Some Help Needed....gift for husband

[caname]

My husband has decided he wants to join the world of straight razors and has asked for one for Christmas. I not knowing anything about straight razors found this site in my research. Could someone suggest what type of razor to buy for a beginner. I do not want the most expensive razor but something that will work well. I have looked online at the classifieds and found the Geneva Pyramid 5/8 round point that looks nice. Would this be a good razor to use? Any suggestions out there?
Thanks so much in advance

[tiddle]

Yes, that will make a fine razor, and since you are getting it from our members it will be ready to go out of the box. Check straight razor designs for a latigo 3" strop; he will need to strop before every shave. Also you both should go to the search box and look at the razors to avoid page, these are cheap for a reason, and are best avoided. I would also suggest getting Lynn abrams dvd the world of straight razor shaving. It,s got a lot of good stuff for the new person, and can be bought from the same site.

[10Pups]

My husband has decided he wants to join the world of straight razors and has asked for one for Christmas. I not knowing anything about straight razors found this site in my research. Could someone suggest what type of razor to buy for a beginner. I do not want the most expensive razor but something that will work well. I have looked online at the classifieds and found the Geneva Pyramid 5/8 round point that looks nice. Would this be a good razor to use? Any suggestions out there?
Thanks so much in advance

Oh the Google gods are with you. You landed in the right place. I just recently started to use a straight razor and I get the best honest answers here that have helped me along the way. I might add that you will look back someday and think this is the best present you got. The straight razor shave makes my face look and feel better than it ever has. You like smoooooth don't you ? :<0)

[caname]

Thanks for the suggestions. This site is definitely a great site and I will make sure he checks it out. I will definitely be giving him the DVD...he is going to need all the help he can get. Unfortunately the Geneva Pyramid 5/8 round point sold, I guess I was too slow. What is really confusing me are all the different brands and the size and shape of the blade. I don't know what size and shape is ideal for a beginner.
From what I am hearing for all of you (thank you) I need to purchase a strop and a hone. Any other essentials I need to purchase as well?
Thanks again

[10Pups]

Thanks for the suggestions. This site is definitely a great site and I will make sure he checks it out. I will definitely be giving him the DVD...he is going to need all the help he can get. Unfortunately the Geneva Pyramid 5/8 round point sold, I guess I was too slow. What is really confusing me are all the different brands and the size and shape of the blade. I don't know what size and shape is ideal for a beginner.
From what I am hearing for all of you (thank you) I need to purchase a strop and a hone. Any other essentials I need to purchase as well?
Thanks again

To me the whole experience at the sink includes a brush and soap, something to put it in. Nice sharp razor and a strop. A hone to me is another can of worms. Eventually he will need one but it may be best to let him research that on his own. How long till his birthday :<0). 5/8 round point sounds like a good start. The rest is a matter of experience and personal taste. It sounds like this is not going to be a big surprise so maybe get him to, or, catch him looking at razors to see what he thinks looks cool. Brand only matters if you buy one that is on the avoid at all cost list. I got a real cheap beginner set (40 bucks) and trashed the razor, cut the strop in half learning, and had to rebuild the brush the first week. Just buy him what you think looks good and smells good, he will take it from there. Just stand behind him with a styptic pencil and smile.

[Hirlau]

10Pups gave you some good advice. I just looked in our classified section & there are several choices for you. Pricing is really your only consideration. They will all, shave just fine. Have it honed by the person selling it, if they cannot, then on to one that offers to make it shave ready for you.

[cpcohen1945]

. . . What is really confusing me are all the different brands and the size and shape of the blade. I don't know what size and shape is ideal for a beginner.
From what I am hearing for all of you (thank you) I need to purchase a strop and a hone. Any other essentials I need to purchase as well?
Thanks again

Razor and leather strop are absolutely required.

Shaving brush and shaving soap are very useful. You can start simple (and cheap) at the local pharmacy.

He _does not_ need a hone if the razor is bought "shave-ready" -- that is, hand-honed by the seller. Honing and shaving are two different skills. You can't learn to hone until you learn to shave -- you won't know what "sharp" means.

Any razor with width 5/8" - 6/8", and a round point (rather than "square point") will do nicely.

Straight Razor Designs (and other vendors) has kits that include a hand-honed Dovo "Best Quality" razor, strop, brush, and soap. All of them will be good quality items. I have one of their Dovo's, and it's plenty good enough for _any_ shaver.

Depending on your budget, you may want to visit Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment which specializes in low-cost vintage razors and associated gear.

. . . Charles

PS -- too bad about the Geneva. They're nice blades.