Hubby's Christmas Present Help

So, I've been reading like a mad woman the last week because my hubby has shown EXTREME interest in a straight razor and I want to buy him everything he needs for his one-and-only Christmas present.

This is the best I've found. Do you know of any better?
Shave Set Containing Strop, Stone and Pearlex Straight Razor - Knifecenter.com

I want him to have the knife, honing stone, and strop. I can buy them separately if I can save some money as long as I can get quality products. I know it has to be a stainless carbon steel. We'd be stretching our budget just to get this set, but I know its going to cost to get the right stuff. Looks aren't massively important to the set either. I want links!

I've already foreseen your response:

"Don't buy him the stone - just a knife if he's a beginner."
Reply: The man was born to own a straight razor and will youtube, read, talk to people, and forums-hunt as long as it takes to do this. In fact, there's a chance he might read this post and ruin the Christmas surprise (he might have an idea anyway so I didn't try too hard to disguise myself lol...) He's already researched a lot, just not enough to know what to buy... or maybe it was his plan to have me gift it to him all along ;)

Thanks for any help you may give me.

-the loving wife

I will send you a PM with some suggestions...

I would suggest you use the classifieds portion of our forum and enjoy!

Hi,
There are way better choices for the hone (ie, norton 4k/8k combo, or a coticule).

Here is where I got my starter set-- has razor, brush, strop, soap, mug. The hones can be picked up easily elsewhere...


VintageBladesLLC::...

The classic "best quality" Dovo 5/8 or 6/8 round point is a great razor.

-Chief

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nun2sharp

I would suggest you use the classifieds portion of our forum and enjoy!

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Thanks! I've previously checked it out a bit. I can't find the just the right set just yet though. Just looking for specific suggestions at this point.

I have sent you a PM.

For starters all he really needs is a razor and a strop. Forget the hone for now.

Be sure to get a "shave ready" razor. Pay attention to those PMs I see you are getting!

Not to mention, that they will take your budget and help you build a nice set that is both reasonable quality and won't break your bank. I would also suggest dropping an item in a set if it means enhancing the quality of what you get ... here's my point ... you may want to get a better strop rather than a lower grade strop and hone ... if he's particular, he may become unhappy with a cheap strop and hone and want to replace it anyway ... and there goes the money you spent on both. Get a good quality strop. My first strop was a cheapie, and I immediately started looking for a quality strop ... you'd rather give him something he isn't looking to replace after a week.

Good luck ... giving such a thoughtful and appreciated gift, you are a wife to be prized !!!

I think of the shaving experience as razor, strop, brush, cream/soap, stypic/alum. Ordinary mugs and bowls can be used for shaving too, so that shouldn't cost too much. If you want, you can add aftershave/cologne you like.

I would not suggest the hone as "just quickly touching up" and ruining the edge can be too much to resist (a hone is not something you would need right away or often). Proper ones aren't cheap either. Also, time spent honing is time not spent on bootifying for you :). But as always, your call.

Oh yeah, usually newbies are suggested to make sure their blades are pre-honed and tested (shave ready) by someone who knows what he/she is doing. Factory edges might or might not be sharp enough, which would make the shave uncomfortable.

Also, if he hasn't read through the wiki bits about the first shave, stropping and the beginner guide, you could print them out for him, or guide him to read them from here:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...ht_razor_shave

http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...eginners_Guide
If the razor is stropped by the sharpener before shipping to you, he should shave without stropping - thus eliminating the possibility of incorrect stropping.

Thanks everyone for your WONDERFUL advice. I'm going to use everything you all have been saying to make my final decision today. You've helped oodles. I think the hubby will really enjoy it :D

Tell us what you ended up getting him!
-Chief

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Janelle

I bought him some shaving soap separately.

Do I HAVE to have a badger brush if he uses the soap?

I want the strop to last more than a lifetime. I was thinking shelling the extra $40 for a 3" buffalo.

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I think he should be very pleased with that set. What soap did you get to him?

You will need a brush for soap. Whether badger, boar or synthetic. I use a bodyshop synthetic brush myself (that shouldn't break the bank), but I hope that knowledgeable persons will chime in with affordable boar and badger choices.

As texasbob said, many newbies accidentally cut/nick their first strops, but I think that strop you have exchangeable leather and weave, so they can be upgraded. However, I think you have to make the decision between the 2" and 3" variety now, as they don't seem compatible.

The Tweezerman badger brush has good reviews and is going for >$15 on Amazon. You can get an inexpensive boar at Wal-Mart for >$5. I have used the Wal-Mart brush. For soaps, normally a stiffer brush is recommended, and both of these brushes fit that bill for a great price.

As a personal touch, my wife went to one of those paint-your-own-pottery places and painted a mug in my favorite colors, etc.

Your hubby will not be disappointed with your choices, regardless.

Also, if he's as obsessed/interested as you say he is... (watch out for *AD)

+1 on going with a cheaper strop, then take the $$ you save and get a best quality badger brush (no need for a silvertip). The brush will last forever, but the first strop will more than likely get nicked to pieces.

-Chief