Looking for my first Razor

Printable View

02-07-2011, 08:57 PM
Kraken85

Looking for my first Razor

Hey there, I just wanted to say thanks for all the help so far as I browse through these threads. I'm looking at picking up my first razor and would like a little direction. Thinking about how much money I've blown over the years of razor blades kinda makes me sick when the number comes to mind. I also like to learn skills that are meticulous and routine intensive. Ive been slowly switching over my routine and slowing down in the mornings. Switching over to soap and brush instead of canned cream helped me tremendously as I have pretty sensitive skin. I'm just ready to kick the disposables once and for all.

My question is not so much brand but how the razor is made. Id like to know if starting off with an older blade and then spending some money down the road when I don't suck at it is a better choice or to go ahead and start off with better gear because it will help me out in the end.

Thanks again for any advice
02-07-2011, 09:22 PM
wmac

Welcome to SRP.

Best place to start is the wikis for information on shaving technique and stropping, and more.

For razors you can look at both the classifieds or whippeddog.com. You can pick up a shave ready razor on the cheap from both, also at whippeddog you can pick up a strop for about $20 also.

Good luck and feel free to ask questions the guys here are great sources of knowledge.
02-07-2011, 09:24 PM
Kraken85

Thanks wmac! I actually am looking at whipped dog as we speak. There are some decent blades that I would feel comfortable with without blowing money away.
02-07-2011, 09:27 PM
Fbones24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kraken85

My question is not so much brand but how the razor is made. Id like to know if starting off with an older blade and then spending some money down the road when I don't suck at it is a better choice........

Thanks again for any advice

I think this is the right path to choose. In fact, if I could go back, this is how I would have done it.

I suggest looking for a decent "shave ready" razor in the classifieds for a reasonable price. There are always razors popping up under $50 that will probably shave as good as razors 5 times that amount.

You will also need a strop and there are cheap options out there.
02-07-2011, 09:31 PM
Kraken85

Thanks Fbones. Yeah I don't really know anyone who is into straight razors so showing off a name brand really doesn't do me any good...Id just like to have a face left after I'm done, so buying something that has been made well is the road I shall walk.
02-07-2011, 09:36 PM
Obie

Looking for My First Razor

Hello, Kraken85:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

Before you do anything, please peruse the vast amount of information in the Wiki. For your first razor, you can buy new at a modest price or try one of the razors advertised in the Classified. Start with a 5/8" round point. I am sure this will not be you only razor; you will add to your collection. The 5/8" is a good starting point.

There are many badger brushes (pure badger) reasonably priced. Omega and Edwin Jagger have good and reasonably priced brushes. You have a choice of soap and cream. For soap, try Mitchell's Wool Fat, Mama Bear, SRD, Provence Sante Verlaine and Tabac, for starters. For creams, try Proraso, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Trumper, D.H. Harris, Truefitt & Hill, Arko and Pre de Provence, for starters.

You'll need a strop. Try an Illinois No. 127 or No. 827. If you buy your razor new, you can make it an individual purchase or make it part of a starter set that will include a strop and a brush. Visit the vendors advertised here. Dovo offers good starter razors for around $80.

Your new razor should be shave ready — many of us prefer not to settle for the factor edge and opt for additional honing by a professional. Some of the vendors advertised here offer razor shave ready.

Beyond that, ask questions. First, again, do your research, starting with the Wiki here. Good luck.

Regards,

Obie
02-07-2011, 09:41 PM
Kraken85

Thanks for the info obie! This is tons of good information. I have a pretty good brush and Col. Conks so already as I switched over from can awhile ago do to constant skin irritation and sure enough it went away, also taught me to slow down and enjoy the morning.
02-07-2011, 09:43 PM
niftyshaving

Check the Classified.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kraken85

Hey there, I just wanted to say thanks for all the help so far as I browse through these threads. I'm looking at picking up my first razor and would like a little direction. Thinking about how much money I've blown over the years of razor blades kinda makes me sick when the number comes to mind. I also like to learn skills that are meticulous and routine intensive. Ive been slowly switching over my routine and slowing down in the mornings. Switching over to soap and brush instead of canned cream helped me tremendously as I have pretty sensitive skin. I'm just ready to kick the disposables once and for all.

