Thread: Brand new Shaver

to start with a sharp razor is all that is needed. there are only a handful of companies making straights theses days, Boker, Thiers-Issard, Dovo... they all have various levels of "bling" available but you only NEED a razor that will hold an edge.

Custom razors can be very original looking but can get expensive.


I know sometimes you need to have a razors that looks great but you can often get 5-10 good looking ones that shave as well or better for the same price.
when you are just starting out try for the common ones you most likely will have to try several sizes and grind styles before you decide what feels the best on your face and in your hand. then you can start worrying about the dream razor but in all honesty you will them find other dream razors you need and soon you will be needing a 12 step program for your RAD(razor acquisition disorder.

I'm shocked that a Krieger was capable of gouging a Norton a flat surface and some wet/dry sandpaper and it will be like new start around 200grit stop at 600.

jim

Thanks Jim. I don't think it was the blade that guaged the stone I think it was a piece of debris that fell on it and I didn't notice it. So what is the need for more than one straight razor? I noticed cases for a few and wondered why not just have one. As for the perfect razor I want to put it on display for the ladies HAHAHAHA I may never actually use the nice custom one hahaha

And how much am I looking to spend on a beginners shave ready razor?

Multiple razors are nice so that if you need to ship your razor to get it honed you still have others to use and also, because it tends to happen, if you ding a razor on the faucet while shaving stropping a backup razor and finishing the shave is easier than fixing the razor before finishing the shave.

a brand new shave ready razor starts around $80 and goes up to around $300 from one of many fine vendors, look around some may offer special deals like a certificate for a free honing or a military/veteran discount.

you can also find great deals from time to time in the classifieds sometimes for vintage shave ready razors for as little as $35 granted that at that price it may not be the most beautiful and shiny razor but it will get the job done.

there are also vendors that specialize in inexpensive razors and strops for the folks who are just wanting to start out and need a sharp razor, sometimes these are really ugly but are free of rust and ready to shave with.

Keep in mind that you should also have a decent brush, soap or cream and you must have a strop. if your kriegar came with a "strop" you will need a real one. most of the strops you see with kriegar razors are almost as good as the razor.

your budget and personal taste are the main things to consider after you decide on a shave ready razor.

I tend to suggest that people enter the realm of straight shaving with less than $150 in initial outlay that way if anything gets damaged or ruined you are not out a whole lot of cash.

enjoy,
jim