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.

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.

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.

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."

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."

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.