Thread: New to straight razors

Hi,
My name is Andrew and I've recently decided I want to begin shaving with a straight razor. My barber usually does a cleanup with a straight razor after a haircut and I think it's awesome! I'm looking to purchase my first razor and was wondering if anyone could give some feedback to the website straightrazors.com. They have a beginner razor for sale that has a rounded tip, high carbon steel, hand honed and shave ready.They say the blades are vintage blades that are hand selected and professionally restored. They are estate blades and not "new old stock." Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

Welcome to SRp ! There are a lot of wolves out there.

I would look in the classifieds first. Sold by guys in here with a name to protect :<0) Also the vendors and advertised sites are reputable.

Welcome to the forum Andrew! 10 pups is on the money with that advice. Another cheap option for beginners is whippeddog.com. I have never used one of his razors, but I have read some good things.

Looking at the site straightrazors.com their prices don't seem uber competitive. You could get a new Dovo for 13 dollars more at SRD and that comes with two free honings. I am basing that at the middle of the road 79 dollar beginner razor they offer. That 24 dollar practice razor seems super shady. Probably some form of a Gold Dollar they have made for their brand. Good luck and look forward to hearing more from you!

Welcome Andrew

Ditto all of the above. There are good starter sets out there. New razor sets from Boker, Aust, Theirs Issard and Dovo or something from the classified here. Start out right and you will save money and are more likely to stick with it. If it turns out not to be for you, new and vintage shave ready razors hold their value well but cheap razors do not

Good luck

Jim

No need to say anymore I reckon. Those blokes above me have put your feet on the right path. Welcome to the forum mate.


Mick

Andrew,

Welcome to Straight Razor Place. I know nothing about the shaving product site you note in your post, but I have never heard of the Grimm blade. Be careful with what you buy for your starter kit.

If I may suggest, buy a Dovo Best Quality, Ralf Aust, Thiers-Issard or Boker 5/8 round point that is shave ready. I especially like the Ralf Aust. Also, try the Classifieds here. For the brush, the Semogue 1305 boar bristle brush is a good choice, and inexpensive. For the strop, a three-inch cowhide matched with a cotton or fabric second component will do. I also like the Illinois No. 127, if you can find one that is not warped or defective. For soap, you can't go wrong with Provence Sante (around $10). Also, you'll need a styptic pencil.

You're all set. Beyond that, please do some research here in the Wiki, and beyond that, please ask questions. Good luck.

Hi and welcome. My suggestion is to do a search for them on this site. You should soon be able to find some info about whether or not their products are any good. That said they seem expensive for what they are. Good luck

Welcome.

I've never heard anything good about that site. I'd select another.

I fully endorse Larry of Whipped Dog. I'd recommend getting an ugly starter from him and seeing if, in fact, you want to keep after this silly fad of SRshaving. If so, you should have learned plenty by the time you decide to "upgrade" and might likely want to keep the ugly razor for a spare.

But that way you get to try it with a good edge and don't get lost trying to figger out if your razor is sharp etc.

Or if your shaving fund is flush, go ahead and load up with top-quality new stuff from our bros at straightrazordesigns.

Newbs have no business trading with un-endorsed providers (this especially means ebay, craigslist, and some web vendors).

I have heard of some less than good feedback with straightrazors.com. I'd go Larry at Whipped Dog or Straight Razor Designs. In Canada, Classic Edge sells expertly honed straights too.

If I was starting out again, I would choose between Whipped Dog (based on my first experience) and the Classifieds here.

Welcome to SRP. You've gotten a heck of a lot of sage advise from all those before me. I'm +1 on all they have said. And definitely read the wikis and ask questions. No dearth to answers here.