Thread: help purchasing kit

I would like to get a straight shaving kit for my husband as an anniversary present. With that said I know nothing about straight razors or kits or anything. He has done alot of reading on how to use the blade and just hasn't been able to invest in a good kit. If anyone has some suggestions for a quality kit that a beginner could work with I would very much appreciate the suggestions. Thanks.

Here you go:
Shopping list for beginners - Straight Razor Place Wiki

The Wiki has lots of good info.

the difficulty in buying a new straight razor is in finding a trusted source for a truly "shave ready" blade

many people starting up buy vintage blades honed by someone they trust, and that's how I started

hopefully someone will chime in with names of trusted sellers of new kits or someone you can buy a nice blade from and create your own kit with some quality soap, a brush and a strop - I can't recommend anything new since I made my soap and brush and strop

First of all thanks for the help on this thread and my intro thread. I've recieved alot of really good tips, and been able to start piecing a set together. From some links I have found what were suggested as good starter sets but could anyone tell me which of these 2 blades is the best:
Dovo "Black Star" 5/8" Straight Razor or Boker King Cutter 5/8 Straight Razor? Thanks!

Originally Posted by ducky

First of all thanks for the help on this thread and my intro thread. I've recieved alot of really good tips, and been able to start piecing a set together. From some links I have found what were suggested as good starter sets but could anyone tell me which of these 2 blades is the best:
Dovo "Black Star" 5/8" Straight Razor or Boker King Cutter 5/8 Straight Razor? Thanks!

They're both quality manufacturers and their functionality will be the same, so it's really a choice between looks and price. I personally like the Boker look better.

You are a fantastic Wife!!

And as others suggested look at the Wiki first.

But for the sake of simplicity, basic things you will need to start:

Razor, strop, shave soap/cream, brush and a lather cup/bowl.


There are many fantasic options and combo's and some very good kits.


I think your first question is...what is your budget? And then you can go from there and find/fit things within the budget.

Feel free to Pm me with any questions I would be happy to help

-Jeremy

Another option is getting a used blade from the classifieds that comes shave ready. I think it's a lovely gesture that you're getting this kit for him. If you need any help you can send me a PM.

Originally Posted by ducky

[...]could anyone tell me which of these 2 blades is the best: Dovo "Black Star" 5/8" Straight Razor or Boker King Cutter 5/8 Straight Razor?

I don't think "good" is a useful term to compare these two. Both are made by reputable manufacturers, and both will - if properly honed - do what they're supposed to do. Personally, I like the looks of the Böker better, and it is a bit more exclusive, which might be a nice touch.

Anyway, happy shopping.

Best regards,
Robin

Originally Posted by ducky

First of all thanks for the help on this thread and my intro thread. I've recieved alot of really good tips, and been able to start piecing a set together. From some links I have found what were suggested as good starter sets but could anyone tell me which of these 2 blades is the best:
Dovo "Black Star" 5/8" Straight Razor or Boker King Cutter 5/8 Straight Razor? Thanks!

My dear Ducky:

Both of those razors are good choices. I've had both, and liked both.

The "Black Star" has a light wood handle and a blackened tang, which are then set against a shiny blade with lovely gold wash.

The Boker King Cutter has a black plastic handle set against the shiny blade with lovely silver etching.

It's a difficult choice between these two fine starter razors. I can't quite make up my mind which I like better. Either way, you will not go wrong with one or the other as a fine shaver for a gentleman.

The choice of which razor, I think, I will leave up to you, since you know your husband. Choose with your heart.

By the way, this is a thoughtful gift for a gentleman.

Regards,
Obie

I didn't expect to get so much help in one day, you have all made some very good suggestions thanks. I have ordered differrent pieces through the help of all of you and when I've got it all together I'll let you know how it goes over. I'll be sure to have my husband become a member after he gets his kit so that he can further benefit from all of your experience. Thank you again, you have made one anniversary present much easier.