Wanting to get started, need advice on good cost effective starting kits.

Hey everyone,

I'm Rick and I have been thinking about using a straight razor for a while now. I've been looking into different starter kits for awhile. I saw a very interesting deal online but doing a bit of browsing I found this forum and found out it wasn't such a good deal. It was on vintagestraightrazors.com for about $80 that included a razor, leather and cloth strops,brush and bowl with soap. I'm hoping for something of good quality, but I'm not looking forward to spending $400+ just to carve up my face like a thanksgiving turkey. I've looked on shavenation (Geo's site) whippeddog and vintage. I'm just wondering if anyone has any suggestions to get a good long lasting razor with at least a leather and cloth strop. I already have a mug and brush. If geo's dovo deal is good let me know. Red Straight Razor Starter Set 5 Items Dovo Straight Razor Set Folding Hone Stone Strop Leather Linen Carbon Steel Red Father's Day Fathers Dad Kit [STRAIT/RAZOR/SET/5PC/RED] - $164.99 : Shave Nation - Shaving Supplies Sorry if I ramble, my thoughts can be a little unorganized.

Thanks for the help,
RickyBobby

Case took the words right off my keyboard. Another good site would be The Superior Shave as well.

Thank you guys for all the help.

Any difference in difficulty or is one or the other recomended full hallow or half hallow?

The Classic Edge Shaving Store Your Straight Razor Specialists. probably the best vendors I have ever dealt with. They will never dissapoint you and will stop at nothing until YOU are satisfied! Highly reccomened!

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Originally Posted by rickybobby

Any difference in difficulty or is one or the other recomended full hallow or half hallow?

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I have heard full hollow, but idk about that. I would suggest going with a rounded point though.

Half hollow is easier to learn with. They don't seem to be as dependent on the angle as a full hollow.

+1 to Whippeddog.com I have heard they are great, I have not used them.

i got my frist one from whippeddog.com. the dude is like a razor, straight :). pretty good deals and he answers every question.

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Originally Posted by xdman09

I second this. I went with the 6/8 dovo best and black latigo strop with handles and have been very happy. Not to mention the razor will definately come SHAVE READY.

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Third on this. I also went with DBQ 6/8 and a 3" red latigo strop. Great way to get started. SRD will try to throw in the DVD for an additional $15. I wish I had kept it in there.

I'm a big fan of "cry once". You do a little research and buy something quality the first time, sometimes it is a little more money up front but if you take care of it - you've made a lifetime purchase (or many years anyway).

The aforementioned will run you around $170, will come ready to shave, and will be a great setup.