Newbie Europe Trip?

New to the concept of using a straight razor, so I am looking and learning, but want to begin soon. I'm still undecided on what to buy for a first time, if fact I haven't even gotten my hands on a straight razor. But, I am going on a vacation in the next week to Amsterdam and Germany. I always like to comb through second hand and antique stores. So, what should I look for in some possibly good deals on used straight razors? Brands, Quality, un-fixable damage, and prices?

This site has been VERY informative.

Thanks

Eric
Tubboat Chickamauga
Lake Union, Seattle WA
USA

Hello & welcome!
I'm not entirely sure, but i think you'll be surprised at the prices. If you were buying new it'd probably work out cheaper to buy a Dovo (made in germany) or Thiers Issard (France) back home in the States. I know that you get stuff far cheaper over there than we do in England, where the prices can be, frankly, ridiculous.
If you are looking at antiques you risk buying a dog & even if you get a good one, the possibility that it will work out expensive by the time it's shave ready. It's a far safer bet to look in the classifieds.
All that said, the pleasure you may gain from finding potential gems in these little shops may outweigh that & you can always save these for when you are more experienced & want to have a go at honing & restoration yourself. Sheffield makers are great, as are the two mentioned above. Others with more knowledge will no doubt have some suggestions for you.
Don't forget to look out for hones too!

As was already said, prices in Europe are a show stopper. Also, I have yet to find an antique store that even carries straight razors in Berlin, but then again, I have only been to about 20.

If you should come to Berlin during your travel, make sure to pay this shop a visit: The Different Scent. It is the finest shop of its kind I know in Germany. Carries a lot of razors and DEs, too, plus, of course, an outstanding selection of soaps, creams, and scents.

don't buy a razor with a lot of hone wear and rust on the blade. you can always pick these on ebay.
take a look at bill ellis's guides on ebay (he's urleebird there, that will give you some good idea what to avoid). plenty of good brands, but if you want some names take a look in the wiki - there's an entry there.

enjoy

I wouldnt go on a quest for a straight razor in Amsterdam (I would avoid Amsterdam atogether but hey.. I come from Rotterdam:rock: originaly)

If you have a chance to go to Leiden I would go to Kapper Eric - 'Herenkapsalon Eric te Leiden' - De haarverzorging en scheerproducten voor heren in Leiden en omgeving Leiden is a great placeeto see anyway..

Eric is a Barber, has a webshop with shaving stuff and has courses in straight razor shaving...I bought all the stuff I use from his webshop..If you cant find a razor there.. at least you should be able to get a great shave...


Just looked it up for you.. you should be able to get there with public transport well within the hour from Amsterdam Central station

Have fun!!

Maarten

Thanks to all for your input. Sometimes its just the thrill of the hunt that's just satisfying. I will take consideration of all your advise, and be careful of any purchases

Thanks

Eric