Thread: New member - haven't yet shaved with a straight

Hi everyone. New member here. Just got into wet shaving with a DE about a month ago, and am deciding whether to take the plunge into straight razors now. I was at an antique store last week and saw two I believed to be good deals, so I figured what the heck. Bought two of them.

Would love to know anything anyone can tell me about them. I already understand a little bit about the merits of blades from Solingen, but would love help in identifying either of these further, and would gladly accept advice about having them restored to shave-ready condition (if possible and practical) and about the models shown -- specifics, history, age, model info, etc.

So without further ado, here are my two first straight razor acquisitions.

1. Friedr. Baumann & Sohne Comfort











2. Wellington









Thanks in advance for any insight, advice, etc.!

I paid $34 for the pair, BTW.

Let those with more knowledgeable eyes chime in after me, but I think you did great. The Wellington may have some chips near the heel. Not too much hone wear on either, I think. Having a round point and a square point is nice, let's you learn both (the round is more forgiving, start with it).

I recommend you have both honed up by a pro, so that you can work your technique knowing that the blade isn't a problem (provided you strop w/o killing the edge).

Welcome to it and have fun!

Well you won't get it done any younger. Get them honed up by a pro and have at it. All the information you need is here. There are a few good videos out there. There is one that goes by kind of fast but does show some good skin stretching and holding. I believe it is called manliest shave. If I find it any time soon I'll come back and link it.

Hi and welcome. A bit of a polishing and a hone and you will good to go. Check out the library for all the starter info and the other basics of Sr shaving. Any questions feel free to ask

It's not a good idea to buy a razor with chips in the edge. Actually it depends how bad they are but you are in for some metal removal & no telling what else.Good score tho.

Congrats on your first acquisitions! Based on your photos, I'd say that you did well.

Because you haven't shaved with a straight, yet, I recommend that you start with the Comfort because the Wellinton's edge looks like it may need more than a basic honing. Of course, if you send them both out for honing, that's even better! Although many would say a round point is best for beginners, I don't feel that that's necessarily true; a square point simply requires an additional level of attentiveness.

Originally Posted by engine46

It's not a good idea to buy a razor with chips in the edge. Actually it depends how bad they are but you are in for some metal removal & no telling what else.Good score tho.

I don't think there are many, if any, chips... The light is weird in some of the photos.

I was going to say the Wellington looks great when I take my glasses off LOL
Totally kidding! The Wellington I think looks great, the Comfort has a good bit of wear at the toe, seems to have a smiling edge to match it, but both look to me very usable!
send. Them out and have them honed up