Thread: 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.

I am leaning toward this beauty:

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.

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.
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!

Originally Posted by mainaman

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

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.