Thread: Hello!

Hello everyone!

My name is Jack and I'm new to the hobby. I have yet to purchase my first straight razor, however I'm probably going to pull the trigger today!

i live in Los Angeles and curious if anybody can reccomend any shops. I have done some research and was thinking about a TI, however not too sure which one to get for my first blade and would really appreciate some insight and reccomendations. As far as price range, I would keep it just under $200. I saw that "The Art Of Shaving" sells a razor made by TI and stamped with their logo, does anyone know which one it is?

When I was in the Marine Corps, I would get my head shaved with a straight razor sometimes and I really appreciated the artistry involved. I have been using a safety razor and absolutely love it. I'm ready to take it to the next level though lol.

I would like to purchase in-person if any good retailers in my area, if not I will order online.
I look forward ward to back reading and searching the forums!

Regards,

Jack

Welcome, not in the right place to give any recommendations. Just make sure it's professionally honed/sharpened, most are not sharp enough from the factory.

Enjoy your the journey to great shaves.

From SE Washington State I welcome you to an older but better way of shaving.

To get started you of course need a razor and there's no need to be spending Big Bucks! I just checked and there is a nice assortment of reasonably priced razors in the Classifieds.

I know of only one outlet that hand hones new razors and that's Straight Razor Design. Here again you don't need to be spending all that much. A lower priced DOVO will do you fine. Remember that all the Gold Wash and Fancy scales doesn't help the blade shave any better, it's just 'Bling'.

You'll also need a strop and there are many out there including the ones at SRD.

A simple Van Der Hagenn brush, soap and cup ($12 or so) will get you started making lather. Remember once you decide that this lifestyle is the one for you, you can always upgrade.

To often I see guys spend a bunch of money only to find that this isn't for them. My counsel is to start slow, test the waters and if it's for you, then spend away!

Enjoy the Ride! It's a long strange trip but well worth the journey!

Thank you for the great advice!
I think I will enjoy the lifestyle. I have been a safety razor user for a while and I really do enjoy the ritual as it both relaxes and invigorates me for the day ahead. I have been a fan of good colognes for some time as well.

I will definitely check out the classifieds. Something has always appealed to me about shaving with an antique razor.. Not too sure how practical that is yet or how to verify authenticity etc but I do know I have a lot of reading to do!

Cuda said it well! I would shy away from the art of shaving, they are a bit pricey and the razor might not be shave ready. Take a look at the classified section here, I bought my first straight (a Dovo 5/8 round point) here used that one only for almost a year before jumping into buying more razors.
Welcome and ask away when questions come up

Thank you so much and appreciate it. I think I will shop the classifieds as well.
I am curious though... Are 18-19th century razors offered for sale
Often and can they be used to shave still and are they usually authentic? LOL I know there is a lot to learn and maybe I am jumping ahead but I do like my toys lol.

From our classifieds here you will have the assurance it's good quality, we police our own here, and everyone's reputation is on line, so buy with confidence from them. Plus more than likely it will shave! Vintage is fine , it's all about the edge, the art of shaving will be more money just cause of their name in it, the same razor not marked will be the same razor.
And they will not hone it for you, it ain't shave ready. If your looking new it's already been said SRD plus the Ralph Aust is a great razor. There are several guys on the west coast who hone and your mailbox is a short walk away. You will find this way of shaving tends to be online and just use vendors who have good reason here. I,ve spent a ton online from reputable dealers, and not once burned. Tc

Hi and welcome aboard. Make sure you check out the library and beginners section for plenty of good information. Spend a couple days reading and you will have a much better idea where and what to buy. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask.

Originally Posted by jackcross

Thank you so much and appreciate it. I think I will shop the classifieds as well.
I am curious though... Are 18-19th century razors offered for sale
Often and can they be used to shave still and are they usually authentic? LOL I know there is a lot to learn and maybe I am jumping ahead but I do like my toys lol.

Welcome to the forum. If you are interested in old "authentic" razors then for sure you want to trust someone here in the classifieds and yes they can be used. I did my Sunday shave this morning with a 100+ year old razor and got a superb shave. Brand new or 100+ year old I get the same good shave because of the hone, the strop, the prep, the soap, and the aftershave products...........in that order of importance to me. Do some research here especially the Shave of the Day forum and look at what goes into a face pampering shave. You won't be sorry.

Welcome to the forum.