Razor brand question/help?

Hi everyone! For Christmas, my brother got me a straight razor, shaving soap and brush - however, after discovering this site and perusing the beginners articles, the razor he got me is in the "avoid list." It is a kriegar, unsure of model. I know he bought them all at a local store but unsure of what he spent on them. I tried searching for the reasons the Kreiegar brand is on the avoid list and only came up with that they take forever to home, if they can even get a sharp enough edge to shave.

I hate to tell him he got me a crappy razor and have to take it back, but unsure what else to do. Through my sister, who's a cosmetologist, I have access to someone who can hone any razor but is it worth even trying for a sharp edge?

If he is able to take it back, I fear a good razor will be outside the budget we set for gifts and could ruin the entire present. Are there any valid options? I even thougt perhaps taking it back and he could get me a disposable razor to learn with until I can afford a quality razor - or is that not a good idea?

I appreciate any help, thanks!

The Kriegar (no Matter of spelling) are not Straight Razors they are Knives that look like Straight Razors, and don't have the Grind nor the Temper to shave with...

If it were me, being its a gift i would keep it, and just buy another razor not from the avoid list, unless your brother is a very understandable kinda person some folks might really get offended for returning a gift or telling him the razor he got for you is a butter spreader!

i also would prob keep it as it was a gift ... you can find many razors on the classifieds here that will be shave ready in many budget ranges that will fit you .. ive grabbed on for $30 , and another at $100 off of here and both are great shavers and both were shave ready and have saw many in between those ranges

Oh man that's too bad. Welcome to SRP though!!

Clearly you found the best place to seek help were you to take up the method. I hope you do.

hellou Michael, and welcome to SRP.
do yourself a favour and pay close attention to the advice laid out by the gentlemen here. im sure your brother had the best of intentions, perhaps you could honour them by keeping it as a display razor? not too bad if you want to use it for that. if you are concerned about a razor that fits your budget the classfields is indeed an excellent option. you could also consider Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment which is run by Larry Anderson. Larry offers beginners with a setup which is quite affordable, the razors might not look the best, but that dos not compromise their functionality. please note that i am only a month into straight shaving so i am no expert, but these options were laid out to me by quite knowledgeable gentlemen and it has worked out well for me. if i am wrong somewhere hopefully a more experienced member will come along and correct me. hope this helps :).

Hal.