Thread: thinking of buying a straight razor. and question

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.

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?

Originally Posted by shiznix

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.

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...

Originally Posted by shooter74743

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...

@shooter, you might be right there. possibly.

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.