Looking to buy first razor

Hey everybody. After a couple years of wanting to get a straight razor, I'm finally ready to join the club; however, I'm a college kid so I'm kind of on a budget. I was thinking of picking up either a Dovo Imitation Tortoise Shell, 6/8" Carbon Steel razor or one of these from altima55 on eBay:

J. A. HENCKELS STRAIGHT RAZOR - COMES SHAVE READY - eBay (item 150266346179 end time Jul-11-08 17:00:00 PDT)

GERMAN FERD HERRFRZ STRAIGHT RAZOR - COMES SHAVE READY - eBay (item 150266360014 end time Jul-11-08 17:30:00 PDT)

dubl duck GOLDEDGE STRAIGHT RAZOR - COMES SHAVE READY - eBay (item 150266367146 end time Jul-11-08 18:00:00 PDT)




So I was wondering...

1. Would any of these four make a good choice for my first razor?
2. Do razor from altima55 really come shave ready?
3. What would be a good choice for a strop? (I was thinking one from The Well Shaved Gentleman.)
4. Should I get a hone right away or could I wait?

I think that covers my questions for now, but if I have any more, I'll let ya know.


Thanks,
Nick

Nick,

altima55 is one of the good guys on ebay. His razors are what he describes. I think any of the 4 would be a fine choice and maybe the best would be #2, the Herrfrz. While I've never heard of it, most older German razors are fine shaving tools. You could email 55 and ask his opinions of the razors. The Henckels and the Dubl Duck will go for the most money (and the DD is on its way to serious money).

I prefer the 6/8 size as it fits my face and fingers the best. Some like a smaller razor, some a bigger one. You won't know about that aspect until you try one, or two, or lots. The 6/8 seems to hold just the right amount of lather so I can wipe or rinse the razor when I'm done shaving that particular part of my face.

The DOVO Special 6/8 is a personal favorite: I like the heft of the razor - it's a little huskier than a full hollow and I like the scales. The fake turtle is the bees knees.

That was helpful, huh??:nj

Where in MN? It's possible that we could work out a loaner deal for you to do a little road test.

I'm from Lakeville, but I'm actually in Wichita until the second week of August. Thanks for the offer though... if I decide to wait a while I'd take you up on that.

You might want to look around on the site and pick up a razor from one of the guys or a kit which contains the essentials. It will save you money. We usually recommend not spending a lot of money on your first razor. You will be learning and there is a significant chance you could damage the razor. If you damage a razor you spend $40 on no big deal but if you damage one you spend $100 on then its a big deal. Also at this point you really don't know what you will like so get something middle of the road and later you can go up or down in size and also in grind types.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruce

Nick,

altima55 is one of the good guys on ebay. His razors are what he describes. I think any of the 4 would be a fine choice and maybe the best would be #2, the Herrfrz. While I've never heard of it, most older German razors are fine shaving tools. You could email 55 and ask his opinions of the razors. The Henckels and the Dubl Duck will go for the most money (and the DD is on its way to serious money).

I prefer the 6/8 size as it fits my face and fingers the best. Some like a smaller razor, some a bigger one. You won't know about that aspect until you try one, or two, or lots. The 6/8 seems to hold just the right amount of lather so I can wipe or rinse the razor when I'm done shaving that particular part of my face.

The DOVO Special 6/8 is a personal favorite: I like the heft of the razor - it's a little huskier than a full hollow and I like the scales. The fake turtle is the bees knees.

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+1 on this advise. Altima55 is a great guy to deal with and provides quality products. The Dovo Special 6/8 is valued as a great shaver.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

You might want to look around on the site and pick up a razor from one of the guys or a kit which contains the essentials. It will save you money. We usually recommend not spending a lot of money on your first razor. You will be learning and there is a significant chance you could damage the razor. If you damage a razor you spend $40 on no big deal but if you damage one you spend $100 on then its a big deal. Also at this point you really don't know what you will like so get something middle of the road and later you can go up or down in size and also in grind types.

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Thanks for the tip, I just got a razor and strop for only $45! :D