Thread: buying first straight razor

I'm looking to buy my first real striaght razor. I bought a Kreigar in my ignorance, soon after I found that they are less that decent when it comes to holding an edge. so I have a few questions

Is it possible to find a good shave ready straight razor for less that $30? (inc shipping) (I'm a college student and on a very strict budget)

What are some good names that are consistantly good?

What are some tell tale signs that I'm being played?

lastly is pitting a huge problem if its not close to the blade?

here are 3 razors I'm looking to purchase but know not much about insite?
WESTER BROS. GERMAN STRAIGHT RAZOR & COMES SHAVE READY - eBay (item 160281818889 end time Sep-26-08 17:45:00 PDT)

VINTAGE JOSEPH ELLIOT'E STRAIGHT RAZOR - eBay (item 230292430225 end time Sep-24-08 16:15:00 PDT)

GEORGE IBBERSON - OLD VINTAGE STRAIGHT SHAVING RAZOR - eBay (item 140267232648 end time Sep-23-08 18:33:00 PDT)

the first and last are the ones I am most interested in. Thanks in advance

the wester brothers is a good brand and altima is a respected seller. I am not familiar with the other sellers.

First, welcome to SRP!

If you're looking for a shave ready straight razor for a low price, I recommend that you look in the Classifieds section on SRP. If there is nothing posted in your price range, place an ad and someone will likely help you out.

Welcome to SRP.

The razors you've linked to look good to me. And yes, a WTB ad in the classifieds is excellent suggestion.
Pitting has no effect on function as long as it's not on the edge.

Thanks everyone I appreciate your input. As for the Classifieds I would love to use it (esp to support the community) but I personally don't buy off the internet. The person who is purchasing for me will only buy off Ebay and is VERY hard pressed to buy anywhere else.

Interesting constraints.

Personally I think the Elliot looks like a interesting project razor, it's on my snipe list. It'll need some cleaning and honing, but I'm pretty sure it'll be a good shaver.

Originally Posted by 7StrangeFruits

Thanks everyone I appreciate your input. As for the Classifieds I would love to use it (esp to support the community) but I personally don't buy off the internet. The person who is purchasing for me will only buy off Ebay and is VERY hard pressed to buy anywhere else.

Ummmm... Ebay is on the internet.

Haha i was in your same position in March of this year! I bought my first straight off of ebay and it's my favorite shaver to-date. I got it for 15 bucks shipped (idk how i got it that cheap). but there's always great deals out there.