Thread: First Straight

Well I've been searching around and I still have to many questions and don't know where to start... So this will be my first question:

What am I looking for in my first straight razor?

My price range is in the $50.00-$75.00 range... I have seen some really nice ones in the classified area, but again, not sure what I'm looking for.

Thanks...

Any vintage razor should give you a fine shave. Make sure it is shave ready when you buy it or send it to be sharpened. Stay away from the spear points.Get one with the rounded end they safer if there is such a thing. You aren't as like to cut your self with the point. I think if you look in the beginners forum you'll find some tips to help you a lot. Good luck and don't be in a hurry.

Ditto on the square point. My first is a square point and it would be a definate advantage to have a round tip to start. I'm getting better and have others on the way, but wish I started with a round point.

What about size...???

5/8 is is pretty standard and would be best to have at least that width without going too wide as they need a different touch also that takes experience from what I've gleaned.

Thanks again!

Also would recommend a member here in the classifieds for a shave ready one. I bought and was very satisfied with Bob Keyes. His sight is Home - Our Online Shop I hope I didn't break protocal by putting this here. If I did, I ask the Mods to please remove for me.

Originally Posted by NoseWarmer

Well I've been searching around and I still have to many questions and don't know where to start... So this will be my first question:

What am I looking for in my first straight razor?

My price range is in the $50.00-$75.00 range... I have seen some really nice ones in the classified area, but again, not sure what I'm looking for.

Thanks...

For about $80 you can get a brand new Dovo "Best Quality", honed by Lynn at Straight Razor Designs.

I have one -- it's a nice razor, about 3/4 hollow ground, round point. No gold wash, no fancy carving. Also no rust, no hone wear, tight pivot, dead-centered in the scales.

I don't know that any inexpensive vintage blade will shave any better (and I have a bunch of inexpensive vintage blades).

Charles

yep, my first razor (and my only razor) is a Dovo best quality 5/8ths razor. it shaves really well, i strongly suggest that you get a dovo best quality razor as your first one, its really easy to control. Also, you might want to start with a 6/8ths, because thats dead center in the middle, (it goes from 4/8ths to 8/8ths) and learning to strop with a wider razor is much easier. when i first tried stropping it was hard keeping the razor flat, and it still sometimes is. and then from 6/8ths you can go either smaller or larger, whatever you prefer. but still, 5/8ths isn't really that much smaller than 6/8ths, so it really doesn't matter i guess. try the classifields here on SRP, or ClassicShaving.com, they both have some really nice razors.

Originally Posted by MortuusCruor

because thats dead center in the middle, (it goes from 4/8ths to 8/8ths)

Your points are valid, but your statement is inaccurate. I own a 2/8 NOS razor, there are quite a few 3/8 razors, and there also are razors larger than 8/8.

Razor size selection really come down to a matter of personal preference.