Thread: Marianna straight razor

Before diving in 100$ and head first i wanted to see what all the buzz on straight razors was about. I went to sallys and told them i wanted a cheap straight razor to try. They gave me a marianna #01300 and a pack of blades. I tried it. It freaking ate my face up. Bleeding like a stuck pig... My question, is this what i should expect from a Dovo or Ralf Aust for 150$ or when i purchase a decent razor will it make all the difference in the world. Im a little concerned now about diving in with this experience. The blades were just like long razor blades and it seemed to shave my whiskers and two layers of skin. All i can think is u get what u pay for and the $150 razor will be another world but i cant be for sure. Please help!!

It's like any other hobby. It takes a while to get good at it. Even with a proper straight razor there's learning curve.
Learning the proper angle while shaving, stretching your skin, stropping the blade (Yes, you'll need a strop too...) and even building a good lather can take a bit of time.

Now, i've never used the one you speak of, but I assume it's like a "Shavette" A straight with disposable blades. They can be harsh.

Why not pick up something cheap from the classifieds. Ask the member if it's shave ready.
I'd try that before jumping in and dropping a bunch of money.

Yikes! Check out some of the informational videos on this site and/or on youtube. You should be doing just you cheek(s) first to get the feel of the right pressure, angle etc. I think as long as you buy a good SR you shouldn't loose too much $ if it doesn't work out, Good luck with yur new hobby!

If your only experience is with multiblade cart razors it is a whole different ball game with shavettes or real straights even. They are unforgiving of poor technique and demand a good lather too. Sorry your first experience was so unpleasant.

Bob

+1 to the advice given by zib.

Many of us have been down the same path you have started on. Careful, it is addictave but lots of fun in a frustrating way.

Sunbird

First and foremost,wellcome to SRP.Go back to the way you used to shave for the time being.
Read the many articals on this site,learn about beginning SR shaveing.
You have a steep learning curve to not just using a SR but also proper prep.This will not come in a few days.
Learn to walk before you try to run.

I have been researching and watching videos for months after i found my grandfathers aramis mug and his rooney brush. What im hearing from some of you is a 10$ razor from sallys will shave as well as a 300 Thiers. If this is the case lll stick with my 10$ razor and practice. I get the feeling this is not the case otherwise you guys would all buy 10$ blade packs. I practice and pratice on ballons etc but the dang 10$ blade ate me up. Just asking whether a 150$ dovo is worth it or should i stay with 10$ 100 packs of blades.... I would think from a few responces theres a world of difference and other responces lead me to believe why spend the money. Which is it?

Originally Posted by Mbike01

I have been researching and watching videos for months after i found my grandfathers aramis mug and his rooney brush. What im hearing from some of you is a 10$ razor from sallys will shave as well as a 300 Thiers. If this is the case lll stick with my 10$ razor and practice. I get the feeling this is not the case otherwise you guys would all buy 10$ blade packs. I practice and pratice on ballons etc but the dang 10$ blade ate me up. Just asking whether a 150$ dovo is worth it or should i stay with 10$ 100 packs of blades.... I would think from a few responces theres a world of difference and other responces lead me to believe why spend the money. Which is it?

Mike,
a shavette style is less forgiving than a traditional straight.
An extra hollow is less forgiving than a wedge.
If you really want it, invest and take the time, it will not disappoint.
If you are after a quick fix, it is not the answer.
I am just over two years in, I started with a shavette style.


It was a small learning curve coming to a traditional straight, it was also a learning curve although small between blade style and makes.
I do not regret the journey nor the investment, but a speedy way to a close and comfortable shave well that s beyond what I can promise.

Originally Posted by Mbike01

I have been researching and watching videos for months after i found my grandfathers aramis mug and his rooney brush. What im hearing from some of you is a 10$ razor from sallys will shave as well as a 300 Thiers. If this is the case lll stick with my 10$ razor and practice. I get the feeling this is not the case otherwise you guys would all buy 10$ blade packs. I practice and pratice on ballons etc but the dang 10$ blade ate me up. Just asking whether a 150$ dovo is worth it or should i stay with 10$ 100 packs of blades.... I would think from a few responces theres a world of difference and other responces lead me to believe why spend the money. Which is it?

Buy a $60 shave ready razor of the SRP Classifieds,If truley shave ready it will not shave any better than a $300 TI.
Than take it from there,you want a quik fix and quik answers,Is not going to happen.

The library section of this site has a lot of info and you might find this of interest First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Wiki. A lot of the videos on straight razor shaving make it look deceptively easy and it is not. Give yourself about 6 months to learn how to get a decent shave with a straight as there is a lt to learn and many variables to sort out. It is not rocket science but it takes time build up the right combination of skill sets.

You have got a shavette so why not put the effort into getting a good shave from it first and then decide if you want to try a straight.

Bob