Introduction and a Question

Greetings! For a number of reasons, I've decided to give shaving with a straight razor a try.

After some initial research on this great site and a few other places I've decided to look in the local antique stores and malls for a relatively inexpensive good starter razor which I would then have honed by someone with some experience and competence with the task.

Would any of you fine gentlemen have some advice for me on purchasing a razor from an antiques dealer. I don't want to get taken, obviously, but I'm mostly concerned with getting a useful razor. What are the main things I should look for? What would be the characteristics to avoid? And what's a reasonable price range to consider?

1. If it says Zeepk, dont buy it.

After that it depends what you need really. And how much you are willing to spend. You will need a strop, that much is certain. Also are you planning on sending it away to be honed or honing it yourself? Have you tried looking in our classifieds?

+1 with Sydney! Also, have you looked through the classifieds? Most all the razors there are truly shave ready and are very reasonably priced. You will probably want to look at getting a round point. Spike points can be lethal to your ears and nose when you are first starting. Plus, you can normally receive your razor quickly and start shaving much faster than trying to hunt one down on ebay or antique shops. And you will likely have to prep work on it (like polishing, etc) before you send it for honing. Save yourself the time and effort and get one from the classfieds, or a starter kit from someone like, Kenrup (a member here at SRP) who sells good equipment at very reasonable prices. You not only need your razor, you will also need a strop, and shaving soap/cream and brush. Don't get suckered into buy too many things too early. You don't need $500 worth of honing stones at the beginning. Learn and ask questions. Only then will you be educated enough to purchase other tools and goodies, and know which type and size razor really suits you the best...

If you are just starting out, you may want to check out the offerings of Kenrup of our site. This would provide you a low cost entry point with good equipment that you could use for a lifetime if you are a minimalist. I have the Lays potato chip syndrome; can't just have one.