Thread: Starter Ebay Razors

Any opinons on these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/GENCO-Expert-str...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kropp-straight-r...QQcmdZViewItem

I am trying to find something suitable to be my first. I think I would like to get a fullow hollow, 5/8, round tip razor. I probably chose to pick up this hobby at the wrong time (read: Money is an issue here).

I'm assuming these blades have a good chance of needing honing? Anyone have experience with this seller's blades?

Also, if anyone has a good (honed) starter blade they are willing to part with for 20-30 dollars, let me know.

Thanks, I can't wait to get started.

Both of these look to be nice condition razors and are likely very good shavers too. The problem is that razors like this are going for over $30 on eBay these days, but I wish you luck with them. Have a look at Bill Ellis' starter refurbs. They come shave ready with no doubt. If all else fails, PM me and I'll send you a loaner to get started.

X

X,

Thanks for the input. I'll keep an eye on them and see if I can grab one.

They both look ok but undoubtedly will need honing to shave with. If your just starting out and you want to get them and use them later when you have the skills or send them out for honing thats fine but I would recommend you buy from one of the vendors here. That way you know you will be getting a shave ready razor.

Learning to use a straight is hard enough and if you read the posts here newbees are struggling and they have to worry about whether the sharpness of the razor is the problem. Thats a factor you should not have to worry about at your stage.

thebigspendur,

Point taken. I'll definitely consider this apporach. Maybe I'll hold off on buying a nicer brush and buy a razor from Bill Ellis instead of getting one from ebay.

Again, thanks.

The seller is a long time member of the original and still active SRP Yahoo forum. His name is Chris Utz and he is a stand up guy. I have never heard of any complaints about him and my transactions with him have been very good.

Both of those razors look good. I would take the Kropp razor.
Send him a message via the "Ask seller a question" option on Ebay and ask him if he will hone the razor for you.

Be sure and mention that you are a member here and your handle.

Well, I ended up not bidding on the Ebay razors, because a fellow member kindly offered to sell me a honed razor. I never did get a reply back from the Ebay seller about honing that one, but I did send the message on the last day of the auction so he may have just not seen it until it was too late.

My razor will be sent out tomorrow, and I ordered a pasted paddle strop from Tony Miller. Oh the excitement!