Thread: Noob Help Broke Shaver

Ok. I really want to start using a strait razor... why? I have no idea... it just got in me. However after looking on ebay and almost buying a zeepk (thank god i was outbid) the whole razor buying is overwhelming.. so many good blades and bad blades at all price ranges... so i have about 50-100 bucks to spend... i know its not much. I would like to know what equipment i would need and where to get it. If anyone knows anyone that sells starter blades or kits or wants to build one for me please let me know.

So very confused.. way to much Info... Please guide me

First, welcome to srp.
Second, don't panic, remember the answer is 42
Anyways, chances are you'll do pretty well - you have all the resources here at your disposal. You seem a bit overwhelmed, but it's really pretty simple - all you need is a decent razor and a strop, and patience and determination.
You've probably already checked the sticky posts in this section, as well as the wiki entry for beginners, which is referenced in there, so that's pretty much it.
The rest is a matter of just making a pick. Your budget is more than enough, so don't gamble on ebay. As far as kits go Kenrup sells kits with a double arrow razor and a strop he makes. Alternatively every now and then there are kits in the classifieds or you can pick a razor there and a strop from thewellshavedgentleman.com.
Just take it easy and you'll be fine. Feel free to ask any specific questions, post here, drop in the chat, or send private message to any of the mods - we're here to help.

Hi,
+1 on the classifieds.
The classifieds are always recommended & the reason is that it's a good bunch of fella's that want a fair price, not a big profit & have reputations to maintain here. You should get a good shaver there.
Don't rush & read plenty. You'll never stop learning!
You will have to have a strop so as gugi say's a kit may be a better option if money is tight.
Good luck & don't give up!

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Find a blade you like and want to know more? Folks here will gladly give advice on your blade, pre-purchase.


-Rob

The Double Arrow might work good i think . From what i read they need some work to become good razors. I'll have to get in touch with Kenrup and see if he will make me a kit. I think i would feel the most safe under he guidance of some of you more experienced fellers.

Are solingen razors any good? the cheap ones in my price range are steel.. is that bad?

Originally Posted by RazorNoob

Are solingen razors any good? the cheap ones in my price range are steel.. is that bad?

Solingen are fine. But if the razor alone is in your price range, you still won't be able to use it. You need a strop, brush, and soap or cream, plus a receptacle to hold the soap/cream. (A small dish or bowl or anything that will hold it.) Check the vendors' corner here on the website and you'll get a full kit (minus receptacle) with a shave-ready razor for less than 100 dollars.

Old School,
Is that an acceptable label over there still? I nearly choked when i read it!
Still, i know where you're coming from on the quality.

Originally Posted by ben.mid

Old School,
Is that an acceptable label over there still? I nearly choked when i read it!
Still, i know where you're coming from on the quality.

ben.mid you beat me to it. I'm sure Obama would be ****ed off to hear those labels being used.
What about the "Timber Rattler" razor I see on ebay, anyone know if it is of similar quality to the previously mentioned blades?

Ah... starting over again... I remember it well.. almost like it was yesterday... cause it almost *was*.

With a hundred buck budget, this noob would do this...

Get this razor: 5/8 Shave Ready Wapienica razor (Wapi's)

Get a strop from here: The Well Shaved Gentleman The Heirloom Razor Strop Company : Home

It's a good combination that will get you off and running. As long as you're careful, you should be able to get a month or two worth of shaving with just a strop before you would need to worry about refreshing the edge on your blade.

If you can spare a few extra bucks, I'd get the four sided paddle strop from thewellshavedgentleman, and get some 3.0, 1.0, .5, and .25 diamond pastes to go with it. That should keep you shaving for a long time to come.

And when you get a chance, make a tall pot of your best coffee, kick back in a comfy chair, and spend about six hours reading the threads here on SRP.

I have about zero experience with all this straight razor stuff, but a *ton* of "book smarts" thanks to all the very helpful and informative people and their posts here on SRP.