Thread: First razor on a budget

Originally Posted by Java

I was facing this exact same choice less than a week ago. I decided to go with Whipped Dog. What I get may be ugly, and it may not. But it is guaranteed to shave properly, so I'm not to worried. The tipping point for me was Wallsy82 pointing out that it's not just the shaving, I also have to practice maintaining whatever I start with. Can I really bring myself to start learning to hone with a brand new Boker? Between the facts that Larry hones it, and the shipping is free, I decided to try it. I'll post pictures when it comes in. Congrats joepa150 on ordering your first razor!

Yeah post some pics when you get it. If I like straight shaving, I may pick up a razor from the whipped dog to use as a backup.

I will. Meanwhile until I can get some real money together, I'll be jealous of your Dovo...........

Originally Posted by Java

I will. Meanwhile until I can get some real money together, I'll be jealous of your Dovo...........

Just because yours will not be new, doesn't mean it won't be high quality. It may be higher quality than my Dovo.

Well. I promised, so here we go. I got it on Friday, but haven't had a chance to try it yet. I want to leave plenty of time for that first shave. I got pretty much what I had hoped for; a well made but battle weary old soldier that's is still got some life left in it. Yeah, it's got a big smile, and they are not the original scales, but it's mine.





Sorry about the photos, I really need to build a light box..........

Originally Posted by Java

Well. I promised, so here we go. I got it on Friday, but haven't had a chance to try it yet. I want to leave plenty of time for that first shave. I got pretty much what I had hoped for; a well made but battle weary old soldier that's is still got some life left in it. Yeah, it's got a big smile, and they are not the original scales, but it's mine.





Sorry about the photos, I really need to build a light box..........

DUDE! You got a Puma. I hear great things about those. You got a very nice blade from Larry, especially for $41.

I got mine in from Larry as well. Turns out its a JA Henckels Twin Works, made in Solingen, Germany, which I have seen good things about. There's a lot of black patina on the blade, but overall it's in good shape and has a sharp edge. I took some Mothers polish to it and made it look even better. Larry informed me I could take some steel wool and remove it all if I wanted, just said to make sure I tape the edge first so it isn't ruined in the process. Overall I'm extremely pleased with my purchase. So much in fact I sent him my Wade and Butcher to be honed, and ordered two vintage razor cases for both the W&B and the Henckels for proper storage. A+ guy.

I do hope to give SRD a shot someday as well, I just didn't have a ton of funds to buy a brand new blade starting out. Since Lynn co-owns SRD, I'm sure it's a great vendor choice.

I don't know much about straight razors yet, but I do know cutlery, so I'm familiar with Puma. I'm a little jealous of you, though. JA Henkels are a favorite of mine. I bought a set of their kitchen knives when I got married - 28 years ago - and I still wouldn't trade them for anything.

Originally Posted by Java

I don't know much about straight razors yet, but I do know cutlery, so I'm familiar with Puma. I'm a little jealous of you, though. JA Henkels are a favorite of mine. I bought a set of their kitchen knives when I got married - 28 years ago - and I still wouldn't trade them for anything.

I finally got around to taking a good pic of the Henckels. Here it is:



That's after cleaning it up a good bit with some scrubbing and polish (Mothers). I like it as-is now and will not be removing anymore of the patina. I just love the old rustic look it has. It shaves beautifully. I bet if you keep a close eye on the 'bay, you'll find one in even better condition than mine for fairly cheap. Also, if you hit up Larry, he may have another one he could sell you. Who knows.

I still think Java was a bit more lucky than I was with receiving a Puma as a sight unseen, as Pumas to be more sought after than Henckels according to what I can tell in my limited experience, but I am still more than happy with the Henckels I received, and will probably never sell it.

EDIT: Did a quick search on eBay, and there's TONS of Henckels going for excellent prices. Find one you like and try and get it!