suggest you postpone the straight until you get back. You probably won't want to tote your straight & strop around Europe, have the kind of time in front of a mirror that your first few shaves will necessitate, and certainly razor burn and cuts (worst case scenario) won't impress the hot lasses of the Netherlands.

I'll second the suggestion of a Wapi for a first straight razor. They are a terrific way to try straight shaving and learn honing.

Also, when in Blighty, grab a puck of Mitchell's Wool Fat.

Id say a Wapi razor from one of the members, made shave ready, is an excellent purchase.