Thread: recommendation on a 5/8 straight razor for around $30

I have been doing research and love your site. I am looking at getting a straight 5/8 razor for about $30 (preferably new). I am just getting so overwhelmed with suggestions and so many brands. Can someone recommend one in this price range for a newbie.

there is a real problem with your request. the last 2 large producers of new razors, that you can actually shave with are Dovo and Thiers-Issard... but their entry level razors are more than twice your budget.

sometimes you can come across a wapiencia (sp?) or a prehoned double arrow in that range but the quality is a bit hit or miss with them.

your best best would be the classified here.. you can place a "want to buy" and perhaps get a very nice vintage blade for under $50

wish i could be more helpful

Look through the classifieds. You might come across something there. You can also place a "WTB" ad there. However, a decent ready to shave razor for under $30 is a bit hard to find. If you can stretch that to around $40 you might have better results. Plus, you will still need some type of strop and shave cream/soap. Best of luck in your quest...

Look for the double arrow on ebay. $15 or so shipped. There are no other options at the moment. Then it will need to be honed - look in the classifieds under member services.
Or with with high enough ego/sense ratio you can try honing it yourself.

If you hit the link in my sig line there is a razor for sale on my website that might do ya just fine on the "Razors for Sale Page"

Yes $30 for a new quality razor is a real problem. Go vintage. Check out Glen's razor you won't go wrong with that.

Originally Posted by gugi

Look for the double arrow on ebay. $15 or so shipped. There are no other options at the moment. Then it will need to be honed - look in the classifieds under member services.
Or with with high enough ego/sense ratio you can try honing it yourself.

How much honing would that razor need?
It looks like a good honing practice razor to me, but I'm a rank beginner so my honing would be on a coticule or such like, maintaining an edge rather than restoring one.

I agree with gugi, go a double arrow from stamps222.
The razor i bought from him only needed stropping on CrO and leather, great value for money.

Originally Posted by Ichabod

How much honing would that razor need?
It looks like a good honing practice razor to me, but I'm a rank beginner so my honing would be on a coticule or such like, maintaining an edge rather than restoring one.

Well, I've never tried one, but few members have (I seem to remember randy bought 10 or so), and the reports are that the quality is fairly spotty, So it really depends on how lucky you get. If you go that way I'd make sure to check on arrival that it's not warped, as you most certainly don't want to learn/practice honing on a warped blade.
I think vintage razors are better option and while slight warping is not all that uncommon, I believe the chances are better with them. But a new vintage razor will most often cost more than a new current production one.
The only reason I pointed to the double arrows is that they are the only option for a cheap new razor that can hold a shaving edge.

Check with Kenrup on this site. Does not quite meet your price specifications but is close.