Thread: Questions: Spike Point/Rounded + Soaps

You may want to just stick with a known new razor at first. I have been dabbling around with this for three months and still haven't got the hang of it. I started with a $60 Jung spike point from the classifieds. It came shave ready but I collected three more after that and still don't know which one is really shave ready. Still haven't gotten the hang of it and finish up with my Gillette.

Got frustrated last weekend and decided to get a Dovo from Lynn at SRP and use that as a comparison. Sooooo you may want to stick with your plan and maybe get him a classic from the classifieds just to have as a backup to play with. He may end up liking it more

On the spike point.... I find it wonderful at trimming close to my sideburns. On my neck it gets scary and I end up holding it away and shaving with the heel of the razor. Actually I just got my fourth in the mail today and it is my first round point...... don't know if I like it yet.

Hello Maedchen. First off it is awesome of you doing the homework to buy your boyfriend a straight razor. You came to the right place. I have been shaving with a straight razor for over a year. Both spanish and round points. My first razor was a spanish point, I had little to no problems with it, he just needs to be aware of that point and where it is at all times. Spike points, I like them better. That is my humble opinion. I have a goatee and side chopps/burns, and they make trimming around them much easier. It will be preference, that ultimately only he can choose. I think you are on the right track of starting him out with a new razor and strop set from the places you have been loking at. Another place that has awesome Dovo starter sets is Straight Razor Designs. Lynn and Don are the propriators of that site, and they are moderators here. They are awesome hone meisters. All the razors on their site come pre-honed and shave ready. That in it self is one of the most important things in choosing a razor, is being shave ready. They also offer a second honing for free. They are awesome guys as well. You chould choose a vintage razor, but that seems to come with a more experienced straight razor shaver that has developed a preferrnce for what they like, and that he could reasurch for himself. My first straight razor was a Dovo Bergischer Lowe 5/8 with a spanish point and I love it. The razors you have mentioned will be perfect for him. I think IMHO, a new razor would be better to start out with, just make sure you get him a strop with the razor, like a starter set. Before you purchase anything check out Straight Razor Designs.com or just click on the side or advertisement banners, you can't go wrong. Also have him join this awesome place, and have him read the wiki for beginners, stropping, pre-shave prep, lather, basic requirements, the shave, post shave, etc. I think from what you said about him, he will love this awesome art form. Good luck and welcome to this awesome hobbie/ art.

Originally Posted by Maedchen

I am researching and trying to find the best razor, for a reasonable price, for my boyfriend this Christmas.

That's a very sweet idea. Devil's in the details, though, as always. We've put together a list of recommendations that may be of some use to you: Shopping list for beginners - Straight Razor Place Wiki.

Personally, I would do either of two things: find someone you trust, and give him authority to find good (vintage) products for you. Or get in touch with one of the reputable dealers here in this forum.

For the amount of money you are willing to invest, you might as well take a look at this site: Vintage Straight Razors, DE Razors, Honing & Restoration sevices, Sharpening and Shaving - best of both worlds, really (i.e. vintage razors that look and feel like new).

If you do that, you'll have little difficulty to sell the razor with minimum financial losses should your boyfriend not like straight shaving (in which case you might, of course, also consider trading the boyfriend for one with taste and style, says my wife).

Good luck, and don't hesitate to ask further questions.

Regards,
Robin

P.S. On a completely personal note: Get a cream, not a soap. Take a look at our reviews, and get either Castle Forbes, or one that has similar ratings. There are quite a few.

Originally Posted by Maedchen

So what would be a good vintage razor? And would it end up being more economical with having to buy the brush etc? Also if it came improperly honed, how would I know that? I fear I might just waste my money.

Look up the classifieds, if it says that the razor is shave ready then you are fine.

spike point, round point french point barbers notch IT DOES NOT MATTER they are all still super sharp metal blades i have the small rooney brush i like it alot! if your trying to get your bf a set for cheap that matches vintage blades is a good one stop shop thats where i got my start. you can find a good strop here on this site and look in the classifieds for a good razor(many of them the shipping is included and are noted to be either shave ready or not shave ready)

personally i like the shaving cream better seems to lather up super thick alot easier than soap(but in my location we have very very hard water, which may be of some cause) look on ebay and find a vintage shaving mug for under 15$ including shipping
go to vintage blades get a brush and acrylic stand shaving soap or cream and a matching aftershave

in the long run its not a 1 stop shopping it takes more time but will be cheaper and can put togther a vrey nice set..sometimes old stuff is just better quality than something new...make sure to read the wiki page for the straight razors here..tells you whats good and what to avoid!!

Thanks everyone so much for all of your help, support, and opinions. I really appreciate it!

Now check out what I bought on ebay: VINTAGE FANCY HERMANN MEHL SOLINGEN STRAIGHT RAZOR - eBay (item 130344963782 end time Nov-22-09 15:04:41 PST)

Does anyone have any experience with this seller? I see from his reviews that people liked his honing job.

But awesome deal or what? I am very excited! It reminds me of the bismark spike point with the bone handle that I wanted from DOVO, but a much better price, and it's vintage. Does it look in pretty good shape to everyone? As far as I could tell it looks great.

Now, can anyone help me with a good strop, brush, or anything else that you might have that you no longer need? I am looking to keep this affordable, but I want quality items. Also, does anyone have a used copy of the straight razor shaving dvd that they no longer need?

As far as soaps/creams, please recommend some of your favorites. I have heard good things about the Ogalla soaps Ogallala Bay Rum Shaving Soap Sampler , and also this whiskey shave jelly on etsy WHISKEY oldfashioned wet shave jelly by portlandgeneralstore . Opinions? Has anyone tried the vintage blade triple milled shaving soap? Vintage Blades LLC::Shaving Cream & Soap::Triple-Milled Shaving Soap in a Wooden Bowl - 3.5 oz./100g. - Vintage Blades Brand Please also tell me if you have a favorite scent for shaving creams/soaps.

Thanks guys! You have been so great with helping me. I am really excited to give this to Rob!

Meghan

razor is very nice razor and if i am not mistaken seller is srp member. In here we all have responsibility. i am sure seller will make you happy in case you have any problems. Great buy .

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

razor is very nice razor

Sham, where were you when they taught geometry in school?


Anyway, the razor looks familiar: Mehl, Hermann "Special" 7/8 - Straight Razor Place Wiki. If it is anything like mine, it is a very nice razor, but with a tremendous amount of flex, i.e. certainly not the easiest to use. Whatever.

As for the rest of the questions: Buying a beginner's set on a budget - Straight Razor Place Wiki should be sufficiently clear.

Robin