Thread: input on a good beginners straight

for my bday my mom got me a starter kit from Vintage Custom Straight Razors And Honing Services for 60 bucks ( this is the razor in the kit vintagestraightrazor.com/product/Pakka-Wood-Straight-Razor.html. Vintage Straight Razor | Pakka Wood Straight Razor | VintageStraightRazor.com). Ive been watching the classifieds on here and would like some input on a good first straight. ive had a full beard for over a year now and as i decided to shave again i would like to start this hobby. i just cut my beard this morning and had my barber give me a shave. any and all input will be appreciated.

Welcome to SRP!
Your mom's intentions were good so display that razor. virtually any shave ready razor will do, most of the ones sold in the classifieds are ready but read the ad carefully to make sure. besides the classifieds you have the option of new razors from reputable vendors, you have seen their ads on here. then perhaps try the folks in the vendors corner and also Larry at whippeddog, the blades there are not always pretty but they are sharp.

enjoy,
jim

I bought a Dovo Best Quality, shaves well and not too expensive. I have found it a great razor to practice shaving/honing with. The two other razors I have were more expensive and although shave ready I will not put them near a hone until I am sure that I can hone perfectly every time. The Dovo also shaves nicely.

Russell

One thing I rarely see recommended to new guys is a vintage wedge. Granted, I don't recall seeing any in the classifieds at the moment. However, if you can find a Wade and Butcher wedge, it might be worth looking in to. I find that they are very forgiving and deliver an awesome, smooth shave. Honing one is another thing as they seem to be more difficult. Get some other opinions as well, but I feel that if I started out with a wedge, I would have progressed faster. I love a heavy grind.

Im looking at the sight unseen straights on whipped dog and a dubl duck here on the classifieds. Im trying to find a cheaper one to start with. Thanks for the input so far it a little bit hard to decide with all the options there are.

I see several under $100 that look like good options.

Originally Posted by Krusty01

I bought a Dovo Best Quality, shaves well and not too expensive. I have found it a great razor to practice shaving/honing with. The two other razors I have were more expensive and although shave ready I will not put them near a hone until I am sure that I can hone perfectly every time. The Dovo also shaves nicely.

Russell

I too started with a Dovo Best quality.. Loved it.. It's what i would recommend for the price too.. Usually have those in the classifieds.. Cheers

Originally Posted by fordfreak

for my bday my mom got me a starter kit from Vintage Custom Straight Razors And Honing Services for 60 bucks ( this is the razor in the kit //www.vintagestraightrazor.com/product/FR-HCSRPW01/Pakka-Wood-Straight-Razor.html]Vintage]Vintage Straight Razor | Pakka Wood Straight Razor | VintageStraightRazor.comStraight Razor | Pakka Wood Straight Razor | VintageStraightRazor.com). as i have read many hours on razors/shaveing i have read lots of bad reveiws on this site as cheap crap that no one should use. ive been watching the classifieds on here and would like some input on a good first straight. ive had a full beard for over a year now and as i decided to shave again i would like to start this hobby. i just cut my beard this morning and had my barber give me a shave. any and all input will be appreciated.

Just like to point out that you have 2 links to 2 different sellers in your post. The first is our own Max Sprecher but the 2nd is the one of dubious quality.

Yeah Top link =Lucky Dog. 2nd Link is where I got my first. Hey it looked good ! Stupid me bought an 80 dollar hone trying to fix it. If I would have stopped there I wouldn't be a happy shaver today. Did you get a kit with the strop and soap and brush ? If so all you need is a razor that will hone and stay sharp. Best to buy one from what you hear in these forums. e-bay is another learning curve, believe me.
Anything SHARP, focus on that and decide how much. Then you have a good shot at doing well without problems. I think Mom will be happy with just the beard gone :<0). Mine was.

Yea she got me the kit strop, brush, bowl, and soap. As i get paid tomorrow ill be buying one off the classifieds. And i ment no offense to max and his site. I had a duck dynasty beard i think i took close to 7 to 8 inchs off my face.