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Hi. My husband has been interested in and desirous of a straight razor for some time. I want to get him one for Christmas, along with the necessary gear. I see there are a number of fine-looking blades in the classifieds, for much cheaper than even a lower-grade new one. So, I think I will be going that route, but I'm still unsure how to choose the right one. Any suggestions/advice, etc? I'll be a little disappointed if this turns out to be something I have to let him do.
Not sure that I understand that last sentence but, while the classifieds are the way to go, in your position I'd go with a new razor, pre-sharpened by Lyn, from Straight razor designs. Or Kenrup, at ruprazor. He needs a start up kit and (assuming you're in the US) those are the places I'd recommend. He'll work the rest out. (Or you will for him, there're lots of variables in this.)
hi,
first off make sure that the razor is shave ready, this is the most important thing. you will also need a strop and some shaving soap. there is a member on here that goes by kenrup i believe and he has a starter set for around $70 i think..i have heard others say it is a great starter set. getting a vintage shave ready on the classifieds here is also a good place to start. i have a dovo perlex that i got from vintagebladesllc for around 134.99. he has others for around 70. i am sure others will chime in and give more advice...good luck
If you get this right, he'll adore you even more than he no doubt does already!
Have a read of the Shopping List For Beginners. It's a good basis to see what basics he'll need.
If he loves vintage, he'll really go for a blade from the classifieds, particularly a restored razor. If he's not that kind of chap, new will be the way to go. Dovo's are a good blade to start, as they can be had for fewer $ than the other respected names still producing blades.
A man's razor is a personal thing, so try to fathom what he'll appreciate.
:gl:
Robin, that's one hell of a starter kit & quite specific! I'd be happy with that!
Shinju, if you give us some idea of your budget for this gift then I'm sure several members will be able to suggest some great options for you.
There's a Geneva in the classifieds right now for $45 shipped worldwide shave ready. I don't know the seller, but if anyone can vouch for his honing skills, that's a steal. My Geneva is a Gem of a shaver. It looks in decent condition too.
The Filly strop is $20 + shipping, and has many fans here.
I'd order a few sample scents from mamabears, kells original, or some other reputable soap maker online that offers samples. Snag a small bowl, I'd aim for one that just barely fits the soap pucks you buy. So they can be seated snugly at the bottom.
The van der hagen brush is perfectly usable, comes from walmart at 7.50 (or ~11 from amazon) and includes a small ceramic bowl and puck of soap. You can buy him a nicer brush, but there's more variety in these than there is in razors, so I wouldn't spend much, better to let him decide what he wants after doing his own research.
Wow. Thanks for all the advice, guys. I think my husband would really appreciate a vintage blade in good condition. My budget is around $200 or so. If that's simply too low, I can get him all the stuff first, then the razor, since he's a New Year's baby.
Heres what I would get
RupRazor - Boar Bristle Delux Kit
This has the mug, soap, brush and a syptic pencil incase he nicks himself.
The strop, you don't need a high end strop, this is what I have and it works perfect.
RupRazor - The Filly
Now for a razor, there are many to choose from. Try this.
DOVO Straight Razors
This stuff wil work fine, no need to spend a fortune when this stuff will work great!
I'm sure your husband will be delighted with all the fine choices suggested here. I would add another one: A card or contract written by you with the following message:
"I hereby understand that with this gift you probably go nuts and will try to get perfection-shaved everyday and eventually will start to make a collection of all sorts of shaving relics and stuff, therefore I want you to know that you'll get my full support forever as I will enjoy the closest shave known to man" (I'd like my wife to tell me something like this!!)
Let me explain. Everybody here turned a rather boring everyday ritual into a hobby, then an obsession that will last a lifetime and beyond. Even some of the guys here live this obsession everyday and can't wait to get the next shave.
Good luck!!!