Thread: Wostenholm and Son Sheffield (?)

I am looking into purchasing an older razor to get started in shaving with a straight razor (I'm sick of buying replacement heads for the Mach 3). I read in a blog that Sheffield steel is the way to go. Do you guys agree, or should I look elsewhere?

I'm a college student with a wife, so I don't really have the money to purchase a nice, new razor. What should I look for when I purchase one in an antique store or online?

Thanks for any help, guys.

welcome to srp.
a good place to start is the sticky posts in this section and the links inside.
as far as getting new vs old razor i think that you will get a better razor if you go with the old option.
I like Wostenholms very much.
As far as what to look for, the chances are that you will make a bad decision, no matter what we tell you. I would recommend getting a vintage razor from a trusted source, like an experienced member in the classifieds. You can always ask for help with specific questions.

I forgot to mention it, but I did read through a few of the stickies and a few other posts, including the Wiki page. I've also perused the classifieds a bit, but haven't found anything in my price range. I know that I'll get what I pay for, but I'm hoping to get a decent older razor for less than $30. I don't know if it's possible, it's just a sort of informal limit we (being my wife and I) have set.


This is probably the best emoticon I've ever seen.

KCody, a hearty welcome to SRP.

As to getting a shave ready razor for under $30, hmmmm. I can't say that remember seeing any in the classifieds for that amount. This is not ebay. The razors you might buy in the classifieds have been lovinly cared for by members who, for whatever reason, have decided to sell one. It is most likely shave ready (it will state so in the ad), which is what you want anyway. Yes, you might be able to pick up a decent razor for less than that on ebay. But, and there's always a but, you can't really tell what you are getting based solely on a picture. It will have to be honed, and might even require some extensive work on it.

I think you should face up to the fact that you are probably going to spend $40-$50 to buy a shave ready razor in the classifieds. That's not saying there aren't alternatives. You might be able to get a loaner from a member. Never hurts to ask. It has happened. Be aware that in gettng a loaner you will likely be repsonsible for the care of that razor while in your posession. If you put a chip in it you will likely have to pay to get it honed back to shave ready condition. The chipping can happen from something so simple as bumping it against the faucet (yours truly has done that).

Have you given much thought to contacting Kenrup? He is a member here. He sells very nice starter sets to novices like yourself. The razors are good quality, and come shave ready (VERY important). The set also includes a good strop.

At a minimum you will need the following:

1. Shave ready razor
2. Hanging strop (a paddle strop will also work)
3. Shave soap/cream (personal choice)
4. Brush (many sources for brushes, and some under $10)

Don't worry about getting a hone right now. You probably don't have the skills to get your razor truly shave ready. Having said that, when you do get to the point of purchasing hones, go to an antique fair/shop or ebay and pick up an inexpensive razor to practice honing. That way you will already have a shave ready edge to compare your honed one against.

Read, read , read. There is a true wealth of information out here. You also may want to consider investing in Lynn's CD. It is priceless for the beginner. He covers most all aspects of the straight razor. It's over 3 hours long and has been so helpful to me.

As to the Wostenholm, what can I say? WOW!! I purchased one on ebay for $30, then another $20 to get it honed (wonderful job Lynn!!!!). It's a 6/8 round point and the sweetest razor I own. Well balanced and so soft on my face. A BBS the first time I used it (this morning).

Whew! A rather long winded response. But I want you to understand that you should set your sights with a touch of reality. Like you, I got tired of incosistent disposable blades and having to buy them all the time. However, I would not get enthralled with the idea of "saving money" with straights. LOL!! I didn't go down that path, and glad I didn't.

Once you truly get into straight razor shaving, you will understand! It's a lifestyle, not just a way to shave!!

Thanks, dward. If I end up purchasing the razor (since I've already bid on it), I'll have it honed professionally before I try to use it. My Grandpa's barber knows how to care for the razors, I believe, so I'll try to get in touch with him. If that doesn't work, I'll have mine taken care of by the fella with his services listed here.

Sheffield isn't the only good steel. Solingen (German) and Eskeltuna (Swedish) are also great.

Under $30 is asking a lot. You could get a Wapi for that though, if they're still available.

Look at this investment logically. A Quatro will cost you, what, $30? Eight cartridges about the same and that's only a month's worth. Double that combined price and you're set for life with a straight razor setup. If it doesn't work for you, you can always sell the gear for about what you paid. Try that with a used Mach III cartridge.

X

I think you should get in touch with that barber. He will probably be able to help you a lot with this and may even have a razor that he doesn't need that you can buy.
Even if the only thing you benefit from this is learning how to strop, it's worth while.

You make a good point, xman, but the wife doens't see it so simply. Thanks for listing a few more quality steel manufacturers to look for. To a bit of my relief, I didn't win the bid for the Sheffield (it went to $53), so I don't yet have a razor. I didn't think about asking Ellis (the barber) if he had an extra razor I could purchase. I need to get in touch with him.

Hey, Kcody i was in your position not too long ago. Does the blade have to be vintage? If not, get a double arrow from stamps on the bay. It will run you around 14 dollars and is a good razor to start with. You can then get a Bismark strop from the bay for around 20. It is similar to an Illinois and is a decent strop. Thats around 35 for a new set up. Send the razor out for sharpening and 55 is the initial investment. It seems like more than you wanted to spend but is a good place to start. I did this and decided that straights are for me.

I will look around for the razor you're talking about, Northamus. Thank you for the suggestion.