Thread: From Pa: Hello! Need Advice on 1st Razor

Nice forum here. Joined up after watching several hours of You Tube videos on straight edge shaving, but realizing I wasn't going to find the "answer" to the question of "how to find a reputable dealer" for purchasing my first razor, specifically one that's truly "shave ready", I decided to join this forum.

I'm leaning towards purchasing a new straight edge, but could be persuaded otherwise. As far as new, both with You Tube and here it seems Dovu and Boker seem pretty safe bets, with a 5/8 width being a good starting point.

So any advice to point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Our library answers all questions as to what to buy and not, but to the point of who is reputable and will send it shave ready, then my first choice would be Straight Razor Designs, then you can also talk to Ralph Aust, or Revisor, but you can get your Dovos and Bokers from SRD. Tc

If your wanting new, I would recommend, Boker.

There is a dealer in Medina, Ohio, called Imperial Shave.
He is one of our co founders of Straight Razor Place/ Straight Razor Designs.

If your looking for used, check out the Buy Sell Trade section of the forum, here.
Some sweet deals on shave ready razors, there.

Hello Kstan64, welcome to the forum. First for a reputable place to purchase SRD this forums sponsor is a great place to get a shave ready razor. Also on this forum is the B/S/T or buy sell trade, there you can find great deals on shave ready used or vintage razors.
Now do you buy new or used?? Well that is preference IMO, I bought a new Dovo and enjoyed it when I first got it. Soon after though, I started buying vintage razors to restore and now my Dovo sits. There are lots of great vintage blades for reasonable prices that will shave wonderfully. So first find one in your price range, second find one that pleases your eye, then make sure it's shave ready if it comes from here or SRD then you will be good.
If you have any more detailed questions or if you want a more in depth answer please feel free to ask. Share pics of specific gear you are eyeing and ask opinions.

Hello and welcome to SRP.
Take the advice already given. You should be able to find something nice in your price range that will get you off to a fine start.
Enjoy the forum.

Pete <:-}

Thank you guys. I'll take a look at SRD for sure. I had been briefly scanning the BS or T section, and had seen some nice razors at very affordable prices. I need to educate myself a little more before going this avenue, but a second razor would be handy. Thanks again.

Take a look at Portland Razor Company in Portland, OR. I have one of their razors, and it is the one I use. Nice people who will provide you with a first rate, shave ready razor and support any questions you may have. Just my $.02

I vote for buy from the B,S,T here on the forum. Just let the guy selling know your new and i bet he will be sure to make it shave ready for you. Also you said 5/8, thats a good place to start. Another recommendation is for a full or half hollow blade. Thinner seems to help new guys out. Also one more point would be a round point. With a round point you have less chance of nicking the ear lobe or other parts.

Good luck on your choice. You have been given lots of good info. Now its up to you. Be sure to let us know how it goes and remember that after your fist 100 shaves with a straight is when you start to get the idea of whats going on. After 200 shaves you will look back and realise you didnt know much at the 100 point. It gets better with time. Go slow, watch vids and remember that we are here to help in any way we can.

Welcome to the forum.

You may want to consider a vintage blade from the B/S/T section to start with. Just as good as a new razor, much cheaper. See whether straight razor shaving is something for you and take your hobby from there.