Thread: What should a newbie get?

I'm contemplating my first straight purchase and wondering if I should buy new or used.

Other than cost, what would be the difference for a newbie?

Look at the wiki and the popular brands. Check out new ones and the ones in the classified section here. When you find one you like, let us know. If it's not honed, stop by the house for a lesson.

Lynn

I can't add anything to this!
Except, stop by Lynn's house anyways
I think even seeing in person how to strop is going to be huge help.

And if you're not convinced that you should take Lynn up on his very generous offer, read up on who the man is, then realize how much a lesson from him will help!
Maybe I could manage to hone a decent blade with private lessons!

Originally Posted by Lynn

Look at the wiki and the popular brands. Check out new ones and the ones in the classified section here. When you find one you like, let us know. If it's not honed, stop by the house for a lesson.

Lynn

Uhhh, wow Lynn, for sure I'll take you up on that offer!

If it helps at all I went Vintage, bought from here in the classifieds for my first purchase. Trying to discern what was good and what was not on Ebay was too overwhelming plus everyone here is very trustworthy. Cannot say the same for Ebay.

Other than that it seems the rest is rather subjective. I bought a 5/8 as it seemed to be a good middle ground. Now that I have one (or two) I know I do not any smaller. Good luck.

When you take Lynn's offer be sure to ask questions about everything that does not make sense. Lynn gave me that same offer he helped me fix up some of my great grand father's razors, I was asking questions all along the way. I learned a lot that day and now feel very comfortable and confident in being able to hone my own razors with the right hones.

My first purchase was a Dovo Bismarck 6/8. I was very happy with it and still am. When you go to Lynn's house, you'll be like a kid in a candy store. he's got many, many razors, so you can actually check them out and see what you like. I think a Dovo is a great razor for a newbie, let Lynn hone it up for you so you know what a properly honed razor feels like....

Visiting Lynn at his place is the best thing you can ask for. You'd learn from the best and if you ask, probably get awesome honing lessons too.

I wish I lived close enough for that!

You may also want to take a look at other required items for straight razor shaving:

* A strop --- People talk about Tony Miller's and Straight Razor Designs being the best in the market.

* Also not strictly required but HIGHLY! desirable a badger brush and some soap. Some people use a mug as well. It does not make sense for most to use a straight with canned cream... ;-). These items can be bought cheap.

I second the suggestion of paying a visit to the wiki for advice on equipment and technique, here is a link:

Main Page - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Good luck and happy shaving.

Al raz.