Thread: Razor Kit recommendations

Greetings all,

I am not exactly a newbie to the straight razor as I worked in a knife store through college and used a SR to shave with daily. However, I am new to this wonderful forum. As I entered the work world I became corrupted and went through the frustration of disposables, blades, electrics . . . sigh . . . But I want to come home!!!

The only thing I have is a shaving mug and a long black honing stone.

I have the basics but will need to get hooked up again and was considering a kit. I could use a little help. I want a decent blade, DOVO, Heinkels, we sold and I know are great pieces of steel.

So, here is what I found:
Strop, stone & blade (DOVO - basic?) $149;
Straight Razor Accessory Set w/ Razor

strop and a set from Amazon I would prefer NOT to buy anything from Pakistan though;
Amazon.com: Simco Razor Strop * Cowhide/canvas 1-3/4" X 20": Health & Personal Care

Tweezerman Badger Brush (wooden handle) - Amazon - $13.50

FROMM straight razor -$69.00
Amazon.com: Fromm Straight Razor, 5/8": Health & Personal Care


Guidance would be great and most appreciated. Would like to stay on the lower end of between $100 - $200.

Sensitive skin, thick but sparse beard, and a very tricky pointed chin.

Thank you all very much!


Alpsman

welcome to srp

my recommendation would be the one at straightrazordesigns. the dovo special is quite nice razor and would come to you with great edge. i think they offer it in 5/8 and 6/8 size.
if you go that way pick one of their shaving soaps too - they're supposed to be very good, i don't have personal experience with them though.

the tweezerman is the cheapest badger brush, i've never tried it but people say it's good for the money.

have fun

Hi,
Welcome. It's always worth checking the classifieds here. There are some great razors there & they're constantly updated. Most are sold shave ready, but check with the seller if it's not stated.
For a new blade, i think that Dovo's are the safest bet if you're getting back into it, but that's just my opinion.
Check Tony Millers stuff here too.
The Well Shaved Gentleman The Heirloom Razor Strop Company : Home
He seems out of the upgraded apprentice strops right now, but if you can wait they'll be back in soon & worth a little wait, i believe.

Originally Posted by Alpsman

Strop, stone & blade (DOVO - basic?) $149;

Maybe I missed it, but it mentions nothing about being shave ready. Do you have the requisite hones and honing experience?

Originally Posted by Alpsman

strop and a set from Amazon I would prefer NOT to buy anything from Pakistan though;

Avoid it like the plague, but you can get a nice quality strop from one of our vendors (see Vendors Corner forum below) for nearly that price. And you will know it's quality is beyond question.

Originally Posted by Alpsman

Tweezerman Badger Brush (wooden handle) - Amazon - $13.50

I have no knowledge of this brush.

Originally Posted by Alpsman

FROMM straight razor -$69.00

Same comment as above razor. As already mentioned, look through the classifieds, and our vendors. You will have removed the issue of quality. Our members, and vendors, have reputations to protect so you will not be getting junk. Rather, a good value for the dollar.

I bought the Tweezerman brush from Amazon a couple weeks ago and I am very happy with it. I picked up a cake of William's shaving soap for less than $2 at the local CVS.

I can't thank you enough for all of your recommendations.


Erictski, I upgraded and purchased a set from Vintage.

Dward, great insight on the "shave ready" aspect of the others I posted.

Thanks ben & gugi.mid

After my initial post I did the HoneyDoList shopping at BJ's Wholesale (Like a Sam's Club) and priced their razor refills $30, $40, for 15, 25, respectively. I have the skeletal remains of Gillettes Atra, March 3 (two blades are not enough), and a Fussion (5 blades !!!) next to me as I write, awaiting the burial in the trash can. I do not even want to think about the cost I have put into using them three times and throwing them away.

I upgraded the 5/8 to 6/8 and went with a 3 inch red strop. I am going to need some practice and am a little nervous, particularly around my chin area, which I have pointed out, is tricky.

Thanks a ton again


Tom "Alpsman" Albert