What to upgrade to

I've been using a disposable straight razor for just over a year, as an intro to the world of straight razors, and have decided that it is time to make the jump to a real straight razor. I've looked at the good straight razor list, but I am trying to narrow down exactly what I should get and was hoping to turn here for some advice.

The straight razor I've been using has a straight edge, but I would be ok with trying a blade with a bit of a curve if there is an advantage to it.

I don't think I want carbon steel, since it seems to require more maintenance

I think I would like hollow ground, I am a huge fan of it in kitchen knives, does it have a similar affect in straight razors?

I'm looking to buy this razor for the long term, so my price point is probably in the $60-150 range, and I'm open to used razors as well. If it isn't shave ready I will send it to a knife sharpener to have it done the first time.

Two razors seem nice are the From 5/8 and Boker USA Edelweiss Straight Razor with White Bone Handle

I know neither are hollow ground, but if they'll last for the long term and are quality brands then I'm in.

If I shave about 2-3 X week, will it need to be re-ground on a yearly basis after that?

I already have a brush & soap, so I guess that means I need to acquire a strop and paste.

Do I need

powdered chromium oxide as well?

What, if any, is a plus of a cotton side to a strop?

Lastly, as far as location, I will be in New York metro, Madison WI, and southeastern MI over the next month if someone has a shop they can recommend. Otherwise, Amazon it is.

Thanks very much in advance

Also, I'll be in Moscow at the end of the summer, and am in Asia now, so I am quite open geographically.

Welcome to SRP!
That is a lot of traveling.
the boker or a dovo would probably be your best bets. half or quarter hollow are still more hollow ground then most hollow ground knives. carbon steel, regularly used in only slightly more maintainers than stainless.
please do not think "knife sharpener" or "re-ground" razors are honed and it is a skilled job. how often it will need to be honed will all depend on you. accidents, a careless TSA worker, poor stropping, will all dull your edge quicker than shaving.
a strop with a canvas or linen side helps keep the edge clean and long lasting.
pastes go in a separate strop or paddle than the one you will use daily. a barber's hone would be a better choice though they are small and can fix more issues than a pasted strop.

Also, traveling with a razor is not always a good idea.. if your luggage is searched your razor may be opened and then some idiot will want to see how sharp it is and either cut themselves or some durable items... then your edge is hosed.

try vendors around this site they will ship most anywhere.

enjoy,
jim

Boker edelweiss is hollow ground.

I would order From one of the vendors that specializes in shaving. Not amazon
It won't be ready to shave from there

Don't try to use your knife know how on razors. They are related, not the same.

Pm me when in NY. I'm nearby

Michael

I'll just chime in about the curve in a blade--we call it a smile. I think it helps get into hollow spots, like flanking my Adam's apple. Also pay attention to the blade's tip, or toe--a rounded one is more user-friendly than a spike (right-angle) one. The spike is useful if you've got long sideburns or a goatee to maintain; otherwise I find it's just a really good feature to ensure you cut yourself a lot.

Best wishes

Welcome to the SRP!
While you will be in Moscow try to visit this store:
Britva.Ru -
On their site you can contact Morfeus (store owners) and ask him to give you excursion (he have SR museum).

And as you now in Asia I can recommend you classic edge store:
The Classic Edge Shaving Store Your Straight Razor Specialists.
They have great beginners sets with free shipping worldwide and sell all razors shave ready

uhh...you don't want carbon steel?

might want to stay away from the boker...
henckles and dovo both make stainless steel razors

I just checked out the site, looks like he has exactly what I'll need. I might do a bit of comparison shopping in NY or just buy it when I get to Moscow. Could be easier if there is any problem. Do you have any history with the Moscow store, or just found it on google?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bonbon

Welcome to the SRP!
While you will be in Moscow try to visit this store:
Britva.Ru -
On their site you can contact Morfeus (store owners) and ask him to give you excursion (he have SR museum).

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I guess that just shows how green I am.

When I think carbon steel I think of my mom's old kitchen knives. Quite sharp, but not exactly the shiniest of things.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ryanjewell

uhh...you don't want carbon steel?

might want to stay away from the boker...
henckles and dovo both make stainless steel razors

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You don't need any pastes or chrome, just knowledge and experience. Pro honed, un-taped razor, barber/ finishing hone, and a strop. With that arsenal you'll need to buy something new every hundred years or so.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bklynbrewer

I guess that just shows how green I am.

When I think carbon steel I think of my mom's old kitchen knives. Quite sharp, but not exactly the shiniest of things.

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ahh...no worries. but it's a good lesson in why you need to take care of your razor. carbon steel is prone to corrosion much easier than stainless...there are countless threads about making sure the razor is dry when you put it away, not storing it anywhere there is lots of moisture, and if you live in a especially humid environment...oiling your razors, etc. otherwise they won't look like the shiniest of things :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bklynbrewer

I just checked out the site, looks like he has exactly what I'll need. I might do a bit of comparison shopping in NY or just buy it when I get to Moscow. Could be easier if there is any problem. Do you have any history with the Moscow store, or just found it on google?

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Finally I got time to write answer. Well I haven't purchased in Moscow store, but britva.ru was first forum which I found when decided to start SR shaving, and it's give me great start. I had read tons of positive feedbacks about Morfeus and his honing skills. So I'm sure that you can't go wrong with that store also.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bonbon

Finally I got time to write answer. Well I haven't purchased in Moscow store, but britva.ru was first forum which I found when decided to start SR shaving, and it's give me great start. I had read tons of positive feedbacks about Morfeus and his honing skills. So I'm sure that you can't go wrong with that store also.

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Well I did just purchase a refurbished vintage razor from a SRP vendor, but it's always important to have a local contact for questions and honing.

Thanks again

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AFDavis11

You don't need any pastes or chrome, just knowledge and experience. Pro honed, un-taped razor, barber/ finishing hone, and a strop. With that arsenal you'll need to buy something new every hundred years or so.

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Every hundred years?!? Man, what a buzzkill!

Well thanks for everyone's help and sage advice. I just purchased a restored razor from Glen at Gem Star, and will soon get a strop from SRD. Thanks again!