Thread: Beginners Tips: August 2012

Well as I read through many posts this past month it was really hard to find a single topic, as it seemed there was no problem that really stood out to me ...

The only thing I noticed at all was a few more threads about "What razor do I buy" or the even better one of "I bought XXX razor did I do good"

Thought I would take some time on that subject this month,,

First thing, if you are even reading this that means you have found SRP , which is better then half the battle, the info is here, honest, you just have to look or even ask...

The first place to go is "Razor brands to to avoid" we try and keep up with the "Junk" on the market, there are a few reasons why razor can end up on that list so be aware.. There are many out there that are just flat not "Razors" they are razor shaped objects and no amount on work will ever get them to shave..
There are some that will shave with proper honing but the prices are so close to quality names like the Dovo's and TI's that it makes no sense to go there when you can get a known shaver...

There are also brands on there that although can be "made" into shavers they require skills that most Newbs to not posses so we figured they were not a good idea for first time buyers...

Once you eliminate those from the choices then you have a simple choice that hits you, New or Used

Each has its appeal and I really can't steer you one way or the other only you can..

New:

If you chose new then know that it still needs to be honed, Honest it doesn't matter if it says honed at the factory, even though they have become much better as of late, the razors still are not at their full potential.. If in doubt ASK, "Has this razor been hand honed by a professional" we use the term "Honemeister" around here, some say "Honemaster" that is well versed in honing Straight Razors.. It really does make a difference, in how smooth and easy the shave feels to you face..
I am not going to go into how to do your first shave and shave test as there is tons of info on SRP and even in this series of tips about that already...
Look for the Straight Razor vendors that advertise "Professionally Honed " first and foremost and your chances of starting off on the right foot just increased... I don't want to say point blank to look only for vendors that advertise on "SRP" but I will say point blank that those vendors have a reputation to uphold and are very ardent about maintaining it...

Used:

Used razor can be found in many places, from Ebay to the local Flea Market, the biggest problem for Newbs is knowing what to look for..
There are plenty of threads on how to shop for used razors on SRP it is best to take the time to read those first before you start shopping.. One thing to also believe, There is always another one" it might take awhile but there is always another one
In general look at the edge and the spine first the better they are the better chance of getting a good shaving razor, I see way to man "Brand Name" razor that are worn to a frazzle but Newbs buy them for the name... Honestly there are very few Vintage razors that don't shave well, it doesn't have to be a Dubl Duck, or Wade & Butcher or Filarmonica to be a good shaver, there are tons of $10 Hardware brands that will shave so well that you would never tell in a blind test..
Next look at the steel, the cleaner the better, especially for your first razors don't buy a rustbucket just because of the name, or the look, restoration can be as addictive as shaving or honing, but leave it for later...
Many times when you ask on SRP where to get a used razor that is ready to shave the Senior Members will point you to the Classifieds and the Vendor's Corner.. They do this for a reason, the people that are selling the razors are Straight Razor users, so you chance of getting a Shave Ready razor is much higher right here on SRP then other places..
Keep in mind Ebay/Internet sellers are not stupid they see that the term "Shave Ready" brings more money and have no problem using it... There are a few genuine Straight Razor sellers on there, but trust me everyone knows their razors, and they bring larger money.. Most everyone of them are Members here at SRP too There are deals on razors to be found out there, just don't rush into it, remember that old saying "A fool and his money are soon parted"


Like I said at the beginning of the article, if you are reading it, then more than half the battle is won already, search here, ask here, and then make your decisions based on knowledge...
As always with these threads I ask that the Senior Members add their perspective also, as many times we see things a slight bit different and different ideas and points of view are good...


*Please note that I did not post any links or mention any specific Vendors or Members, that sell razors I feel that would be bad form in this thread*

Thank you, Glen. My first well-informed purchase of an antique store straight was after I discovered this site. I jotted a few notes down at the shop, searched here for the razor name, and found that a few guys with really high post counts said it was a good blade.

Very good advice for beginners, I would only stress a point that maybe is not very evident in your text:
It's true that a new razor, straight from factory is not as shave ready as we would like, but most (all?) used ones on ebay have much worse honing, if any.

Really good points, esp about buying from someone who knows what they are doing. We've all seen the rather funny ads that start out "I have no idea if this works; I found it in my dead husband's stuff/at an estate sale/in the garbage..."

Great advice, i have done exactly that, purchased a couple of razors from here. Bought one locally that was supposedly shave ready, nearly put me off, but, i persisted, and it is paying off now. 30 shaves in, and still in awe that you can actually shave with these things. My advice would be buy second hand from here and decide if it is for you or not.

I'm coming out of the woodwork to say this:
Trust every word of this post. Don't think you know better or can turn nothing into something. I've been there and done that; the information you read here is based on years of experience. Some newbies may luck out and get that bargain razor everyone else overlooked because of bad photos, etc. but for the most part - you'll get burned if you don't follow Glen's advice. (sometimes for a good chunk of cash) Just take a look at the eBay 101 thread, sometimes even if it looks good in the pics, it can be a dud!