Dont want to strop, just want to buy replaceable blades. Where to get shave ready?

hello, a couple friends mentioned they straight razor shaved and how much better it is so i want to start. I read a good bit on this and noticed there are two routes i can go. Use a razor and sharpen it all the time or just buy a shave ready one and keep buying replaceable blades. Is this true?

Is there anywhere local in pittsburgh i can buy hand sharpened shave ready razors (wal-mart etc.)? if not, where do i buy online and can you recomend one?

Once i buy the initial razor, do i just have to keep buying the replacement blades that are shave ready and where do i get them?

Hi there... Let's see if this helps.

"shave ready" is a term generally used to describe a straight razor (non disposable) that is sharp enough to give a comfortable shave. A shave ready razor will eventually require re-honing.

A disposable blade razor is completely different. When we say straight razor on this site, we are referring to non disposable razors that will need maintenance over the users life. And we always recommend that new guys buy one that is already shave ready.... Already :D

Generally, replacable blades are available at the drug store. I've never used one but my barber has used double edge blades that he breaks in half and inserts into the holder. Peronally, I don't see the point of using disposables. You're still buying blades, you're still throwing them away and you still have the learning curve that all novice straight razor shavers are faced with. All the inconveniences of a disposable without the true benefits of a straight. My advice would be go ahead and try the disposable and if you find this way of shaving agrees with you, buy a straight razor and make the commitment. Good luck with your decision.

can disposable straight razors be good to use if i buy the right kind? my friend does that and he says he gets a smooth shave. do disposable ones come shave ready (as in as shave ready as much as the hand sharpened non disposable ones come)?

@JimmyHad

Those DOVO no sharpen straight razors you linked to say nothing about 'replaceable' blades. how do those ones work. whats does single or double edge mean?

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Originally Posted by mikej411

@JimmyHad

Those DOVO no sharpen straight razors you linked to say nothing about 'replaceable' blades. how do those ones work. whats does single or double edge mean?

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I haven't used them but guys who have say they are alright. Of the three blade options listed the "green" would be the one to go with. Breaking DE blades in half is not a shave that I would want to do.

For the top of the line disposable the Feather here is probably your best bet but I only use sure enough straight razors that need sharpening so I am only going by what others have posted. They are more expensive than the Dovo shavette. If there are other alternatives I'm not familiar with them but someone will be along who is. :)

does walmart or local stores sell these replaceable blades? the good ones like DOVO

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Breaking DE blades in half is not a shave that I would want to do. :)

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Nor would I.

Hi Mike

Disclaimer I make no claim at begin an expert or even of the level of novice in straight razor shaving there are far more experienced shavers on the site then me but this is what I have found through my own trail and error. Hope it helps you out.

I have used both a traditional straight razor and the disposable straight razor and get quality shaves from both.While many beginners start out with the disposable they eventually move to the traditional straight razor, like I did but I still use my disposable also. Here is the disposable that I bought off amazon Amazon.com: Parker SRW Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor & 120 Shark Super Stainless Blades: Beauty. Its Parker blade holder and also comes with 120 single edge shark blades which I can typically get three shaves from a blade and some people say more and some say less. Yes walmart or a drug store will sell blades that are for a double edge razor that you can split in half to fit the Parker also but would recommend buying the replacements online as you will spend 10 bucks on 20 blades or 17-20 bucks on 240 blades. But that is for you to decide.

Some things you should know about shaving with a disposable is that it is very unforgivable you will cut yourself the blades are always very sharp till your ready to toss them. This is even more so then with a traditional straight cause the blade is much thinner, the razor overall is lighter and because of the thinner blade any pressure will cause the blade to flex and cut you. The information on the forums and wiki about traditional straight shaving does transfer to the disposable. Also this site helped me when I was first starting http://www.shavemyface.com/downloads...azor-Shave.pdf. Another thing about the disposable razors is they will give you a nasty razor burn if you don't prep your face right. So I suggest you get a cup, brush and soap puck, Van Der Hagen makes a nice starter set that you can get at walmart for about 10 bucks. In my experience the canned stuff just doesn't work well with any type of straight. Also the number one recommended pre shave item seems to be a shower before shave which I think makes a big difference. From there you can expand a lot on pre shave prep. One last thing before shaving with the disposable or traditional learn you face, ie the way the hair grows and shave with the grain for the first pass always or razor burn is likely to follow and always let the blade do the work no pressure on the blade.

From reading your post, I'd say you need to go back and read some more. I don't think you have done enough study.
Why do you want to go the 'Shavette' style route instead of the true straight razor style? I never found it too hard to learn to strop the blade prior to a shave. I wouldn't call it having to "sharpen all the time". It's just stropping...It's meditation prior to the shave. Yes, occassionally you will have to either send it out for re-honing, or buy some hones and put in a little practice, but that can be meditative also. I certainly find it so. Yes I know not everyone is me, life would be boring with a world full of wonderful people like me:). I would highly recommend you either buy a double edge (DE) razor if you want to stick with disposable blades, or jump straight into a straight razor (Non shavette style) and join the rest of the straight men in the world.
I've been at this full time for around three months, I admit I gave it a go some years back now and failed miserably, but I didn't have the education or support network that a forum like this provides (or a professionally honed, shave ready razor). I also admit I was successful prior to finding this forum, but I have learnt a hell of a lot more since I have found this little cyber-world and my efforts prior to finally getting it right were painful. My efforts would have been successful far sooner had I known of this place much earlier, I'm sure, and with less pain to boot.
Just go for it man, Get a straight, strop, brush and shave soap and come join the party. We're all here for ya.


Mick