Thread: What steel for first time user?

I already have a small collection of older razors, and am now going to get into shaving with them. I've been piecing together supplies, brush here, and scuttle there, and am ready to grab a razor and strop. However I'm a bit overwhelmed by the differnent types of steel. I understand Carbon Steel is harder to care for, and could rust quite easily. As I don't want that to happen, I figured I'd learn the basics with something less likely to rust. What kind of steel is better to start with? I'm was all ready to go for the stainless, but then I saw the silver steel. I'm confused. Any help would be appreciated.

Geoff. K.

Your first shave should be with a razor that is shave ready, Don't sweat Carbon steel, properly cared for it will out last you.

I'd recommend going to Categories and getting the sight unseen deal which includes a shave ready razor and strop kit, that way you know the blade is sharp and can practice technique

Happy shaving!

How about on Straight Razor Designs? I was thinking of the Pearlex Dovo Stainless, but theres a Dovo Silver Steel as well. How would I go about choosing from there, if I can't find anything in the sight unseen deals?

SRD has very nice stuff, and it's all honed by Lynn so you know it will be shave ready.

But honestly, I recommend the whipped dog special you don't know what it will be (that's the point of "Sight unseen") but you can rest assured it will be truly shave ready and the strop kit he includes is good, but cheap enough that you won't be upset when you nick it (and you WILL) he even includes the pasted balsa for touchups

If you don't like the razor he sends, you can send it back and request a different one, all you would pay is return shipping and a 13 dollar charge to re-hone the razor he gets back from you.

My first razor was a 4/8 I got from him, and while it doesn't shave as nice as my extra hollow Genco's, it is a comfortable shaver overall and one I still use today, It is good for a beginner and didn't cost a fortune so when I accidentally dulled it on the strop (Flipped the wrong way on the spine) it was no big deal..
Again this is just my advice, YMMV

I'm waiting till the first anyway, when the SRD monthly deals are new. then I'll make a final decision. I'll consider the sight unseen, but I'll rephrase my other question. What's the difference between Silver Steel and Stainless Steel in terms of quality.

Not sure, but IIRC Stainless etc are harder to hone and keep sharp but as I have never used anything but a carbon steel I'll defer that question to more qualified people

Straight Razor Designs has a deal that ends this month- free honing for the life of the razor purchased.

Originally Posted by RedKirth

I'm waiting till the first anyway, when the SRD monthly deals are new. then I'll make a final decision. I'll consider the sight unseen, but I'll rephrase my other question. What's the difference between Silver Steel and Stainless Steel in terms of quality.

Silver steel is carbon steel & prone to the rusting you seem concerned about. The 'sight unseen' razors I've seen already have a history of rust as they are vintage razors so if it is a big concern for you a new stainless razor may suit you better.

Originally Posted by RedKirth

I already have a small collection of older razors, and am now going to get into shaving with them. I've been piecing together supplies, brush here, and scuttle there, and am ready to grab a razor and strop. However I'm a bit overwhelmed by the differnent types of steel. I understand Carbon Steel is harder to care for, and could rust quite easily. As I don't want that to happen, I figured I'd learn the basics with something less likely to rust. What kind of steel is better to start with? I'm was all ready to go for the stainless, but then I saw the silver steel. I'm confused. Any help would be appreciated.

Geoff. K.

If you take proper care of your carbon steel razors, you'll prevent rust and preserve the edge. I have new and antique razors, all carbon steel and I am diligent with their care and I have no rust or staining issues. Treat the razors right, they'll treat you right.
Do a search in the forum on caring for the straight razor and you'll find a wealth of information. The razor is only as good as its owner.

I second the Whipped Dog sight unseen deal. You can't beat getting a true shave ready razor, strop and pasted balsa for the price that Larry at Whipped Dog offers.