Hello, Any body know this make?

Hi,

This is a great site. Ive been using DE and a straight with a disposable blade for some time now but I am looking for the 'real thing'. I came across this on ebay, its a strop and razor, new, made by B&B ?? Has anybody come across this brand. My question is: Should I buy this cheap new razor and get it honed properly or should I buy something from here on the classifieds which would be an older but shave ready razor.

eBay.ie: STRAIGHT RAZOR SHAVE READY COWHIDE LEATHER STROP KIT (item 200574596369 end time 10-Apr-11 06:07:28 BST)

Any advice appreciated.

Hello Albi,
Although there are many options for buying a new straight, none of them which are of good repute will be less that around USD 80. The Beauty & Barber set you have linked is, for all practical purposes, junk. I would highly recommend checking the classifieds here for a good, affordable starter razor. As for a strop, depending on your location a good one should not be hard to find-- I think there are reputable makers and retailers on most continents.

Welcome to SRP!

Not sure of the make but I tend to avoid almost anything that appears in a "standardized," generic photo. Most of the time they are made cheaply and the sellers attempt to pass them off as quality goods. Not to say this isn't an exception but based on looking at the other products this seller is selling I would stay clear.

You're better off paying a bit extra for a legitimate brand than potentially wasting money here and ruining the transition to straights before it ever begins - the classifieds here or one of the websites you'll find advertising or in the vendor's corner on this site are always the best option.

Thanks guys.... my gut feeling was telling me to stay clear of these cheaper products also and you have confirmed it!

Welcome to SRP....

your first post had a nugget of gold in it: Classifieds.

Check them out!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BKratchmer

Hello Albi,
Although there are many options for buying a new straight, none of them which are of good repute will be less that around USD 80.

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Thankfully that is not always true. My first razor was purchased from a member, in the SRP classifieds for just over $30. It was shave ready, which allowed me to know what to look for as I practiced my honing and stropping. I highly suggest checking the classifieds every day or so, and a shave-worthy razor is bound to appear. We are very blessed here at SRP in that it seams that a lot of razors are put in the classifieds priced artificially low for the reason of getting new shavers right into the game. Good luck!

Beaty & Barber
Ill suggest staying away as it is best usable to fill your garbage can

Quote:

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Originally Posted by adbuett

Thankfully that is not always true. My first razor was purchased from a member, in the SRP classifieds for just over $30. It was shave ready, which allowed me to know what to look for as I practiced my honing and stropping. I highly suggest checking the classifieds every day or so, and a shave-worthy razor is bound to appear. We are very blessed here at SRP in that it seams that a lot of razors are put in the classifieds priced artificially low for the reason of getting new shavers right into the game. Good luck!

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I believe you missed BKratchmer's point here. He stated new razor, not from the classifieds, at that $80 price tag.
You are both right on the classifieds, deals can be had there for a lot less than $80.

To the OP; Welcome to SRP and good luck hunting down a good razor to get you started:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by adbuett

Thankfully that is not always true. My first razor was purchased from a member, in the SRP classifieds for just over $30. It was shave ready, which allowed me to know what to look for as I practiced my honing and stropping. I highly suggest checking the classifieds every day or so, and a shave-worthy razor is bound to appear. We are very blessed here at SRP in that it seams that a lot of razors are put in the classifieds priced artificially low for the reason of getting new shavers right into the game. Good luck!

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The Key there is that you aren't likely to find a NEW straight of good repute for less than around $80. If you DO find a GOOD and NEW straight for substantially less, let me know!

USED straights can be just as good or better than a new straight, when purchased from a reputable dealer such as our members on the classifieds, whippeddog, SRD, etc. Look for someone who's in it for helping a guy start out, more than trying to turn a buck by turning mass quanitities of razors. P.S.>>>Whippeddog has a good starter kit on the cheap, if you're financially challenged (such as myself). If not SRD has a bunch of great options.

Welcome to SRP! Good luck on your journey into straight shaving.

Edit: Birn beat me to the punch.

The speculation is that this unknown blade should be left behind
which is 90% correct. The last 10% says that if it is cheep enough
and you need a beater and a banger to abuse and tinker with sure.

If you want a shaver -- the classified or the sponsoring vendors
are your best bet. The lowest price Dovo is still a fine razor.
No fancy bone or horn scales or gold wash but it does shave well.

If you want a razor and strop to practice... maybe if the price is right.

The strop may be just good enough to abuse with abrasive paste
as we all do sooner or later even if we find we hate pasted strops
we all try some sooner or later.

These inexpensive razors (and yes I have been fooled into buying them)
are a pain. The steel will hold an edge for about 1/4 of a shave or
the scales break or sometimes random luck is on your side and you
get lucky.