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I work 48HR shifts and I'm looking for a second staright for work. I need something that will hold a edge without alot of maintence. I have a second strop and other supplys, but I need a blade that can handle a little abuse in duffle bags and being negelcted in a locker. Anyone have any suggestions? stainless maybe?:confused:
Any quality blade should do, just be sure to keep it clean and dry(or oiled)my biggest concern would be a case for the razor as it bounces around in the duffle bag. Some pvc pipe might do the trick.
I kept a set of razors in an old humid gym locker for 8 years. Touch ups were exclusively with barber hones. I kept mine in a leather roll but a single one can be kept safely in a toothbrush case--but I'd drill extra ventilation holes in it. If you keep it lightly oiled it should be just fine.
Straight razors are generaly tough. Remember that, for years and years, almost all razors were work horses - they were just, well... razors. Of course, there were goldwashes and 7 day sets but that was bourgeois! :) It's us who glorify the razor and turn steel into a fragile thing.
All you need to worry about is having the razor bouncing around the bag and some moisture. If you keep the razor in one of those plastic razor boxes (like most new razors come in today) and store the razor completely dry - taking a few seconds to wipe it down with tisue or even coat it with a few drops of oil - you should be fine. If you wish to be extra safe, get an Inox razor.
Just my 2 cents...
After doing the straight razor thing for a little while now, my favorite (and my daily shaver, almost without exception) is a Henckel's Friodur round point 7/8".
Never a hint of rust or spotting (can't say that about my carbon steel blades) and holds an edge like gangbusters... honed it on an Ardennes Coticule in mid June, shaved almost daily since then with stropping only thereafter (30 canvas, 50 leather after every shave.) This includes a trip to Switzerland and a week on a houseboat at Lake Powell, and travel for work... still shaves as good as it did right after honing, which is excellent!
I think the good reputation the Friodurs have is well deserved. I have 3... the aforementioned round point I bought NOS, one more used round point en-route, and a NOS Spanish point I bought NOS from Germany on Fleabay. I think I have found "the razor for me" and am seriously considering selling off all my non-Friodurs.
I have never oiled this blade, just wiped dry after each use and stored in a razor/brush stand on the bathroom countertop, or in a travel case when on the road. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
i think a shavette would be the best option here. also the cheapest with no maintenance :)
I would probably say go for something like a DOVO Best Quality if you are looking for a well made workhorse that you wont feel too bad about if it gets nicked or damaged.
They're great shavers, not too pricey and easily replacable. The other option is to get a shavette or a DE if you prefer.
Hello, Firebug:
For years I shaved at the health club daily. I took my wet pack, which included my straight razor, in the duffel bag. The stropping was done at home, and I rotated all my razors.
In your case, since you plan to keep the razor along with other shaving equipment in your duffel bag, get an inexpensive Dovo (Best Quality should do) and pack it in a straight razor leather travel case available from most vendors. I always found the little leather case a good protection for my razors.
Beyond that, keep the razor clean and dry. A little camellia oil after every shave would help further to prevent rust. I assume you will have your strop with you. Think of it as traveling. How do you handle your straight razor in your wet pack when traveling?
For a backup razor, just in case, get a travel double edge. Merkur makes a good one that comes apart and stores neatly in a tiny leather pouch. That's what did at the gym, and do while traveling.
Regards,
Obie
As said, oil and protect minimally and about any razor will do. That being said, if I was going to pick a razor that I thought would survive not only a gym bag, but the outer reaches of the nether world I would pick the Spike near wedges straight razor. There are a lot of them on Ebay. Sturdy things!
Hay nun2sharp, I have shaved with PVC pipe before. Came out great but the circular aspect was a tad of a problem. There is a reason why most men don't shave with PVC pipe.
If you are looking for 2nd, inexpensive razor, check out the classifieds and whipped dog.
Most straight razors will hold and edge with little maintanance. Stainless steel will hold an edge longer, but is harder to hone.