Thread: New but for my brother

I have been looking all over for a good beginner straight razor with a strop that is not expensive because I don't know if he is really into it or just trying it. I have several razors I'm looking at on Ebay but I don't know crap.

HELP!!

Rex
Cincinnati, Ohio

Welcome to SRP Rex.

It would be best to stay from ebay as not knowing crap usually translates to getting just that.
There are many vendors you can purchase razor and strop from. Ruprazor has very cheap razors and strops. For a new Dovo razor the best deal is probably at straightrazordesigns.
Check the classifieds section on this site too, sometimes members sell nice sets too.

It would be equally important to point your brother to some good resources where to start. Like this site, which I think is the best, and/or Lynn's DVD should increase his chances for success quite a bit.

+1 on ruprazor. Can't beat the razor/strop combo in terms of value for money.

Originally Posted by DPflaumer

+1 on ruprazor. Can't beat the razor/strop combo in terms of value for money.

Ok, but what about a vintage?? I've read that most of the ones I picked out on Ebay are quality makes and better than most of today's razors.
You opinion matter to me.

STRAIGHT RAZOR F.W. ENGELS SHAVE READY - eBay (item 260515120357 end time Dec-06-09 11:11:43 PST)

1930'S SEARS ROEBUCK BARBER'S STRAIGHT RAZOR W/BOX - eBay (item 180437756671 end time Dec-03-09 18:00:12 PST)

2~Old Ontario Cut Throat Straight Razor Set~SHAVE READY - eBay (item 270493207907 end time Dec-04-09 16:14:00 PST)

GERMAN GEBR. EMDE STRAIGHT RAZOR & COMES SHAVE READY - eBay (item 160381567753 end time Dec-04-09 17:45:31 PST)

New Dovo Ebony straight razor - eBay (item 290375887887 end time Dec-04-09 21:38:40 PST)

Vintage is good. You can still get stung on the bay, unless you know what you're looking for, & even then, you get stung sometimes!
Don't rule out the classifieds here. There are usually some fantastic blades at reasonable prices.
Lucky brother!

Originally Posted by gugi

It would be best to stay from ebay as not knowing crap usually translates to getting just that.

Originally Posted by ben.mid

You can still get stung on the bay

I agree

Brand is important, but so is condition, which is not easily determined on eBay even for experienced buyers

this is where i got my first razor:

My catalog - Items - Our Online Shop

great seller and great razors at great prices. checking daily in the classifieds section here is also a good place.

Ebay is great, but you really need to know what you are looking for or you will end up with a bigger headache than you bargained for. I picked up probably two dozen ebay razors when I first started and ended up selling about 3/4 of them for half what I paid to some guys looking to get into heavy restoration and/or honing practice. It is always hard to tell from ebay and that fact that most sellers have crappy pics and don't know anything about razors themselves doesn't help.

Then again, I have found some real gems that way too. So it can work out to your advantage. But I think it is a practice better left for when you know more about what you are buying.

If you're new to the game and are buying a gift, you're better off buying from people who straight shave and generally have a clue what they're doing. So, forget the ebay for now. (There are good ones there too, but the odds are very much against you finding those).

If you wanna go all the way, I'd consider razor, strop, shaving cream/soap and a brush a set.

Here, there's a budget guide written in wiki. Have a look here
Hope he appreciates the gift.

right now the best place to get a new razor is SRD because of the free lifetime honing service! you can not beat that!