Thread: New Heljestrand razor

Hey guys,
I'm all new in this straight razor world, and I'm looking for my first one. I ran into a mint condition Heljestad with the factory grease still on it, looking very good but is it a good first one?

Cheers
Imre

Originally Posted by Imre

Hey guys,
I ran into a mint condition Heljestad with the factory grease still on it, looking very good but is it a good first one?

Hi!
I think, that it will be a good first razor! But I'm think too, that the learning process is more important. It is important to learn a good angle to keep the shaver, and let the weight of the razor to work...

Buy a 30 dollar shave ready razor from a well known source on this forum.
Lern how to shave and strop. After 12 months consider to Think NOS heljestrands and honing. It Will be better and cheaper.

I know that the other fellas here are just trying to help you out, but only you can say how much you're willing to spend on something. If you really like a razor and can afford it, it won't hurt to buy it. NOS heljestrands don't just come across your doorstep every day, and if it's a good price, it might be worth it to snatch it up now.

I'll agree with a few posts that are above mine, and still suggest getting a cheaper razor to learn on and make your mistakes with, but it's a possibility that in 12 months an actual NOS specimen might not be as easily available. So, if you think it's worth it, go for it and store it with oil on the blade, and if you decide that straight razor shaving is not for you then you can just sell it again without much, if any loss.

The important thing to note, is that the Heljestrand won't necessarily shave better than a 30 dollar beater razor that you pick up off of the classified section. You will be able to get a great shave off of any quality blade, so don't think that you NEED to get this razor because it will magically wipe the whiskers from your face. You still have to get your technique down.

Alright, done with the lecture...

I love Heljes. Easy to hone, easy to use. Get her honed professionally and enjoy. You can practice shaving with her but get an el cheapo to practice honing.

YES! GET IT!!!!! If you don't you will kick yourself later! Even if you don't like straight shaving you will be able to sell it for what you paid...If you got a good deal... And only if you can afford it... If you are tight on cash then do like the rest of us and sell blood, steal from our relatives, make meth... Whatever it takes to feed the monkey man!!
P.S. I am looking at a Filly online... You know anyone looking for a kidney?

Originally Posted by Kees

I love Heljes. Easy to hone, easy to use. Get her honed professionally and enjoy. You can practice shaving with her but get an el cheapo to practice honing.

+1 to all of the above. They make some of the best razors in the world and if one brand is my favorite it is Heljestrand. Welcome to SRP BTW.

Originally Posted by Imre

Hey guys,
I'm all new in this straight razor world, and I'm looking for my first one. I ran into a mint condition Heljestad with the factory grease still on it, looking very good but is it a good first one?

Cheers
Imre

YES, buy it. If you decide you don't like it you can sell it to me.

Huh, thought I was continuing the Swedish steel thread, seems like I've started an own one. Well, no one seems to be harmed..
So I bought it for 40 euros. It's one with a stainless steel handle, hmm does it reveal something about it?
Well anyway thanks guys, what a welcome. Feels like i could maybe become a regular here.

Originally Posted by Kees

I love Heljes. Easy to hone, easy to use. Get her honed professionally and enjoy. You can practice shaving with her but get an el cheapo to practice honing.

My first razor was a Heljestrand MK 42 near mint that I got for about 500sek(around 50 euros) and after I had pracrised honing on some cheaper razors I was surprised at how easy it was to hone the Helje, it takes an edge real good and the only razor I have that can match it in performance is my bengal.