Thread: Life-long razor for <$100?

Hi all,

Since Perth, Australia does not offer such an elaborate choice of razors to choose from (those being available priced at over $200AUD) and the interwebs vastly cheaper and offering more options - I have turned to the eBay in search of my first straight.

After reading this forum, I was warded away from the BG Buckingham & Sons Cherry Pakka, Half-hollow, paper-re-inforced 'bread knife' moments before sending my hard-earned cash their way.

After reading up about the dos/don'ts I purchased a Hen & Rooster (Spanish distributed) razor for around $40. My conception of this brand is that it does have some quality background in Germany and has changed hands a number of times. I'm aware this blade will not be to German standards, however hopefully it will last a while as a learning razor (Perhaps a little longer).

Item link:
Hen Rooster and Fire Mist Green Corelon Straight Razor Pocket Knife Knives | eBay

I am in the market for a decent straight razor which will last longer than me and maybe even be able to be passed on.
Problems with this include both my terribly low budget and me not being able to see in person what I'm going to be purchasing.

This razor has to be of good quality and meet the following specifications:
<$100 (or $150 Quality German steel)
5/8"
Full hollow or half hollow
Black or wooden (not faux or plastic) scales
New (Preferably)
Shave ready

If you could list some reputable brands, it would be a good start in my search for a quality blade.
I know this is a bit of an ask, but with the mining industry big in Perth everything is much more than it needs to be in terms of cost - especially for a 19-year-old, living-from-home, minimum wage hospitality worker.

I was looking at Gold Dollar (for the cost), but again, this is something I'd like to keep forever and ever. Dovo seem just beyond my price range, however I suppose i'd be willing to fork out up to $150 if it was of upmost quality.

I'd appreciate any recommendations for straights or comments about the Spanish H&R razor I purchased/how I am going about beginning/how I should be going about beginning.

Attached is my not-so-descriptive picture of the Spanish H&R.

Ta,
Steve.

There are probably too many brands to list and frankly, given your desires, it might be unnecessarily limiting to go by brand names. Take a look in the classifieds here at SRP and you'll find a few that might fit your requirements. And if not today, check again tomorrow.

Avoid temptation to buy a Gold Dollar... your face will thank you.

to be honest i would see if you can get a refund for that razor before you use it

+1 on keep looking in classifieds here

Dude, right here in classifieds: Frederick Reynolds Straight Razor w/ Case - Straight Razor Place Classifieds
It has a bit of a smile and spine wear, however is vintage, has what looks like horn scales and fits within your budget.

FRs are a little hard to hone, but Sheffield folks know what they were doing - it's a good razor.

Welcome to SRP. We have a number of members in your neck of the woods who you might contact for tips on where to find a razor in Australia. Check out this forum and maybe post in introduction or PM a senior member ; Down under

The Hen & Rooster you linked to was made in Spain and from what I've read is a "Hen & Rooster" in name only. It is not a "good" razor and does not compare to the Solingen made version. Keep in mind I'm only going by what I've read and not from personal experience with the Spanish H&Rs. I have a couple of Solingens that are great. No help there but just saying.

Yes, another +1 on the classifieds here. It's like eBay but you get a trusted source, and it's usually shave ready. And some smoking prices...
And new a Dovo/Ralf Aust can be had for around $80, but that's plastic scales. You can always do scales yourself at a later date. Or I believe you can just buy replacement wood scales for pretty cheap. Good luck!

Myself, I'm looking at Revisor razors (Home). They start well within your budget, you would only have to get it honed, but there are plenty people in Australia willing to do that for you.

Good luck on your search!

Beyond used razors I would also try to find out what razors people are NOT selling. In other words the Keepers. For example, I will never sell my Dovo Best Quality razors. Now, if they would only become in stock once again. They are very plain, cheap for what you get and will last 2 lifetimes. More importantly, if you were blindfolded and shaved by a barber with one that is properly honed and stropped but told this was a _________(fill in the blank with a fancy schmancy $800+ razor) - you would believe it.

Originally Posted by 1holegrouper

Beyond used razors I would also try to find out what razors people are NOT selling. In other words the Keepers. For example, I will never sell my Dovo Best Quality razors. Now, if they would only become in stock once again. They are very plain, cheap for what you get and will last 2 lifetimes. More importantly, if you were blindfolded and shaved by a barber with one that is properly honed and stropped but told this was a _________(fill in the blank with a fancy schmancy $800+ razor) - you would believe it.

Is that the best quality you've mentioned? Amazon.com: Dovo Best Quality, Full Hollow Carbon Steel, 5/8", Black Handle: Health & Personal Care

Originally Posted by olbez

Is that the best quality you've mentioned? Amazon.com: Dovo Best Quality, Full Hollow Carbon Steel, 5/8", Black Handle: Health & Personal Care

Yes. That's it. I prefer the 6/8 size though.