Thread: Which Razor

since I am a newbie I am wondering which razor is the best buy for the money? I like the full hollow ground razors but am unsure about the toe. Is it better squared off or rounded? If someone could give some guidance especially what to look for on sites like ebay I would appreciate it very much.

A difficult question.

Usually for a rookie either a 5/8s or 6/8s hollow ground carbon steel round toe is a middle ground choice. That was the easy part. There are hundreds of brands out there. its a matter of picking one that appeals to you that looks to be in good shape so it doesn't need major restoration (unless you can do it or afford to send it out) and is made in one of the major countries like England, Germany, France, Sweden, U.S, etc. Either way if you buy vintage plan on having to get it honed. There are very few sellers on Eboy that send out a shave ready razor.

For a crazy thought why not buy one from one of the guys here?

this one

5/8 Genco Registered Full Hollow - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

ok, for a real answer
a shave ready one and none else

a spike isn't nearly so dangerous as a half sharp round

Thanks for the info its greatly appreciated. I recently purchased one on ebay; a Dorko; but the blade is not in the great of shape. I have a water stone for my wood gouges but its only a 4000 grit. So I will have to buy a couple of stones that are bigger and the right grits.
Oh and thanks for the poltergeist razor idea. But being a newbie I won't need any help cutting myself. LOL

Thanks for the publicity, GWH. That one is sold pending payment, but I do have another blade that would make a good starter in the works. I'll make a note to PM you once she passes her shave test.

well I say send the Dorko out for a restore and use that

and get it honed too !!!!

OBXCELT, since you are new to straight razors, the best possible razor would be a round point. IMO the rounded point is much safer than a spike point for a newbie until you get the hang of using a straight razor. There is definitely a learning period for a newbie, and the removal of as many possible distractions is necessary for someone to be comfortable and confident in their ability to use a straight. Welcome and Good Luck!!! God Bless!

i would suggest the round point also, most important is that the razor is shave ready. be careful of ebay sellers. read the wiki here and see which razors not to buy. the dorko should make a great shaver. if you are going to try and hone it yourself, be sure and read all you can and ask lots of questions and also i might suggest getting the dvd from lynn abrams that is available here also.

My very best suggestion for you is to have the razor sent out to be honed by someone from here. I know your comfortable with sharpening knives and such but a straight razor is very different. Look in the classifieds under services for some people who hone razors for a small fee.

If you are determined to do it yourself then you will need a 1000 grit to remove the old oxidized steel along the edge and the small nicks. The 4000 grit to establish a bevel and the 8000 grit to obtain a "razors" shaving edge.
Please read the Wiki about lapping hones and honing.

Keep in touch and let us know your progress.

i think i saw a dorko beeing listed for few months on ebay which looked well beyond worth any effort, except may be cannibalizing the scales.
hope that's not the one you got.