Thread: are cheap razors in the classifieds section good enough?

So, i literally know nothing about using straight razors, but i want to get one to play around with and probably open up a damn artery. are the blades priced $15-$30 in the classifieds here too poor to give me a good idea of what i'm getting into? i know i'll be buying a more expensive blade later, so i really hate to pay more than necessary now. Thanks!

Welcome to SRP. Take a good look at the pictures. Note that the seller says it is shave ready. If you just bite the bullet and go for an entry level new dovo, shave ready, you'll not have to worry about it. Used from the classifieds is 9 times out of 10 fine but SRP doesn't guarantee the sales in the classifieds.

the classifieds here are much better than Ebay for a beginner. however, things a beginner should look for in the classifieds are good feedback and a shave ready razor (by the way what is shave ready for you is not necessarilythe same for me) if you have a tough beard itwill be worth it to pm the seller and ask. minor rust and patina are not deal beakers if you are trying out but many disagree with me there.

also be looking for a strop and take a trip to Walmart and get a vanderhagen bowl and brush can cream is not wet enough for sr shaving. shave with the bowl and brush while waiting for the razor to arrive as having good lather is important

finally read the beginner section its got tons of stuff

I would agree with Jim, go with a new Dovo that's shave ready, you can get a new for 80 bucks. Try vintagebladesLLc.com.

Using an iPhone I'm not tempted by the Classifieds. It doesn't access them!(:-(

i should also say i agree with Jimmy if i had the money i would go dovo or even a new Boker. of course this is coming from a razor addict that knows he likes shaving with an sr.

but you say your willing to invest in a better blade later. do it now and you will have a better experience. i found this out the hard way

Originally Posted by Johnus

Using an iPhone I'm not tempted by the Classifieds. It doesn't access them!(:-(

Another reason to switch to the galaxy S-3

if money is tight, a sight unseen deal from Whipped Dog is a good introduction and is how I started. The razor wasn't pretty, but it was sharp and gave me plenty of good shaves. I've since moved on to much nicer razors now that I know I enjoy straights, but it was a cheap way for me to get razor, strop, Balsa w/CrOx and some neatsfoot oil all in one package.

Welcome, read as much as you can in the forum & take Jimmy's advice on the Dovo.
Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Hirlau and Jimmy give you good advice along with the others. And you can certainly "open up a damn artery" with a cheap razor provided it is sharp enough. : ) Welcome to SRP.

My iPhone 4 accesses our classifieds without issue and without tal a talk.