Thread: Recommendation?

I'm new. Hi! I was looking for single edge injector blades and came across this site. Outstanding! A whole site of straight razor enthusiasts. I'd like to ask a couple of questions first and then ask for a razor recommendation.

I'm not new to shaving with a straight razor. I've been using a L.&A. (takes single edge injector blades) for about 25 years now. Actually 2 of them. I wore all the chrome off the first one and I'm well into the second. I originally started with a conventional straight razor but I didn't have a clue how to maintain the edge. Someone told me I'd never get as good of an edge as an injector blade anyway so I went to the L&A. I watched the UTube videos on honing and stropping and I could do that. I'm pretty coordinated and mechnically inclined. I assume that with a quality razor I could get an edge equal to or better than an injector blade? Professionally honed/prepped maybe once a year with normal maintenance and stropping at home?

I was thinking stainless would be better for maintenance. I'd hate to buy a fine razor and get water spots or stains on it due to a lapse in care. Is there any difference in the edge of a stainless blade compared to a carbon steel one?

The L&A seems to be fairly well balanced but on the light side. I think I'd like something with more weight to it. It's also a bit small in the tang for my rather large hands. Not that bad since I have been using it for 25 years, but I never really tried anything else.

I have sideburns that make an almost right angle into my beard that runs down my jawline into a goatee. Everything is an inch or so wide. I keep all the lines and corners very straight and sharp so I probably wouldn't want a blade with rounded corners or a blade with a smile. The L&A is 5/8 but I wouldn't have a problem with 6/8 or possibly even 7/8. A longer blade wouldn't be a problem either and maybe desirable.

I'd like to stay under $200 (probably closer to $100) dollars for the razor. any recommendations?

thanks in advance

bump...

42 views and no recommendations... Could the mods move this thread to the Newbies Corner forum for me?

I've spent most of my waking hours the last 3 days browsing the site and links here.
Mind you it was just looks but I really liked the Filarmonica 13 and the Dovo Bergischer Lowe. After reading the review of the Filarmonica I was ready to order one of those. Figured I couldn't go wrong there for $120. Unfortunately it seems the price has risen to $200. Then I saw the Josh Earl work of art that someone referred to as a "Spanish Point"... I was thinking that shape might be handy for detail work around my beard and in the corners. Then again I have been doing Ok with the corners on an injector blade. I take it that "toe" on the blade would make it less forgiving of lapses in technique.

Looks like I'll need stones and a strop for daily/weekly/or monthly maintenance. I was thinking 8K and 16K Shapton stones and some sort of paddle strop. Doh... I think I'm pushing $400 so far.

Yes, I'm obsessive compulsive (fortunately it seems everyone else here is too ). I'm looking for some seasoned veteran of many, many blades and styles to say "From your description I think you would be happy with this style of blade and you should consider this one or that one"?

First, I’d like to welcome you to SRP.


I’m glad to hear that you are considering switching to a conventional straight razor. With 25 years experience using an injector-style straight razor, this will do you well when you make the switch. A lot of problems for newbies is that they have to learn how to shave with a straight razor, so you are certainly ahead of the game in this regard. All you need to learn is how to properly strop and hone a straight razor. By reading the forums and asking questions you can certainly learn. In addition, I recommend that you purchase Lynn’s DVD, as it will show you everything you need to know starting out.


I find that a straight razor provides me with the best shave over all other shaving devices. Getting a good shave from a straight razor just takes practice. You can expect that by switching, your shaves will likely not be as good as the injector-style, but over time it will improve.

Stainless steel blades and carbon blades will both give you great shaves. I prefer stainless, but it’s just a personal preference. If you properly care for your razor, ensuring that it is dry before putting it away, you really don’t have to worry about water spots or stains.

The size of the razor is again a personal preference. A small blade will shave just as good as a larger blade.


Considering that your budget is limited, I recommend that you look in the classifieds section and buy an inexpensive razor that is honed. You can probably find a nice shaver for around $40. Next, you need to buy a strop. You can pick one up for under $40. My first strop was from here : http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=102 You don’t necessarily need to buy a hone right away. If the razor is honed properly, you can go for 3 months just stropping alone. Once you do decide to buy a hone, I recommend starting with the Norton 4000/8000. For 6 months I used the Norton 4k/8k and strop exclusively and got very good shaves. From there you can invest in pastes, such as chromium oxide, and finishing stones, such as a coticule stone, to get even better shaves.

