Thread: Newbie Equipment

Hey all, I'm very much interested in getting into shaving with a straight razor. I've been doing a little bit of research, not a whole lot, and was thinking about investing in some newish equipment to get started. I found this package deal online: Basic Five Piece Straight Razor Shaving Set - Straight Razors . Would you folks say this is worth it, or at least a good place to get started? Thanks in advance for your input, looking forward to reading.

That's not bad at all. A nice thing about it is that you are getting it all in one fell swoop, which is more convenient and will save shipping costs. You do need to ask if the razor is already honed to shave ready or not. The Dovo razors are not ready to shave as they come from the factory. I'm still doing free honing so that is one option for you.

If you would like to do more shopping around, you can consider the classifieds here at least for a cheaper shave ready razor.

Originally Posted by Polydeuces

Thanks Slartibart, these definitely seem to be the better deal. Is there a world of difference between 5/8" and 6/8"?

No. Only about 1/8"

Sorry, the smart astronaut couldn't be held back. Usually the smaller blades are lighter and easier to manuever, whereas the larger blades tend to do a better job on thicker stubborn hair. Mind you, this is just generalities, and everyone will have different likes and dislikes.

not a world of difference, but it's certainly noticeable difference for me. and I like 6/8
the most popular size of razors is 5/8 so I consider it the 'standard' for this only reason.
whichever you pick you'll be fine.

I've shaved with two different size razors thus far, a 4/8 and a 5/8. I like the bigger blades. I have a tough set of whiskers though.

I have a G. Wostenholm that is very small (about 7/16") and it is unsuitable for shaving... only useful for touchups and the like. Won't hold an edge. Shouldn't have that problem with 5/8" though... probably more a personal preference...

- HJ

Originally Posted by Utopian

That's not bad at all. A nice thing about it is that you are getting it all in one fell swoop, which is more convenient and will save shipping costs. You do need to ask if the razor is already honed to shave ready or not. The Dovo razors are not ready to shave as they come from the factory. I'm still doing free honing so that is one option for you.

If you would like to do more shopping around, you can consider the classifieds here at least for a cheaper shave ready razor.

Crap - I just ordered this one. I ordered it pre-honed. Do you think it will be okay? Or should I still have it sent out to be done?

Originally Posted by HungeJ0e

I have a G. Wostenholm that is very small (about 7/16") and it is unsuitable for shaving... only useful for touchups and the like. Won't hold an edge. Shouldn't have that problem with 5/8" though... probably more a personal preference...

- HJ

The problem seems not the size, but the steel. There is more than enough 5/8-12/8 'razors' that cannot hold an edge either.
My guess would be somebody messed up the temper of your Wostenholm, they were excellent maker and knew how to make razors.

Excellent package you referrenced. Honestly I stored my brush upside down on the bathroom coutner before I got a holder for it so I am not real sure that is a "basic" requirement. Instead I would throw in a nice hone since you will need to learn to use that.

I would not worry about any hones yet.

Something like this would be a cheap way to touchup razors between honing.

Razor not sharp? L@@K into 1mic diamond and .5mic chrome - Straight Razor Place Classifieds