Choices.....I'm new to all these beauties

I think the more I look at straight razors the more I like them aesthetically.
Of course my wife's comment was " Oh boy... Here we go again, first it was watches, then DE razors now this...?"
Well, I could buy another watch I said. Then she said "carry on with the razors"....,:-)
I have been using DE razors now for about 3 years and would like to learn how to use and shave with a straight razor. I have a goatee so maybe straight razors would be a challenge.... However, I am considering one.
My question is a redundant one... Which razor do I buy?
Aesthetically I am drawn to the Boker Arbolito but maybe I should start with a Boker King Cutter... Or maybe a Dovo Best Quality.

I don't mind spending a little more for a better razor.... And the beauty of the Arbolito is hard for me to ignore.....However, is it a poor choice for someone new to this art?

Any recommendations would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
Dr .B

IMHO, if you have the disposable $ get the one that appeals to you most. All of those mentioned are good and will be a fine way to start. Be warned though, straight razors can be even more addicting than watches or DEs. :gl:

I am leaning toward this beauty:

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:beer1:

Buy it from a vendor who will hone it first to make sure it's shave ready. Also, spend a lot of time on the forum wiki page. You might want to consider a package deal as you will also need a strop. Stropping is very important and should be practiced first. Shave with your new razor without stropping it first. See what the edge is like when it is shave ready. Then practice slowly stropping it to get the feel of it, keep the spine in contact with the strop, very little pressure, hold the strop level (if you're using a hanging strop), don't let it sag. A rolled edge is the most common mistake made by new SR shavers. Go slow. Read the wiki. :gl:

Second the shave ready vendor. Also when you do find a vendor that claims to sell their razors shave ready I would check with some members here about their experiences to determine if it REALLY is shave ready. Shave ready I have found to be a relative term. I have bought from all sorts of vendors and some say they are shave ready, but they are not quite as sharp as I personally would like. I use the blades I have had honed by Lynn and the ones I got from Whipped Dog as references as to what shave ready is to me. BTW I love that Boker. Looks exactly like an Aust I just got and its a beaut. I have two vintage Bokers and I love them. I agree that if you have the money make sure it is something that is aesthetically pleasing to you. All the brands you mentioned produce some great razors.

The Boker looks great, but the scales are not the original, just heads up if those things matter to you.

Thank you all for the great recommendations.:beer1::beer1:
The picts that I posted were generic of the razor ehich I got off the internet.... Just great shots of the razor.

I need to do my research 1st and then most likely I will order one from: Straight Razor Designs.

Half the fun is learning and gathering all the info.
Cheers and thank you!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mainaman

The Boker looks great, but the scales are not the original, just heads up if those things matter to you.

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And I was wrong, the scales are originals.

You will do well with that Boker. However, what's more important than its looks is learning to use it. There is learning curve, and you will only learn by using it. Good luck!

A learning curve indeed but what a great adventure.

Ok, now that I think I have narrowed my straight razor choices... Here we go again: Strops... So many choices. One comment was to buy the best strop you can afford... Come on, should a person new to straight razors buy a Mastro Livi strop or one of those fancy $$$ stops...?
Maybe a Tony Miller or an Illinois strop?
What about material.....?
I'm confused again...:-(

I just want something that is good in quality, that performs well and will last.
Any suggestions?
Thanks...

My first strop was a Tony miller and it is the one i have been using for about six years so they do last, the only reason i have another one is because i won it in a raffle but still wanted a new one anyway.

I'm in the same boat, just getting in to str8s. What I have read is to get an inexpensive strop to start as we will probably cut them up. Also seems that 3" is easier to learn on so we don't have to perfect the X stroke to start.

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Originally Posted by luteplayers

I'm in the same boat, just getting in to str8s. What I have read is to get an inexpensive strop to start as we will probably cut them up. Also seems that 3" is easier to learn on so we don't have to perfect the X stroke to start.

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Agree...
On another post they stated:
"I'll suggest RupRazor.com if this is going to be your first strop. They offer a $20 strop called The Filly which is perfect for learning on. You're bound to get a few nicks in a strop when starting, so you might as well get those done on a $20 strop rather than an $80."

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cfbmd

Agree...
On another post they stated:
"I'll suggest RupRazor.com if this is going to be your first strop. They offer a $20 strop called The Filly which is perfect for learning on. You're bound to get a few nicks in a strop when starting, so you might as well get those done on a $20 strop rather than an $80."

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It's just not very attractive..:-(

You might want to consider Tony Miller's vegan strop. It will do the job as well as leather and is much more resistant to nicks and cuts. I think it is an idea first strop (or only strop for that matter). You can get canvas or linen with it, the hardware is top notch and they are not very expensive relative to first rate leather strops. Something to consider.

Thanks everyone for the input and comments ;)

Ok... I'm getting there..

