Thread: Point me in the right direction

I have always wanted to try the straight razor vs. standard gilette razors. I'm having trouble figuring out which razor I should start with.

Let me start off by saying that I collect knives. I'm pretty decent with sharpening knives with a stone, so thats no problem. Im looking for a straight razor within the price range of $50 or so. I also know I need a honing stone, and a strop, which I also do not know where to start. If you could recommend me something for beginners, that is not too expensive and still reliable, that would be great. Also, anyone know of any companies that would offer military discounts with my purchase?

Thanks,
Nick
USMC

check out the classifieds here. i haven't been in these forums for long but they are great and have many great deals on razors and strops. plus lots of them are already sharp. i got my hone at my local gun shop. it was just a surgical honing stone and i know it isn't the best or last one i will have it works and cost me $25 bucks.

There are some guys here who sell kits with pretty much everything you'll need for a good price. I think that's your best bet. Except for a wapi you won't be able to get a new razor worth a darn for $50.00.

Originally Posted by thickmudd

I'm pretty decent with sharpening knives with a stone, so thats no problem.

Honing razors is largely regarded as a totally different animal by some of the older members here who hone both knives and razors. It can be a pretty difficult art to master and in order to worry about that a little less and concentrate more on the shave, I would suggest getting a shave-ready straight razor from the classifieds. The alternative is to buy a good cheap blade like the Wapienica or the Double Arrow and have it honed by a honemiester. There is nothing wrong with getting a set of hones right off the bat and learning everything at once it just takes a little longer. In the end, you still may want a pro-honed razor for comparisons sake. As far as hones go, you will need a minimum of a 4k and an 8k to set, sharpen and polish the bevel. Norton makes a combo stone that fits the bill.


Check out the Wiki for detailed information on these topics and more.

Welcome and Good Luck!

-Rob

I would add that a good place to start is the sticky post in this section - it'll give you an idea of what is more important and how to avoid some common mistakes.

Yeah, the classifieds are your best bet. Don't be afraid to pick up an restored antique blade. Many times they are better shavers than what is produced today.

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