My question is not so much brand but how the razor is made. Id like to know if starting off with an older blade and then spending some money down the road when I don't suck at it is a better choice or to go ahead and start off with better gear because it will help me out in the end.

Thanks again for any advice

The best beginner razors I have seen can be found
on the web site of our sponsors or on the SRP classified
here:

Main Index - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Look for a razor like a Professionally Sharpened Dovo Best Quality
or equivalent for your first razor. The key is that the
razor be professionally sharpened or the price is low
enough that you can send it to someone to hone it.

The classified have a number of well priced well refreshed
old used blades. You could do a lot worse... Some will
have serviceable but worn scales.... Others will be fully restored
and top notch in all regards. In checking the
classified to copy the URL I saw a fine $40 razor I wanted
but by the time I clicked for more info-- it was gone so make it
a habit to watch for new arrivals.
02-07-2011, 09:49 PM
Kraken85

Ill deff. look around through there Thanks
02-07-2011, 09:50 PM
BladeRunner001

Now,
That's some excellent advice. beyond that I have nothing to add, but to say: have fun :beer1: and welcome to SRP

Quote:

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, Kraken85:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

Before you do anything, please peruse the vast amount of information in the Wiki. For your first razor, you can buy new at a modest price or try one of the razors advertised in the Classified. Start with a 5/8" round point. I am sure this will not be you only razor; you will add to your collection. The 5/8" is a good starting point.

There are many badger brushes (pure badger) reasonably priced. Omega and Edwin Jagger have good and reasonably priced brushes. You have a choice of soap and cream. For soap, try Mitchell's Wool Fat, Mama Bear, SRD, Provence Sante Verlaine and Tabac, for starters. For creams, try Proraso, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Trumper, D.H. Harris, Truefitt & Hill, Arko and Pre de Provence, for starters.

You'll need a strop. Try an Illinois No. 127 or No. 827. If you buy your razor new, you can make it an individual purchase or make it part of a starter set that will include a strop and a brush. Visit the vendors advertised here. Dovo offers good starter razors for around $80.

Your new razor should be shave ready — many of us prefer not to settle for the factor edge and opt for additional honing by a professional. Some of the vendors advertised here offer razor shave ready.

Beyond that, ask questions. First, again, do your research, starting with the Wiki here. Good luck.

Regards,

Obie
02-07-2011, 09:52 PM
Kraken85

Thanks....Also....Im pretty sure Bladerunner is the best freakin movie EVER!!!!...enhance....
02-07-2011, 09:59 PM
BladeRunner001

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kraken85

Thanks....Also....Im pretty sure Bladerunner is the best freakin movie EVER!!!!...enhance....

You betcha. Love that movie :nj. My all time favorite SciFi
02-07-2011, 10:04 PM
Kraken85

For sure man, I'm right there with you on that one. Between Bladerunner and THX1138 you got yourself a pretty stellar movie night!
02-08-2011, 02:05 AM
gugi

Welcome to SRP,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kraken85

Id like to know if starting off with an older blade and then spending some money down the road when I don't suck at it is a better choice or to go ahead and start off with better gear because it will help me out in the end.

Older blade doesn't need to be in need of work, but then it usually doesn't save you much money, if any compared to a brand new razor. I have almost entirely vintage razors, but a very large fraction of them costs me more than the brand new ones.

Restoration of an old razor can get pretty expensive and will almost inevitably make it more expensive than a low-mid end new razor. It requires skill and the guys on these forums with really good skills live in the western world, so they charge more than $1-$2/hr.

But on the plus side if the razor is verified to shave well, putting money into restoration (if you want it to look nice and shiny) is better, than restoring the razor first, and then finding out you don't like how it shaves you.

So, it really is up to you which way you want to go, you've already figured out that the most important factor is that the razor be properly honed and stropped before you put it to your face.
02-08-2011, 02:43 PM
Kraken85

I just picked up my first razor with the help of Larry at Whipped Dog. Thanks for all the input and responses. Tell me what you guys think. Ive been trying to do more research on the blade. Any help is appreciated. Lee MTG Co. Razor