Thread: Where to go from here?

Hello Everyone.

Long time lurker first time poster. Of course you all know the question at hand "What razor is right for me?"

A quick little back introduction, the first straight edge I started with was the Dovo Shavette, it was cheap and I thought I would give it a shot. It didn't seem to like my thick Pennsylvania German beard (no I'm not Amish). It tugged a lot, hairs would get stuck between the blade and the blade holder. The blades seemed to warp in the holder sometimes and were kind of hard to change. It was way too light for my liking and after about a year of it I started to give up on it.

I thought I would give the Monsieur Charles a try. I picked one up and have used it for about the past year, and really love it. It has some good weight to it, the blades are a lot thicker and seem to hold up better. It doesn't give a super close shave but it's quick, I can use a blade a few times before changing and is a lot lot cheaper than buying razor heads with x amount of blades in them.

So now I want to upgrade with the big boys. Is there anything out there comparable to the weight and feel of the Monsieur Charles? I'm sure there are those of you out there that use a lot of razors including the Monsieur Charles and can point me in the right direction. Of course I want to go cheap, and would love a blade that can go a few shaves without stropping. It's just so hard to tell by looking at internet pictures.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Hey!..
I'm also a 1 month str8 razor newb and so far have mastered going downwards in different directions..but my chin area is a work in progress...
I personally have read various articles comparing a real str8 to a shavette and what I have read is that shavettes are basically a sharp blade holder..and more blades must be bought as is with any safety razor including the ones you see as "Japanese No Sharpen" handles as well. Most people buy str8 razors for the fact that no more blade refills are ever needed and honing is done 2x a year either sent out or by yerself with some slow learning practice.
Your shavette may or may not be any closer than a regular Double Edge/Single Edge handle quality but a real str8 razor will get a little closer once DE/SE is done easily as it has taken me 2 years and I feel I was up to move on to the closer BBS

My 1st blade was a big 7/8 compared to the recommended 5/8 or 6/8 for beginners..I just felt the size was good for my medium hands and it would do a better job @ my facial whiskers and so far it actually covers more facial areas than the smaller blades I have seen..though this is my opinion..take it as you wish and try what you feel or think would make sense you your and yer face..I have very sensitive and coarse skin as well (Hungarian/Polish grandparents)

Good Luck!
pcdad

Hello, generalwalton:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

The Monsieur Charles is a sweet straight razor with replaceable blades. I have used and liked it.

A regular straight razor, however, is something different. It will shave differently. It will also require stropping before every shave. I also strop after the shave to further clean the gunk from the razor and get it ready to be put away for the next shave. If you are opting for a straight razor, some things are essential for an optimal and safe shave. The strop is one.

Any of the vendors here at SRP can provide you with an "inexpensive" ("cheap" has a negative connotation, to me, anyway) but quality straight razor. Some also offer starter kits with razor, strop and brush. You can also peruse the Classifieds here. It all depends on your taste and budget.

The first thing to do, though, is to float through the Wiki for a wealth of information on the world of wet shaving with the straight razor. Beyond that, then post what questions you have and you will have your answer.

I can recommend something now, but I think it wise to have you do some research first in the Wiki. Following that, our members will offer you tons of suggestions.

We're delighted to have you with us.

Regards,
Obie

It is of course a matter of personal taste but the recommended size is 5/8-I would stick to this as you will probably expand your collection once you get a little further down the line and will probably get different sizes.(I have sizes from 3/8 to 6/8 so far.)
Check the classifieds in SRP or look in SRD for new razors depending on whether you like vintage or new.
regards

Noggs

Your initial investment will likely increase with a fixed straight razor, strop, and possibly a pasted paddle strop. Then there is that additional care in keeping the blade maintained. Carbon Steel starts to oxidize if uncared for more than 24 hours. The time to recoup your cost and consider it a monetary investment could be 1+ years.

I have 3 disposable brands and made the switch to fixed straight razors. If you are not ready to outlay the cash, care, and time then keep using what you have since it seems to be working well for you.

You can always look into a DE as well.

Pabster

+1 on the post by Obie

If you want a well honed inexpensive but quality razor your best
bet is to watch the Classifieds (look at the top of this screen).
And Welcome...

After some searching over the last few days I decided I wanted to pick up a new Boker. Something on the low end around the $100 range. I saw SRD had one on sale last month but I was too late for it. So this month they posted the Boker Edelweiss 5/8 in Bone Handle in the price range I was looking for and after reading up on it I took the plunge. I also picked up a strop and a badger hair brush elsewhere. (to replace the old beat up boar one I have been using.) Hopefully the transition from "disposable" straight edges to the Edelweiss will be a painless one. I have the technique down pact for shaving with the Monsieur Charles, hopefully I can follow the same pattern. Now time to continue to read up on stropping instead of just dropping a new blade in.

Wish me luck. Thanks for all the suggestions, reading the wiki and forums helped point me in the right direction and I managed to get everything I needed for around $150.