i have been doing some research about straight razors and i'm confused now. so, there are razors with interchangeable blades, but are there razors with permanent blades???? and what are some good brands for beginners?
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i have been doing some research about straight razors and i'm confused now. so, there are razors with interchangeable blades, but are there razors with permanent blades???? and what are some good brands for beginners?
You can get "Changeable Blade Straight Razors and Permanent blade straight razors". Most are of the permanent type.
If you want a good razor at a reasonable price, have a look at the Classified section on here.
Don't go buying a cheap razor from Ebay, you may come unstuck.
The "changeable" blade is commonly referred to a feather razor. Most of us here are "real" straight users. If you are interested in a new razor, I would recommend contacting Straight Razor Designs. They don't sell "junk", come shave ready, and right now a second honing for free. You can also research the sellers on the classified's here on the forum. I don't have experience with "feather" razors, but definately don't see the elegance & class in them like I experience every time I shave.
I say go for it. I wouldn't waste my money on one of those disposable straights...go for the real deal. At this point, I wouldn't worry about the names, that will come with time and energy on this site and before you know it, you'll have all the good brands in your head as there are literally hundreds of good vintage makers.
As for today, safe bets are the classifieds here for vintage models, Straight Razor Designs for new razors, and Whipped Dog for vintage models for those on a budget. :)
I suggest you look at new razors for your first one. There are several quality makers, however I own two Dovo's (as my only non-vintage razors) and would recommend the brand in general.
Just remember that you also need a plain leather strop to use just before each shave.
Hello Mustard and welcome to SRP!
Others have given you great advice. If you haven't already, read through the WIKI. There is a wealth of information in it, including a list of brands of razors that are considered by most to be good.
To mirror what others have said, buying a new razor that is shave ready is the best way to start. Check out SRD (Straight Razor Designs) and/or the classifieds. My first razor was new, but I didn't do my homework - it wasn't shave ready, and I had to get it honed before I could use it. After doing some homework I ordered a second new razor from SRD that came shave ready. (Wish I'd done that first:)).
While buying a vintage razor at an antique store can be fun, it can be a waste of money for a beginner. I know from personal experience - I'm the proud owner of a no-name razor that is too deeply pitted to ever be used for shaving (think that mistake cost $35).
Good luck. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Shaving with a straight razor is an awesome thing!!
I just want to QFT. I bought my first razor from SRD, and came honed by one of the best in the business. After seeing many posts by other beginners who struggled with a razor that was not honed, I think getting a prehoned razor was probably the smartest thing I did.Quote:
Originally Posted by LinacMan
Not all razors sold are honed, and if you don't know how to hone you aren't going to have much success. Check the classifieds here: Straight Razors - Straight Razor Place Classifieds
Make sure to check to see if the seller says whether or not it is shave ready. Most are, but not all. I'd also like to recommend Whippeddog if you are on a budget. Shave ready razors on the cheep, and you can always trade in one razor for another for the price of a honing.
There really is no "beginner" razor. A straight razor is a straight razor. A recommended size is a 6/8. A round point is generally more forgiving than other point types. That doesn't mean a spike won't work (many of our members learned using a spike point). How much money do you want to spend? The classifieds have really good quality razors at attractive prices. SRD and Kenrup (a member here) have great starter sets. Good luck... :beer1:
Hey
Newbie here.
I suppose that having BOTH straight razor + shavette (those with interchangeable blades are called that way, I think?) at hand would be a good idea.
I am thinking of getting the latter for travelling purposes. Wouldn't like it too much to carry my 180 dollars razor + strop around.
The coolest thought behind a true straight razor is, IMHO, the fact that it will last you a lifetime. Think of an instrument you've been using for 50 years once you're an old man. Ain't that awesome?
Hang on to that thought and see if you will repeat it in a few months. Once you go to straights and have settled in, you will have absolutely no interest in shavette's. I have my traveling razors (not worth much over $50 to me) and then nice razors I keep at home & for show & tell...Quote:
Originally Posted by shiznix
@shooter, you might be right there. possibly.Quote:
Originally Posted by shooter74743
thing is, I would consider it a hassle to take with me:
-a razor
-a strop
-a brush
-shaving cream/soap
-knife oil
I would be glad to be able to dump some of these items (i.e. oil+strop). I am really finnicky about my razor, so I want to be sure it won't rust, hence the oil.
Then again, I might not. Who knows? I've been into straight shaving for three weeks now, so I really cannot tell. I haven't ever even used a shavette (or a DE razor, either).
I learned to straight shave with a Parker disposable blade razor (from Amazon) and now use it for my travel razor. But once you have a "real" straight razor there is no comparison. I made the mistake of buying my first real straight off ebay and found out that I needed to send it out to be honed! Stick with the classifieds.
Pick up a stainless blade and that will eliminate the oil need. I have a paddle strop, tube of bigelow shave cream (face lather), and any brush for traveling. What got me to get a stainless blade (gold dollar is what I have) is that my vacations are around the gulf coast. Salty moist air and carbon steel just don't get along. I picked up my razor from "mysterydoll".
I have read where stainless steel holds an edge longer & tend to agree w/ that at least in my case. I have only one SS razor- Dovo Renaissance- & it tends to stay sharper longer than my other razors and no worries about using oil.Quote:
Originally Posted by shooter74743
I would only add the caveat that good NEW name-brand razors aren't necessarily cheap so keep that in mind.