Thread: Choices for beginners-your equipment.

Originally Posted by bobski

G'day Ed, Have a look at Star Shaving. They are the mob in the US that sell the new Geissen & Forsthoff razors for under $100. What they also have is very attractive 3 inch double sided strops, either English bridle or black Latigo, 2nd side being a felt/wool. They are less than $50 bucks. Maybe not as pretty as the Dovo or the SRD, but they are good, work, and the price makes them a feasible purchase in Australia, just have a look, starshaving.com

Regards Bob

Those are some inexpensive razors at Star Shaving. Are they actually considered to be good razors for the long haul?

Originally Posted by Smyth

Those are some inexpensive razors at Star Shaving. Are they actually considered to be good razors for the long haul?

Oh, I do see they are not honed/shave ready.

Originally Posted by Smyth

Oh, I do see they are not honed/shave ready.

True, they are not shave ready. Neither are Dovo's. In fact from my observations, the Ebay vendor rspe7027 is the only non manufacturer who can claim to sell shave ready razors in Australia. I own 1 of the G & F razors from star shaving. They take a lot of work to get a good edge, but once there it's a nice shave, as to it's longevity, who knows. I've had one for a year a 6/8 bone handle, shaves great but took time and effort to get it right, but once right it stays that way. There are many who just say, 'chuck it' to these cheapies, but for a starter, a great opportunity to have a razor to hone, that isn't a $400 razor. patience for this one, but check out their strops.
Bobski

Star shaving sell the hand America crox paste pretty cheap too. A bottle of it will last forever

Originally Posted by bobski

Secret is to use this forum as a tool to guide you along the journey. If you get hooked, well good for you. People collect spoons, we collect razors, at least we use our razors, and I take enormous pride at the state of my razors and my hones. I seek out advice and direction from all our members. It's a fact though, no matter who tells you, this will be unlikely to save you money. The answer though is it gives you satisfaction, enjoyment, learning a skill that is limited to older times as the artisan barber. I won't admit what I have spent, other than to say, welcome to a great part of your life. Could have blown it in the pub or the poker machines! Enjoy.To continue the thread add your views on starting packages and costs

Regards Bobski

Bob, I apologize for cutting so much of your very informative post out. I just wanted to cut to the chase so to speak.

For years now, I've said that collecting, razors, hones, strops, soaps, bowls, scuttles etc is a HOBBY!

Using, and maintaining a straight razor is a WAY OF LIFE!! End of Story.

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Bob, I apologize for cutting so much of your very informative post out. I just wanted to cut to the chase so to speak.

For years now, I've said that collecting, razors, hones, strops, soaps, bowls, scuttles etc is a HOBBY!

Using, and maintaining a straight razor is a WAY OF LIFE!! End of Story.

No worries, I agree, it's part of my day, many like cars, but few have a dozen in their driveway! I love my brushes and creams, and all associated with this 'hobby'. I also have a styptic pencil.....point taken....heheheh

Thanks Bob

Originally Posted by bobski

True, they are not shave ready. Neither are Dovo's. In fact from my observations, the Ebay vendor rspe7027 is the only non manufacturer who can claim to sell shave ready razors in Australia. I own 1 of the G & F razors from star shaving. They take a lot of work to get a good edge, but once there it's a nice shave, as to it's longevity, who knows. I've had one for a year a 6/8 bone handle, shaves great but took time and effort to get it right, but once right it stays that way. There are many who just say, 'chuck it' to these cheapies, but for a starter, a great opportunity to have a razor to hone, that isn't a $400 razor. patience for this one, but check out their strops.
Bobski

Just to be sure, I wasn't criticizing them for it, just noting that it accounted for some of the other sites being more expensive. But they do look like nice razors. Of course, what the hell do I know!?

Originally Posted by Smyth

Just to be sure, I wasn't criticizing them for it, just noting that it accounted for some of the other sites being more expensive. But they do look like nice razors. Of course, what the hell do I know!?

The G&F razors are on our 'razors to avoid' list for a good reason. Brands of Straight Razors to Avoid - Straight Razor Place Library
The average noob can't hone them & sending them out will result in a higher than normal fee to correct them, making the total price similar to a better made razor. It is a case of you get what you pay for. Of course if it's your goal to learn about poor razor geometry & teach yourself to make an edge from scratch, have at it.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

The G&F razors are on our 'razors to avoid' list for a good reason. Brands of Straight Razors to Avoid - Straight Razor Place Library
The average noob can't hone them & sending them out will result in a higher than normal fee to correct them, making the total price similar to a better made razor. It is a case of you get what you pay for. Of course if it's your goal to learn about poor razor geometry & teach yourself to make an edge from scratch, have at it.

Well, no, that's not my goal. I was just making an observation, and acknowledging my dearth of razor acumen. When I dive in, I'll be playing it safe.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

The G&F razors are on our 'razors to avoid' list for a good reason. Brands of Straight Razors to Avoid - Straight Razor Place Library
The average noob can't hone them & sending them out will result in a higher than normal fee to correct them, making the total price similar to a better made razor. It is a case of you get what you pay for. Of course if it's your goal to learn about poor razor geometry & teach yourself to make an edge from scratch, have at it.

Agree oz,

I only mention it as an opportunity for people who would want to learn honing, gives them an idea of what is ahead. If it was their 1st razor, the point is moot. But if nanna gives him a hundred year old ivory scaled beauty, I'd hate to see the poor fella butcher the thing....lol

As always, enjoy the banter,

Bob