This is what I'm thinking so far:
Razor: Start off with a Boker King Cutter
Strop: Contemplating either a Straight Razor Designs Lynn Abrams Modular Paddle (that way when if I screw up the leather learning how to stop I can just order a replacement leather pad) or his 3" PREMIUM IV English Bridle strop (but maybe this should be the one I get when I learn to strop well).

Question: How many of you guys hone your own razors...?
Because if I'm going to do this... I was contemplating going all the way and also getting the NANIWA Value pack - 5000, 8000 & 12000 Grit stones.

What do you guys think...???

Oh... I almost forgot...since I love DE razors as well...I'm ordering the New Muhle R41 open comb.... anyone have/like that razor?

Wow! You're really going to jump into the deep end with all that awesome gear-find somebody to show you how to use those hones and you'll be set!

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Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

Wow! You're really going to jump into the deep end with all that awesome gear-find somebody to show you how to use those hones and you'll be set!

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Unfortunately, I don't have anyone local to show me.... However, Lynn has many instructional videos...:D
The only thing I'm a bit aprehensive about is learning each of these arts.. Shaving, stropping, honing..etc.... Each has it's own learning curve.

Doc,
Welcome to SRP. That Boker's a beaut, and I have a vintage NOS that's one of my favorite shavers.

The paddle strop is a good idea and several of the gentlemen here make use of them. The modular design is pretty innovative in an otherwise traditional hobby. A great starting point.

If tradition is part of your appeal, you might later consider a 2" horse hide strop from any of the various vendors. The 3" strop is in some ways more novice friendly, but I personally don't care for how wide and clunky they tend to look (personal preference), whereas the 2-2.5" strops are more traditional.

Honing is a worthwhile investment if you are in it for the long haul. However, that decision may be best saved until after you've experienced some successful and gratifying endeavors with the straight. Once you've caught the straight disease you'll have no problems justifying the purchase of hones, and no buyers remorse afterward.

I strongly suggest learning the straight techniques before jumping into honing. There are only so many variables that can be managed at one time, stropping chief among them, then shaving angles, pressure, strokes, etc. (not mentioning those you've already mastered via safety razor wet shaving). Not having the former well founded with experience will cast doubt on your honing outcomes and you will have a harder time finding success in both areas.

That said, already being a wet shaver, it may only take a matter of weeks to get consistently gratifying shaves; thereby paving the way to honing.

Best of luck!

Peace,
Jim

Jim,

Thank you for the comment and advice .... Well said.
I'm looking into 2.5" strops vs a modular paddle... However I like the idea of following a tradition.... In the end I may end up with both and more... Kind of hard to stick with only one.
Like my wife said "why do you need so many shaving creams and razors"... I respond... "Well... Why do you need so many shoes"...:-)
It's self indulging... But I like it... And that's "OK"

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cfbmd

Thanks everyone for the input and comments ;)

Ok... I'm getting there..

This is what I'm thinking so far:
Razor: Start off with a Boker King Cutter
Strop: Contemplating either a Straight Razor Designs Lynn Abrams Modular Paddle (that way when if I screw up the leather learning how to stop I can just order a replacement leather pad) or his 3" PREMIUM IV English Bridle strop (but maybe this should be the one I get when I learn to strop well).

Question: How many of you guys hone your own razors...?
Because if I'm going to do this... I was contemplating going all the way and also getting the NANIWA Value pack - 5000, 8000 & 12000 Grit stones.

What do you guys think...???

Oh... I almost forgot...since I love DE razors as well...I'm ordering the New Muhle R41 open comb.... anyone have/like that razor?

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Cfbmd,

Razor: get whatever you think looks good, but make sure it is professionally honed.

Strop: IMO a paddle strop seemed easier to not mess up and roll the edge of the blade when I first learned to strop, but I like stropping with a hanging strop more. I having shaving almost exclusively with a straight on average of 4-5 days a week for a little over a year. My 1st strop was an SRD Premier leather 3in strop and would recommend it. You are pretty much guaranteed to nick your 1st strop a few times, so I wouldn't go expensive.

Hones: I have read from senior members on here numerous times that it is a good idea to wait a little while before jumping into honing. I would hold off on the hones for a little while, personally. It takes a few months to get the hang of shaving, technique, etc down and by then you will probably need to have it re-honed. I'd send it off to be pro-honed that time and then really pay attention to blade sharpness and feel when it comes back. I waited around 10 months before starting honing my own razors and am glad I did. I was ready by then and had a really good idea of what the honed edge should feel like. It would have been a huge frustration otherwise.

Regards,

JC

Quick note:
I started with a vintage hanging strop I found tucked away in an antique shop (it was in remarkable condition compared to all others I've seen since then). While it was a hanging strop (2.25") I actually learned honing by setting it on the kitchen table and stropping that way. Once I was confident at the table, I hung it from the towel bar in the bathroom and transferred my experience there. So, a hanging strop does not necessarily preclude the learning benefits of a paddle strop.

FWIW

Peace,
Jim