Thread: first straight razor

I have been reading several articles on shaving with a straight razor. Everone has different recomendations for beginners first razor. What do you guys think. Should I get one with replaceable blades or go full blown? And what are good quality razors, I don't care to spend money just not on junk that isn't any good.
Thanks,
Steven

Only purchase a razor from someone here. Just PM Lynn or Joe Chandler within your price range and let them give you some options.

Ditto.

You might also tell them your beard type.

Originally Posted by dylandog

Ditto.

You might also tell them your beard type.

Is there a guide in here somewhere as to " beard type"? I just know that I have whiskers that my daughters say are "pokey" at the end of the day.

Thanks,
Mike

I'll third all that. I was all set to go running to eBay when I stumbled across this forum, and now I've got one coming from Alex about which I'm pretty excited. It's far nicer to deal with actual enthusiasts who want you to get psyched about something rather than an eBay seller who doesn't know a Solingen blade from a Pakistan one and just wants to make a quick buck... and you know you'll get a shave-ready edge from someone here.

Incidentally, after spending a week or so reading posts, I've come to the conclusion that I'll probably never buy a brand new straight razor. The character of an older blade, coupled with a don't-waste-resources mentality that I'm trying to stick with, and the fact that any new razor will just have to be honed up to shave-ready condition anyway... well, it just makes sense to buy from a forum member.

Well your certainly correct about resources and having to hone up a new razor, no doubt about that but I have to tell you there's just something about getting a brand spanking new razor. Its like putting on a brand new pair of cowboy boots. It just makes you feel better all over.

Steven,

The standard recommended razor is a 5/8, hollow-ground razor with a rounded tip. (The round tip is marginally safer than a square point, which just gives you a nice corner to cut yourself with.)

Unless you really want to get into honing right away, getting something from a member here is the way to go. I bought a new razor on the Internet that turned out to be junk, which I discovered after scraping my face raw a few times...

Used razors are every bit as good as new ones; some would say the steel is even better.

Good luck,
Josh