Thread: Looking for first time razor - anyone heard of Imperial uk?

Hi

I am new to the forum and also to straight razor shaving. By which I mean I haven't started yet!

I was looking around trying to work out what would be the best buy for a first razor. I don't want to spend too much on it until I know it's right for me.

One I found on ebay seems like really good value:

Imperial UK - SHAVING STRAIGHT CUT THROAT RAZOR + STROP on eBay (end time 07-May-10 04:22:20 BST)

but I can't find any information on the brand and therefore can't work out if it's trustworthy!

I would really appreciate some suggestions!

I have never seen one by Imperial, but you get what you pay for, I wouldn't want to take a chance, however, like I said I have no expierience with this brand.

Hi, and welcome this might help you. I have never heard of the razor your asking about. But you might post your question with the link about that razor in the "Razors" forum. Someone there Im sure could further help you.

Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki
What makes a good starter razor?


Dovo Best Quality 6/8

• Size = 6/8 A wider blade is easier to keep flat on the strop, which is very important for a beginner. 6/8 is also dead center on the size chart, so you can decide which direction to go on your second razor. Finally, it has some heft for those less than confident first strokes, and is still easy to handle.
• Grind = Half hollow Again dead center on the chart, so you can decide which direction to go after your first razor. A half hollow grind offers enough heft for beginner shaving, yet also has some flexibility for comfort.
• Point = Round point. A round point is a little safer, anyway, not a lot but every little bit helps at first.

Buy either from one of the reputable vendors listed on SRP or go to the classifieds and buy from one of our members. Until you know something about razors why take a chance. Learn the skills with something you can trust and later you can experiment, there is a learning curve ahead of you and you cant learn without the proper tools.

Originally Posted by Brando

Hi, and welcome this might help you. I have never heard of the razor your asking about. But you might post your question with the link about that razor in the "Razors" forum. Someone there Im sure could further help you.

Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki
What makes a good starter razor?



Dovo Best Quality 6/8

• Size = 6/8 A wider blade is easier to keep flat on the strop, which is very important for a beginner. 6/8 is also dead center on the size chart, so you can decide which direction to go on your second razor. Finally, it has some heft for those less than confident first strokes, and is still easy to handle.
• Grind = Half hollow Again dead center on the chart, so you can decide which direction to go after your first razor. A half hollow grind offers enough heft for beginner shaving, yet also has some flexibility for comfort.
• Point = Round point. A round point is a little safer, anyway, not a lot but every little bit helps at first.

I agree dovo best all the way. They shave as good as any blade 4 times the cost. I have one. they give a great shave

I have also been trying to find info on that brand, unsucessfully, but have taken the attitude that if it seems too good to be true it probably is.

I find it interesting that some women are interested in straight razor shaving. I was doing some searching to see if there are any razors specifically marketed towards women. This is the only one I could find:

Gift Sets & Gift Ideas

What do the gals think?

Originally Posted by altshaver

I find it interesting that some women are interested in straight razor shaving. I was doing some searching to see if there are any razors specifically marketed towards women. This is the only one I could find:

Gift Sets & Gift Ideas

What do the gals think?

Very interesting! That is the first that I have seen advertised as being for the ladies. Being a shorter blade 4/8 round point is a good size for us.

Thanks for pointing this out

+2 to Nun2sharp! Invest in a good razor up front to get a true feel for shaving with a straight. Believe me it is worth it! A bad razor will invariably yield bad results, but you will think the problem is with straight razors. When I started running I bought a "a pair of running shoes" for $40. These gave me hip and knee problems. I thought it was me getting older. I invested in the right shoes for my feet and style (only about $69). No problems! Miraculous? No, just plain smart. You can find a good razor here for less than $90. Invest the time (to read and watch the videos) and money (on a razor and strop). You'll thank yourself for it later, trust me!

...case in point!
5/8 Adler - Straight Razor Place Classifieds