Spend the money now or later?

Strait razors have intrigued me for the past few months. I've used a Gillette Mach III or similar all my life and they work OK- just OK. The Mrs. bought me a "nice" Norelco Arcitec for Christmas and I used it faithfully for the past month- that is clearly not the solution either. We are returning it and I am seriously considering a strait.

With the electric returned I'll have about $200 to spend on a strait razor without accessories. Should I spend all of my budget on a razor or should I buy a cheaper (but still nice enough) blade just in case this is not for me or I destroy it? I usually subscribe to the buy it once and buy it right philosophy but I've never stropped or honed and I don't wan't to throw my money away on a wrecked blade.

I have a fast growing thiner beard and I usually keep it clean shaven or with a few days "dirty" growth.

The American made Hart razors look interesting as well as DOVO and TI. Style is less important than quality and ease of use. Suggestions?

I would take that money and a dovo best quality start kit. Maybe spend the left over money on some nice aftershaves/creams.

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Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

I would take that money and a dovo best quality start kit. Maybe spend the left over money on some nice aftershaves/creams.

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+1 solid advice right there

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Originally Posted by koop

Strait razors have intrigued me for the past few months. I've used a Gillette Mach III or similar all my life and they work OK- just OK. The Mrs. bought me a "nice" Norelco Arcitec for Christmas and I used it faithfully for the past month- that is clearly not the solution either. We are returning it and I am seriously considering a strait.

With the electric returned I'll have about $200 to spend on a strait razor without accessories. Should I spend all of my budget on a razor or should I buy a cheaper (but still nice enough) blade just in case this is not for me or I destroy it? I usually subscribe to the buy it once and buy it right philosophy but I've never stropped or honed and I don't wan't to throw my money away on a wrecked blade.

I have a fast growing thiner beard and I usually keep it clean shaven or with a few days "dirty" growth.

The American made Hart razors look interesting as well as DOVO and TI. Style is less important than quality and ease of use. Suggestions?

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koop,

First, welcome to SRP...I trust you will have an enjoyable str8 razor shaving experience.

As for your question...$200.00 is a lot of money. You can get an entire shaving set (razor, strop, brush, soap, etc.) with that much cash. There are several reputable vendors who advertise here on SRP as well as the SRP members in the "Classifieds" who sell str8 razors, strops, etc. Look at them first when you are shopping. Make certain that any razor you purchase has been professionally honed, however. That will improve your str8 razor shaving experience immensely.

Before purchasing anything, however, read the SRP wiki. It will provide you with the basic information to make a wise purchasing decision. If you have questions about a particular brand of razor or something you see on ebay for what appears to be a "steal" post a query about it here first. Members will give you excellent advice.

Take care and welcome again to SRP.

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Originally Posted by koop

The American made Hart razors look interesting as well as DOVO and TI. Style is less important than quality and ease of use. Suggestions?

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As far as ease of use they're all equally easy to use. With the heavy grind the Hart would be a bit outside of the norm, but I don't consider it any better in quality, in fact the two I saw in person would qualify as somewhat lower quality compared to the average current production dovo or TI.
Any serviceable razor should be good for at least your lifetime, as long as you don't abuse it. The problem is that buy-it-right is a bit subjective, depending on how close to perfect you want right to be.
Obviously there are few obvious choices to avoid, like very unbalanced razors (the ones with steel scales, or the dovo with the heavy horn scales), but other than that any new razor that you can get is just about as right as the next one.

I'm new to straights after a false start (razor gone off for an expert hone), but given you don't know whether you're going to like, or have the patience to learn it, that does seem like a lot of cash to lay out on what might be a whim.

I bought a vintage blade for $40, after a decent hone -as a straight newb with much technique to learn - I'm sure it will be as good as anything out there costing more.

The blade isn't everything though; even a good blade needs good prep and lather (and technique) - you'll need good soap and cream and a brush, the brush is a main cost there, as good soaps/creams are inexpensive, you just have to know where they are - usually online.

I started with a Double Edge Razor, til the lure of the straight took hold, and I think I'm better prepared to try it out, now I have learnt to build quality lather and get excellent shaves from a DE blade that doesn't pivot all by itself.

with that amount i would probably get a cheap razor from the classefieds/ruprazor or mysteryrazor
then do it again and again

My .02 is to buy a shave ready vintage razor. No need to get something pretty, just something from a known, reliable company. There are lots that can be had for $40 or less on our classifieds that will come shave ready. Or, if you want something nicer, spend as much money as you feel comfortable, knowing that you may not like shaving with a straight and/or may damage your first blade and have to invest in having it rehoned and/or replaced.

Hello, Koop:

Welcome to SRP and congratulations on entering the fascinating world of straight razor shaving.

If I were starting out now, I, too, as some gentlemen have suggested, would opt for the Dovo starter kit. It has everything you need at a minimal cost. This is quality stuff for starters.

Make your start as easy and uncomplicated as possible so that you can concentrate on learning the art and craft of straight razor shaving, which also includes brush and lather technique and post-shave care. Further journeys into the straight razor world will come later. Right now I suggest focusing on the essentials. Start slowly, methodically, and keep going.

Most of all, enjoy the learning process. It's worth it. Good luck.

Regards,

Obie