Thread: Is it too soon for nice steel?

OK, so I am pretty new to straight shaving, but I really enjoy it.

I am contemplating ordering a Hart razor.

My question (and I am probably asking the wrong group) is, "am I crazy to buy a nice razor after only 4 shaves?"

I am leaning toward the 6/8 in full polish, but am a little torn between the square and the rounded toe. I have shaved with squares and slightly rounded...and I really like the looks of the square better. This question shows my ignorance, but what reasons are there to select square over rounded other than aesthetics...can you really get that much closer to stuff with a square toe?

Thanks for any advice.

Not too soon for nice steel but, keep in mind you will likely ruin the edge at some point with poor stropping. So be prepared to have it rehoned a time or two.

If you are getting the hang of the sport and feeling confident and planning to stick with it, why not make the investment?

It's never too soon for good equipment, IMO. Personally I like the looks of a square point over a round point, but when it comes to shaving, the round is preferrable for me. That said, I have both and enjoy them all.

In perspective, this decision is less significant than you think. Financially all that you are risking is the delta between a new razor and a used razor....you can always sell it if things don't work out. As far as the blade configuration and finish go......if you're considering upgrading your razor after only a few shaves this won't be your last razor. As you fill the stable you can try different styles of razors.

I like the square for making very clean lines on the different edges of my goatee. Just seems to work much better than a round point for that for me. I can make a very thin and clean line right to the corners off my mouth, and very straight and clean lines on either side of my soul patch area as well. Round points just don't do quite as well for that, to me. I've never cut myself with the point in several months, so it hadn't been a worry on that front.

My first razor was a TI 6/8s. Luckily I didn't ruin it.

I would recommend a vintage razor from our classifieds you know will be shave ready and not break the bank and will still be a quality piece.

I recently got a Hart and though kind of shave ready it really needed some hone work.

I am a big fan of guys buying "quality" (read new or expensive) right out of the gate. Straight razor shaving takes a bit of commitment, and nothing motivates an individual to get over the hump like knowing they sunk a whole bunch of cash into the "project."

The added benefit is that if those individuals find that it really isn't for them or aren't willing to get over said hump... us poor dudes can buy quality stuff at discounted rates lol!

But I guess the bottom line is... like anything - if you love your tools, you'll love the job that much more too!

I like the look of a square point too. Like Bill, and others, I have both and shave with both equally well. If you go with the square point just pay attention to where the point is at all times when you're actually shaving. Especially in front of the ear lobe. I've let my mind wander a few times and gotten bit on that spot. IMO the Hart would be a good choice but like TBS said, so would a vintage out of the classifieds. You can't go wrong either way IMHO.

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys.

I actually have a few vintage razors already (4 to be honest...and I have shaved with 3 of them...the astute observer will realize I have only used one razor twice at this point)

I love vintage razors, 3 of mine were purchased from a friend's estate...I would like to have some new steel to pass on in my estate, and I want something good (but no so good that I fear actually using it) to pass on to my boys (so, yeah, this will be the first of at least 3 probably).

I was going to say i never considered my vintage razors as not nice steel. I see you do have a few vintage. All I would say is don't expect a tremendously better shave with a brand new blade. I have one brand new one and it shaves as well or badly as the vintage ones. I have both square and round point and I have been bitten twice in two different spots by a\two different square points. Pay very close attention when using a square point. That aside, nothing wrong with going for a brand new blade that is all your own.

Bob