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Ok guys here is the question and i am sure its been posted a hundred times.
Am looking for my first razor but i am unsure about how much to spend, should i just get a cheap one to start or just go all in for a some what quality one?
Also what it a good starting price for a first razor? Looking at most places they are anything from £30-£900 and up, so any suggestions on razors you have or razors you once used would be splendid.
Thanks
Best way to go is find one from the classifieds, I see you are using pounds so look for a local seller. You could order from Larry over at whippeddog.com or if you need new, check out straight razor designs or a couple of other reputable vendors. Make sure if buying from a vendor, that they are professionally honed.
Depending on your goals, I can easily think of at least four good ways to go. I have personally bought from all four dealers and can vouch for their quality and service. In any case, it is not necessary to spend 900+£.
If you wish to invest less money, until you decide whether you will like straight razor shaving, I recommend:
- Larry Andro at Whipped Dog Razors provides a complete set-up at probably the lowest possible price. You will get a shave ready razor albeit with a more homely appearance. Larry is a great guy and will not steer you wrong. I have six razors honed by Larry Andro and they are superb shavers. I also purchased items from Whipped Dog and can recommend it as a great site.
- The SRP Classifieds will get you a good razor, generally shave ready, for a moderate but very fair price. You would need to add a strop, brush, and soap. I purchased items off the SRP Classifieds and never have been disappointed.
If you don't mind spending a little more money or you really like new razors, I recommend:
- Straight Razor Designs provides specials on a razor, a razor and strop, or a complete set-up, all with a shave ready razor. You cannot beat their quality or service. They do ship world-wide. I purchased my first complete set (Dovo "en vogue" Black Micarta Razor, SRD Premium 1 strop) from SRD, honed by Lynn Abrams. The Black Micarta is still one of my best razors. I have four razors honed by Lynn and they are also great shavers.
- Neil Miller at The Strop Shop is another excellent dealer with a wide variety of choices, both new and vintage. I purchased one razor (Filarmonica Inox) from The Strop Shop and it was of the highest quality.
Other dealers that I have found to be excellent include Classic Shaving, Vintage Blade, and West Coast Shaving. Regardless of where you buy, it is critical that you buy a razor that is shave ready. It will make all the difference in your success at the beginning.
For new razors, I recommend any of the following brands: Dovo, Thiers-Issard, Hart Steel, Boker, and Revisor.
For vintage razors, the list is endless. In my own collection, I have the following vintage razor brands: Case Red Imp, Union Cutlery SPIKE, J. R. Torrey, Waterville Cutlery, Henckels, Boker, Dovo, dubl duck, Wade and Butcher, Solingen, Sheffield, Geo. Westenholm, Heljestrand, Thiers-Issard, Le Grelot, Revisor, and Filarmonica. A good, well honed, vintage razor is ever bit as good as a new razor.
If funds are not a problem, I highly suggest checking out SRD. I would get their recommendations. It is my "go to" store.
Best Wishes and Happy Shaving!
:D
sweeneychris,
I take it you are in the UK ?
For new build razors, the Dovo Best in full or half-hollow takes some beating; whilst relatively in-expensive (ca 55 GBP) it shaves well above it's price point, and is a favourite of mine.
Please have a peek here at Mr Dempsters site : Dovo Razors
For vintage razors, please have a peek at Mr Neil Millers site : www.strop-shop.co.uk - hand made straight razor strops, razor pouches, shaving accessories, vintage razors, razor honing and restoration
Mr Miller can sort out something for you if you get in touch with him; his workmanship is superb and he is an excellent chappie to do business with :) His strops are most excellent !
Good luck !
Have fun !
Best regards
Russ
Thanks guys that is really good info, just what I was looking for.
I will continue the search and let you all know what happens.
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