Thread: Not Sure Where to Buy

There's an Art of Shaving store in town, at the "high-end" mall. My girlfriend told me about it when she saw it today. I'm not sure if I should go there and purchase everything al la carte, or buy it online with everything.... or just go to the store to get an idea of what I want/need to get, and then purchase it on SRD (which is where I'd buy it).... I really think that the online one is a better deal, but I REALLY want to start this.... any ideas? Also, AoS doesn't sell a 6/8 razor, only a 5/8.... is either better for a beginner?

I enjoy the Art of Shaving products, bought my first brush, creme there. I want a TI razor, but I don't want the AOS logo on it.
I would buy a good vintage razor from our classified section or one of our many vender's that refurbish razors, shave ready.
Get a strop from SRD and your ready to start.

Okay.... thank you.... what strop should I get though?

I too would recommend Straight Razor Designs. Excellent service and great starter kits! (My first kit was from them!) I would go with an inexpensive 3" Strop. This will allow a much easier stropping experience, as your whole blade can be stropped simultaneously. Enjoy!

Thank you all so very much. But I still can't decide.... new razor/kit from SRD or al la carte from: SRD (strop), AOS (brush,cream), and a seller on here (razor).

If you are looking to go cheap to explore straight shaving, I highly recommend Larry Andro at the Whipped Dog Razors. You will get a great beginner's kit. The razor may not win a beauty contest but it will be in good condition and shave ready sharp!

If you are willing to spend a bit more and/or want new, you can't go wrong with Straight Razor Design. I got my first kit there and found it to be great. I am still using it. Their beginner's kits are great.

At the least, I would call and talk to Larry or the people at SRD. They won't steer you wrong.

I have both the AOS unscented and the AOS Sandalwood creams. While they are very good, for much less money, I recommend going to Bath and Body Works to buy Bigelow Shaving Cream. It is hard to beat at any price.

Good luck to you and Happy Shaving!

Originally Posted by DaKnobie

Thank you all so very much. But I still can't decide.... new razor/kit from SRD or al la carte from: SRD (strop), AOS (brush,cream), and a seller on here (razor).

Depends what you want. If you want all new stuff it makes sense to buy the whole set at SRD, as it would save you razonable amount of money compared to going to AoS, and you'll get as high quality or better than at the store.
If you would like a vintage razor probably the best place is from the classifieds.

I personally don't like going to a local store only to see the stuff in person, and then buy it online at a discount. The cost of operating a brick and mortar store is significant, so if I'm taking advantage of them because there are things that I can't do online, I think it's only fair that I pay for it.