I hope this helps. Good luck and keep asking questions.

Drying the razor... I do live in a very dry area out here in CA so humidity isn't a problem (except keeping your face moist through the whole shave). I was reading of some people having problems with surface rust in the pivot area. How about using a hair dryer (providing you don't get it too hot to touch)?

So far I was leaning towards the Bergischer Lowe until someone mentioned coarse beards and full hollows being too thin/flexible. Anything to that?

I dont buy into that myth. I have seen great shaves coming out of full hollows with coarse beards to many times. Its really just what ever you like. the grind doesn't matter as much in my opinion as much as whether the razor is really sharp. a dull razor sucks regardless of the grind.

well i find that the heavier blades are more forgiving in technique but that a well honed full or hollow is just as good on a heavy beard.. mind you they make more noise.

this past weekend i took off a two month beard with a vintage 5/8 ERN full hollow "Damascus" spike. the first pass removed the beard and the xtg and atg passes were just for practice.

the unfortunate thing is razor type and size is a matter of personal taste and you will need to try a good number of them until you truly find your favorite. and for that good number.. start looking in the classified. razors do not have to have a big following and a high price to be great shavers. the ERN above cost me $15US on eboy... and a little time polishing and honing.

A Bergischer Loewe is the top of the range DOVO. Nice razor but why not try a cheaper vintage razor either from the classifieds or e.g. Vintage Blades? Get it honed by a honemeister, get yourself a beginners' strop and that's all you need to find out if straight razor shaving is the thing for you. Any sharp razor will do. I tend to gravitate towards the heavier blades as more of us do but a 5/8 can give you just as good a shave. Size and grind simply are a matter of taste. Remember: 5/8 is the commonest size so in my opinion that means it is the size preferred by most.

Originally Posted by Quick

Drying the razor... I do live in a very dry area out here in CA so humidity isn't a problem (except keeping your face moist through the whole shave). I was reading of some people having problems with surface rust in the pivot area. How about using a hair dryer (providing you don't get it too hot to touch)?

So far I was leaning towards the Bergischer Lowe until someone mentioned coarse beards and full hollows being too thin/flexible. Anything to that?

I browsed at Vintage Blades (best prices I've seen so far and they use Lynn for the honing service).
I know that straight razor shaving is for me as I've been doing it for many many years but always with an L. & A. razor which takes cartridge blades. I'd really like to use a conventional razor instead. That appeals to me. The L. & A. is 5/8 (with blade inserted) and feels fairly well balanced in my hand although maybe a bit light. I have a goatee with ~1.5" wide beard running back on the jaw line to meet sideburns of ~1" wide. Everything with very sharp, straight lines and corners. The cartridge blades have the small point of the corners cut off but have worked fairly well in the corners. Bergischer Loewe looks to have a decent corner on it. Should I be looking for a square cornered blade or a "Spanish point" for the detail work?

Do I need a strop with a linen/canvas side?

I really appreciate the thoughts and opinions. I think my plan is to ask and listen for a while and after some "yea, that's what I was thinking of" jump in with both feet. I'm not averse to initially buying upper tier as long as I feel there's a good chance of it being the right choice for me. haha, being obsessive compulsive I'd rather not work in gradually with a starter/trial blade (and I figure Lynn could fix it if I fail at the stropping or honing part -- ordering the DVD tomorrow).

I do appreciate the input.

Hey Quick, You will find there are lots of options.
You obviously have some shaving skill & like a precise shave so a spike point or Spanish point may not be such a quantum leap for you. Some use a 3/8 or 4/8 razor solely for beard trimming but a 5/8 is a good all round size.

You say you are pretty co-ordinated and mechanically inclined so your learning curve for stropping and honing may not be steep at all and yes Lynn and/or others can repair damage so you could really buy whatever takes your fancy - But - why not buy a 2nd cheaper shave ready razor as well. That would give you a backup & something to practice on.

I can guarantee you most here have more than one blade or soon will..

First, welcome to SRP!!!
You are way ahead of most with your experience.
No, you do not need a strop with a canvas side.
Razor styles are very much a personal thing. I have found that I prefer a spanish or french point but that is just me. The only style that I don't particularly care for is the spike point.
I have a number of 5/8 full hollow blades and enjoy them but my favorites are either 6/8 or larger with a quarter hollow grind.