I need some advise on a new razor and strop.

So I about a year ago I started shaving with one of those single blade disposable razors (I believe they are called shavettes) and I have gotten pretty decent at it. The idea of getting a straight razor or a DE has been in nut mind for over a year now. I already have the brush and soap cup, so I only need the strop and the razor. I want either a French point or Spanish point razor (mainly for aesthetic reasons) and preferably under the $200 mark. For the strop I would want something not too fancy but that just works. I do not care that much about the scale material; treated wood or resin should do. In the name of appearance I would like to get some metallic scales (aluminium) or get some carbon fiber to wrap the existing scales. Also from reading around here something tells me that I would prefer a 6/8 blade. So fire away with any suggestions or recommendations.

Welcome to SRP!
good to see that you have a year of shavette shaving under your belt. 5/8 and 6/8 are great sizes to start with over time you will try everything from a 4/8 to 10/8+ most likely. finding either a french or spanish point might be a challenge, especially in that price range. current production models are either round or square point. custom razors can be what every you like but they get expensive quickly. you will need to keep a close eye on the classified to find a vintage one most likely.

since your dream razor may not be readily available try a razor that you can easily afford while you learn to shave with it keep saving so that when you find THE razor you have the ready cash.

enjoy,
jim

Go to www.straightrazordesigns and you will find the "kit" that serves you the best. The razor will come shave ready, unlike most other places. You could also visit the classifieds here and find a couple razors...

That 6/8 Bismarck was one of the first new-production razors I bought from SRD! Great razor! I had it about a week and dropped it on the bathroom floor, so it also quickly became my first honing/repair experience!! As far as strops, the ski is the limit there. However, a good 3" latigo from SRD, Vintage Blades, Classic Edge, etc will run you between $50-75, and with proper care is all you'd really ever need.
Welcome Aboard!

I have not used a shavette, but from what I have read, many have had trouble transitioning from it to a straight. The correct angel and blade characteristics being very different. I have found that full hollow ground razors have a longer learning curve than ½ to ¼ ground razors. The stiffer blade is easier to shave with IMHO. As for the strop, I use the vegan strop from: The Well Shaved Gentleman The Heirloom Razor Strop Company. They also sell leather strops, but the vegan strop has advantages for the newbie. It is much harder to cut than a leather strop and it does not need extra maintenance to keep the pull consistent. Also, they a less expensive. I have used one since I started and feel no need for a leather strop. Good luck and good shaving.

That looks like a fine razor and Henkles has a good name but I do not know if those razors come shave ready and professionally honed which is a must. Be wary of that because if it does not come professionally honed you will need to send it off which is another expense. I have that Bismark and I love it. You will not find a sharper blade than the ones sharpened on that site. I can highly recommend that site. They ship very fast too.

My brain tells me dovo, but my heart wants to go for the henckels. I know that there is going to be a difference between a shavette vs a proper straight and I am ok with it. I am pretty good with my hands. How much does it cost to hone a razor.

I paid 25-30. Unless you have a professional razor sharpener near u then u will need to send it off which takes about 2 weeks. Whatever u do dont let some yahoo that hones knives sharpen it for you. When i first started out i took my henkles to a local knife shop and he almost ruined it beyond repair. Razors are a totally different animal than anything else when it comes to honing.

I found this and apparently the razors from this place come shave ready(honed)
http://www.shavingshop.com/index.php...6category%3D43

i have a couple of those big henckels.... properly honed they are sweet shavers the original scales sucked a lot both of mine have been recscaled and even had some of the grinding marks buffed out of the blades ... they do hold an edge though.

all my bismark experience is with vintage models which are great... otherwise to me they just seem like dovo's in a monkey suit... pretty does not shave you.

all the dwedsite vendors mentioned so far are good choices ... which is to say i've never had an issue with them

enjoy,
jim

I give you this advice in hoping that you are realistic with it. I wish I would have bought the razor I really wanted rather than the 'safe-bet' razor. If you have your heart set on it and are willing to learn. Knowing there is a risk, get the razor you really want. $25 dollar to get the razor hones by Lynn at Straight Razor Designs in not the end of the world and is way worth getting the razor you want rather than the razor you settled for.

Anybody, have an opinion on the Ralf Aust razor.
It seems to hit all the requirements Spanish point, under $200 comes shave ready. There are 2 options stainless and carbon, which would be better?

well i do not know personally but there are some who do. a little search reveals:

sweet semi-new maker

ralf aust razor

maybe those will help.

jim

I am also new to the site and a wannabe sr user. One of the suggestions I read was buying a cheap straight razor with the a disposable blade. This way you avoid the initial start up cost and you can get used to handling the blade. Any thoughts on that?