Advice on this shaving set

Hi all.

I've been looking to start start straight razor shaving for a while now, but the price of all the required gear has been putting me off. I've spied this box set which seems to have everything I'd need at a decent price:

Open razor, Cut throat razor, Straight razor gift set UK

I don't see the razor brand (Cyrill S Salter) on the "good brands list" in the wiki. Will the blade and stone be good enough for me? Will I need any other hardware (apart from soap/aftershave) to get started? Any other comments appreciated.

Cheers.

If you search for Cyril Salter on this site, you will find not very positive experiences (i.e. it is crap).

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...get-sharp.html

This is what I'm using to get into straight razor shaving with out spending a lot of money.

Shavette/Straight Razor Renewable Blades (Black) :: Straight Razors/Cut-Throat Razors :: Razors :: Shaving Shack

I would recommend it, you don't need to worry about the quality of the metal, the price, how to strop etc etc.

A (better?) alternative is to buy a shave ready off the classifieds on here, some of them are really inexpencive.

You may want to invest your money in a good blade and brush if you can afford it. Your face will appreciate it. I spent more money than I should have on accessories because I got caught up in the moment. One thing I'd definitely do over is to not spend so much on my first strop just in case you nick it a few times as a newbie. Apparently many people have done this. I chopped up an expensive strop which I'll have to replace if I can't repair the nicks. Don't get expensive soaps or creams until you've had a chance to whip up a good lather with the less expensive brands.
:)

If you are in the UK I recommend Steve Dempster at the Invisible Edge. He will sell you a shave ready razor, either a vintage or one of the less expensive Dovos . It's the best way to get started.He also sells a good range of strops etc.

Shave-Ready Vintage Razors

Here's a UK site that may be useful:

Home

Welcome to SRP! Here is the SRP Wiki. There are razors to avoid listed and some recommended. Lots of tutorials on shaving, honing and all things related to straight razor shaving. Video tutorials as well. If you do your homework and ask questions if you have them you'll be wiping those whiskers off with a straight in no time. :gl:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jcd

I don't see the razor brand (Cyrill S Salter) on the "good brands list" in the wiki. Will the blade and stone be good enough for me?

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In this case it's not there for a good reason. Just two days ago I found an old thread that somebody couldn't get that razor to shave no matter what. Look in my recent posts in this section and you should find it. Or just search for the thread.
I should put it on the bad razors list.

Welcome to SRP!

Well its good you didnt buy that giftset!.. these giftsets are ment to give to somebody you really dont like although there are cheaper ways to get somebody to torture themselves.

I can think of some ways to get a shaveready razor at a reasonable price.
-get one from the classifieds...
-buy a shaveready wapi from kenrup with a strop
-buy a shavette to see if you like shaving with a straight in the first place.. they have some pro's and some con's that can be found in the wiki.

whatever you do.. have fun!

Maarten

Thanks for the advice guys....I suppose I'll be giving that gift set a miss :gth

I think I will probably get a vintage razor from Invisible Edge, I don't like the large branding on the Dovo blades. And the shave readiness means I wont have to splash out for a hone just yet.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gugi

In this case it's not there for a good reason.

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It's not on the "brands to avoid" list either so I thought I'd ask :)

Here's a starters strop offered by The Well Shaved Gentleman for $34 USD. That's a great price.

The Well Shaved Gentleman The Heirloom Razor Strop Company : Heirloom Latigo "Barber's Friend" Strop

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jcd

It's not on the "brands to avoid" list either so I thought I'd ask :)

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yeah, i know, thanks. I wish more people would contribute to the wiki so that it can get better, especially in these kind of entries, which contain pretty critical info.
in any case now it is

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jcd

I think I will probably get a vintage razor from Invisible Edge, I don't like the large branding on the Dovo blades. And the shave readiness means I wont have to splash out for a hone just yet.

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You won't regret it. Steve puts a great edge on (IME) great razors.