A gift for my father.

Hello all,

My father has been interested in obtaining a straight razor for shaving, after quite a bit of searching around, I stumbled across this forum. I would like to get him one for Christmas this year. While I have seen the multitude of FAQ's as well as other postings on the topic, I would also like to post the question myself (forgive the repetitive nature of the question).

He has no experience at all with straight razors, someone gave him (what I assume to be) a fairly nice shave set (brush, lather cup, etc) which spurred his interest in the topic. I don't believe this would be a daily occurrence for him, probably only on the weekends, or so. He does have some experience with blades, from growing up an outdoors-man, but nothing as precise as a straight razor. While I would like to get him a quality blade, my budget is going to be fairly restrictive, I would like to keep my costs under $100.

I am certain I have missed answering several pertinent questions, however I will check back regularly and answer them as they come. I would appreciate any and all advice you all could give, as well as any recommendations.

Also, I am looking for an inexpensive lather brush for myself, nothing of quality, as I will be using it to lather saddle soap for my boots, any advice as to where I can find this?

Thank you,

Zack

If you are looking for an applicator for saddle soap for your boots forget about a shaving brush. A wet rag is your best bet.

As to your father, are you sure he wants to use a straight? Who will teach him to use it properly?

If you want to do this check our classifieds for a nice vintage piece. You should be able to get what you want in your budget.

I was originally doing that, but I spoke with a friend of mine who works on boots as a hobby, and he said that a brush would be the best device.

I am sure about it, he has been looking for one for several years. He'll probably figure it out on his own, we are a stubborn sort of folk.

I looked through them, just not sure what exactly to look for, I have no experience at all in the area, and don't want to get something that isn't right for his needs. Also, will he need a strop or any other accessories, the kit he got was mostly just for general shaving, not specifically straight razor oriented.

Thank you,

Zack

Check out whippeddog.com. they have a vintage razor and strop set that should fit your budget easily. As far as an inexpensive brush, look at Omega and Semogue. Both have inexpensive boar brushes that will work.

look to the Glassifieds here on the forum, there are a couple of str8 below the $100 over there. they are shave ready for sure, so you father have a good start.

FWIW:

$100 is plenty for a vintage straight razor and a strop. Don't be tempted by eBay -- too much risk. New _decent_ razors start at about $80, so they're out of range for you.

There should be some vintage razors (in the $40 - $60 range) in the "Classifieds" on this site. Maybe some low-priced strops, too.

Larry at "www.whippeddog.com" offers convenient "one-stop-shopping" for your needs. He'll sell you a razor and "Poor Man's Strop Kit" for a very reasonable price. If your father gets into straight-razor shaving, he can spend as much money as he wants on equipment.<g>

If you want a reasonably-priced strop (aside from Whipped Dog), the RupRazor "Filly" has good write-ups. Illinois strops might also be affordable.

Charles

If you have any doubts as to the suitablility of a particular razor for your father, I would suggest that you PM the vendor and ask them.
It worked a treat for me when I started.
The vendors here won't steer you wrong IME

One more note:

. . . I would get a _round-point_ razor, not a _square-point_ razor.

The round-point is less likely to gouge skin, in the hands of a beginner. It's possible to "mute" the tip of a square-point -- dull it slightly. Any honer can do the job, takes about 10 seconds.

charles

PS -- Any razor sharp enough to cut beard, is sharp enough to cut skin if your concentration lapses. But (IMHO) the square-point has dangers all its own.

+1 for Larry at Whippeddog.

As far as your boot brush question, i have a feeling he's talking about a boot brush. Something like this