Thread: Newby Questions

Originally Posted by TRC

Hi All,

I am thinking of buying a straight razor and have done a bit of research and found this forum. It is great! I have read all the beginners sticky's and got lots of good information. What I am still wondering is what price range I should be looking in for a beginners straight razor? I am a Timber Framer and Carver and understand that a good blade and good steel is of utmost importance for good results. I don't want spend too much to find out that this style of shaving is not for me, but at the same time I don't want to end up with a crap razor. I am willing to spend the money to get a good quality razor. Also, what do the number 6/8, 7/8 etc. mean? Is it better to go with a Vintage razor or new?

Thanks in advance to everyone's opinions

Tim

Tim,

IMHO, the best option for you as a newbie would be to purchase a Dovo "Best Quality" in a razor strop set from one of the vendors (ie. Straight Razor Designs) who advertise here at SRP. Dovos are good quality razors. Theis "Best Quality" str8 razors may not have scales as flashy in appearance as other razors, but they have blades that will deliver a first-class shave. Purchasing the razor and strop as a set will give you a slight discount from what you would pay to purchase them separately and you would have most of the hardware to begin to enjoy str8 razor shaving.

The only other items that you would need are a brush (Tweezerman is not a bad, inexpensive, choice.) and some low-cost quality shaving cream--either Erasmic, Ingram or Proraso--and you're set to go.

You can always upgrade in any of these categories later.

Take care.

+1 to Robin's advise.

I have been shaving with a str8 for a little while, and have yet to purchase a new razor, the vintage work really well, and, if bought from the SRP classifies, can be trusted to be shave ready, if it says it is.

My thinking is, if you can get the same, or better, quality by buying something older, that has been restored, for less than what a new one would cost, I'd take the restored one hands down, every time. As has been mentioned here, there's just something cool about shaving with a blade that as old as my grandfather.

Anyway, that's my two bits. I'll get down now

and let us know what you get.

Thanks everyone for all the great advice! BeBerlin, thanks for the link to the FAQ's, those where very helpful! I am now thinking I may go with a Dovo Razor and Strop Kit, unless I can find a Vintage razor of good quality. I think it would be cool to have a 100+ year old razor!

Niftyshaver, right now I use a Gillette Mach 3 with a soap that a friend makes which is high in clay content, she figures it helps for a better glide. As for the brush, I couldn't tell you what it is. I have had it since I started shaving 18 or so years ago.

Tim

Originally Posted by TRC

Thanks everyone for all the great advice! BeBerlin, thanks for the link to the FAQ's, those where very helpful! I am now thinking I may go with a Dovo Razor and Strop Kit, unless I can find a Vintage razor of good quality. I think it would be cool to have a 100+ year old razor!

Niftyshaver, right now I use a Gillette Mach 3 with a soap that a friend makes which is high in clay content, she figures it helps for a better glide. As for the brush, I couldn't tell you what it is. I have had it since I started shaving 18 or so years ago.

Tim

Soap from a friend is a good thing.

I asked what you are shaving with because many
folks make the big jump from electric shaving to wet shaving
with an open blade all at once. Modest amounts of clay
are the classic additive to give glide to a shave lather. Other
solutions make my face too slippery -- Mayonnaise on glass
comes to mind....

And a well used brush that you like is a bonus.

Sounds like all you need now is a sharp blade and a strop.