Thread: Beginner looking for cheapest usable SR

Originally Posted by Alltracturbo

$60 is more than I wan't to spend. I'm just looking for something to experiment with. I really don't even wan't to spend $20, but I will if that is the cheapest I can get a somewhat decent razor for.

You have been shown this link by ursus. Have you read it? If not, why not?

Next, define "experiment". Straight Razor Place Wiki:Books/Beginners Guide - Straight Razor Place Wiki has unambiguous definitions of what works, and what does not. There is no in between. If you want a razor that is shave ready, it will come at a price.

Originally Posted by Alltracturbo

I am only looking for a razor now and have read the razor section of both of those, but they don't say what company makes a good razor or where to buy them other than the classifieds here. I can't afford the ones in the classifieds and don't know where else to look if cheap ones on ebay are no good. All the websites I find are really expensive and I have no idea what would be good if I did find cheap ones in my price range.

Again, these will give you all the background information you need to make an informed decision:

1. Good Straight Razor Brands - Straight Razor Place Wiki
2. Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki
3. Shopping list for beginners - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Originally Posted by Alltracturbo

So do you think these ebay razors would be junk compared the the Gold Dollar razor?

http://cgi.ebay.com/STRAIGHT-RAZOR-SHAVING-REMOVAL-BARBER-QUALITY-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ270518704292QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item3efc2bd8a4

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Red-Straight-Razor-Carbon-Steel_W0QQitemZ160381945821QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item25578247dd

Your secundum comparandum is a bit off. If you want to purchase a new razor with an acceptable level of quality assurance, the cheapest alternative currently available is the Dovo Best Quality. The razors you just linked to show that the good people in Pakistan have learnt something new - they are not listing the names of their letter openers in the ad anymore.

Originally Posted by Alltracturbo

Does anyone know of anything else that would be as good or better than the Gold Dollar for around the same price?

I know of many things that would be better than at least 20% of all Gold Dollar razors. As far as razors are concerned, I would definitely go for a razor from the Classifieds that has been honed by a member with an impeccable track record in the honing area (but that is also what the above Wiki articles say, and the Frequently Asked Questions).

To cut this longish story short: I strongly recommend that you do some basic research first. Your current expectations simply cannot be met. And yes, you will need a strop in addition to your razor.

Regards,
Robin