local cutlery shop razor

Hey All,

I'm a newbie and I'm giving up on electric shavers. Like all newbies, I'm looking for the first razor. My local cutlery shop sells an inexpensive introductory razor for $18. The brand is Myco. It is stainless steel 5/8 full hollow.

Of course the shop person said it was "shave-ready" when I mentioned honing. She said some people like them to sharpen it further.

Does anyone have experience with this brand, I can't find them online (big worry)? Would getting a very inexpensive entry-level razor like this be a big mistake? Is there a step up from price range other than the vintage razors? I read that Tony Miller offered a razor but didn't see one on his site.

I'm not a cheap bastard, but the razor isn't the only aspect of the shave kit, the accoutriments add up quickly. In other words, I'm not a collector so it's all about function right now. Anyone aware of a nice new razor in the $30 to $60 range that is truly shave-ready?

Dave

Thanks for the thoughtful reply Jim.

I have been trolling the classifieds,and I have found a few I like. I'm in Utah. 2 more quick questions. What does it usually cost if I have one of the master-honers here do it, I know it will vary with condition so ball park?

Also, I read in "the art of the straight razor shave" by Chris Moss that square point razors are probably easier to cut yourself with. Should I steer away from them and only focus on round point?

Dave

I can find one company online named Myco that makes surgical instruments. Unfortunately they are located in China, so the chances of this being a great razor go down a bit. Could be OK, could be a letter opener, you just can't tell.

Thats part of the worry actually. You, being new to this, have no way to tell if the shave you are getting is flawed because you aren't doing it right, or the razor isn't sharp enough, or the razor is just crap.

To do a little test on the information the shopkeeper is giving you might ask her to show you how she would "sharpen it" for you. If he doesn't do it on a stone by hand just walk away.

There are a couple of guys on here who put together fairly low priced quality starter kits for new guys like you. These get you good stuff at the best possible price. Keep an eye open in the classified section for a real bargin.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by patchmonkey

Thanks for the thoughtful reply Jim.

I have been trolling the classifieds,and I have found a few I like. I'm in Utah. 2 more quick questions. What does it usually cost if I have one of the master-honers here do it, I know it will vary with condition so ball park?

Also, I read in "the art of the straight razor shave" by Chris Moss that square point razors are probably easier to cut yourself with. Should I steer away from them and only focus on round point?

Dave

---

The honing rate varies sum but for the most part it is around $20 plus return shipping. restoration work you would need to contact the vendor for a quote.

Dr Moss wrote an excellent guide the spike point can provide a slight challenge over the round point but is is easier to trim around goatees and the like with a spike. most often you will see a square or spike point that somebody has rounded off a little already i normally user a spike and Spanish point razors, so i would say buy whatever you like the looks of... you will acquire the other one in time.

it only takes a little more confidence to learn to use a spike over a round point but you have to judge for yourself which is right for you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by patchmonkey

Also, I read in "the art of the straight razor shave" by Chris Moss that square point razors are probably easier to cut yourself with. Should I steer away from them and only focus on round point?

Dave

---

It is a little easier to cut yourself, if you accidentally "drag" the spike on your face you will cut yourself where a round point wouldn't.

Don't let that limit you though, especially if you want to find a bargain, the difference isn't that huge and some of your best razors are far easier to find in a spike point.