Thread: Advice on Buying First Razor

Hi. I just discovered this site and this forum. I'd like to buy my first straight razor, but there are so many options out there I don't really know where to start. I'd like to spend under $200, and I've read that it is better if the razor is high carbon-, rather than stainless-steel. Can anyone suggest just a basic razor, no frills, for a good shave, something that will last a long time? Or what to look for in a catalogue? This goes for strops too, I suppose. Thanks for your help.
Josh

I too am new.

I have spent way more money than I should have and if I were to do it again I would get

a razor from Lynn http://straightrazorpalace.com/compo...d,23/catid,12/

a two or four sided paddle strop from tony:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/compo...d,23/catid,20/

a tweezerman badger brush
http://store.yahoo.com/beautyrose/twdeshbrform.html

soap, styptic, and barber towels from
http://www.classicshaving.com

Use a cup or bowl from the kitchen

That would leave you well under $200, you could then spend more on a better brush or a hanging strop or a second razor or norton water hone from classicshaving.

Have fun.

Welcome Josh:

I'd recommend getting a razor from one of the members here. Many people have a couple of extra razors, hell I've even got one or two "seconds" around myself. If you're talking about spending $200 on a razor you should visit the "Gear For Sale" in the User Gallery. You'll find every bit the quality for 1/4 the price there. Of course, you might just discover the 'enchanted' razors available for 4x the price too. You'll notice the strops from Tony Miller as well. They look nice. Some of the members actually have sites of their own so check the Links too. Hold off on the Files for a few days if you can. You'll be busy enough with all the reading you've got there.

X

Well that can be a tough question because it has alot to do with you personally. If your just looking to try this thing and may or may not stick with it I'd check the razors being sold by members here. You can get a good deal on vintage and if you decide to not stick with it you won't be out that much. On the other hand if your sure you will stick with it I would buy a TI new. You can get a nice razor in your price range. Classic Shaving has quite a collection. I would get a 5/8s Carbon Steel. You will never go wrong with one of those razors and they usually shave pretty decent out of the box. later you can experiment with other sizes and materials. As you read the files here on this site and learn more about this art you can go with the legendary names and other sizes if you've a mind to.

As far as strops go I'd either get one off the classic shave site also or from one of the vendors here. They are all quality products.

Josh -
I would agree with the advice to buy a vintage razor from a member.
My experience has been with Lynn, from whom I've bought a number of razors. You can get an excellent razor in the $40-50 range and spend some money on a good strop, brush, soap or creme etc. Again, somebody like Lynn is glad to help.

There is nothing wrong with starting with a new TI if money is no object. But I prefer my older shavers that I got from Lynn to my 5/8 TI from Ray, even though all have been honed by Lynn. In fact, if you have to have the new TI, contact me and I'll sell you mine. I really do prefer the vintage razors in general. They will shave as well as anything out there. A new razor is not sure, perhaps even likely, to be sharp enough to use out of the box.

Another route to go is to start with a Feather Artist Club razor from Ray at ClassicShaving.com with the guarded blades. Ray will tell you all about them. They use disposable blades and are wicked sharp - maybe too sharp. But they are very convenient, relatively safe with the guard blades, don't need stropping, and will always be good for travel.

Read all you can about prep and technique, since that is where it is at once you have a decent sharp razor.

Bob

Thanks for the advice guys.

Josh, take a look in the Gallery-Gear for Sale folder, or www.classicshaving.com or www.straight-razors-and-stuff.com . You cannot go wrong with any of the suggestions so far. Just stay away from Ebay for the time being.

Hope this helps,

Josh,

Ebay seller Altima55 has some nice shavers currently listed. They are all shave ready. Any of the ones he is selling would be a good bet for a first razor.

Hal