Thread: Hello from July10newbie

Hello,
I found this site back in July 2010 and registered. At that time I decided to use a safety razor which I've used exclusively since. This site introduced me to safety razors and I got a Murker Barber Pole. It was a nice change from the throw away plastic razors.

Recently I've experimented with a cheap straight razor called the Grim Dollar. It cost around $10 and has insertable blades. I've shaven maybe three or 4 times with it. I've now got the confidence to buy and try a real straight razor. I've been advised on your site to buy a used one from the classifieds here because they are truly shave ready. I was ready to buy a kit from Classicshaving.com but even though it says "shave ready" your site says that it probably isn't. Check out the link below and if you think this is really shave ready let me know because it seems to be a good deal.
Here's the link to what I'm thinking of buying.

https://www.classicshaving.com/products/productsshave-ready-gold-dollar-straight-razor-with-premium-shave-kit-html?variant=27732200967[/url]

I look forward to being part of this community.
July10newbie

Welcome to SRP!!!!!

First off, you are already wet shaving, so if you have a brush and soap I'd still go with the classifieds here. A Gold Dollar is not really the best of razors to start with. They can be good with some work, but not the best first choice.

We're here to help so ask questions.
Enjoy and have fun!!!!

Welcome to SRP!! Sounds like you are off to a great start!!

Regarding the Ad... Not a lot of positive to be found, in general, about Gold Dollars as they often require extra work to get them shaving right and for a NIB Razor that is a margin call for most. However, the Ad does list "Professionally Honed and Sharpened" as well as "Shave Ready Razor"... Also, the razor in the picture at least appears to have work done at the heel and toe which is consistent with what you often have to do in order to get a Gold Dollar shave ready. I can't vouch for the quality of the work as the only true test is a Shave Test... But, if I had to guess for $50, I'd say the one in the picture has been worked properly. Buyer beware, though.

Best of luck... But, my advice is open some dialogue with a Member here and focus on Classified Ads as they are a much better bet.

Shawn
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I cant comment about the item you posted but i will say, welcome back to SRP. Glad your jumping in on the straight side and id recommend buying shave ready from a member here. At least then you will know its right and not be guessing about the razors sharpness.

Gentleman,
Thank you for your welcome messages and answers.
I'm not sure what to do now. Is this the right place to ask questions?
Here are my questions. Please tell me where to re post if this is not the right place for these questions.

I'm reluctant to spend much money at first. The kit I provided in the link is about $50 and includes the razor, strop. soap, and brush ( I already own a badger hair brush). I just looked through the classifieds and it will probably cost $150 or more to get all of the above. Just as I did with the $10 insertable blade straight razor, I wanted to go in cheaply and then eventually ramp up to get something of higher and lasting quality. I'm willing to spend $50 for now on the kit in the link but only if it will really do what I want in terms of shave quality.

Do you have any further advice? Where should I research more on this site to learn more and to find the right combination of items? Do I need to learn honing right away? Classic Shaving does honing for $7.99. Is that a good choice?
Thank you,
July10newbie

Hi and welcome aboard. It may be shave ready. That said its a 5 dollar razor so wheather it holds the edge or how long it lasts is a different question.

I'd go with the classifieds. You will get a quality razor truly shave ready. With a gold dollar you aren't really taking the razor out of the list of possible problems. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

Ive never bought anyth8ng from them so i cant say if they do a real hand honing. Maybe someone else will jump in and say.
My opinion is to hold on to your 50 bucks. And after you get a few more funds together then buy. Buying sub-par equipment is not going to help you in learning to shave with a straight razor. Only hinder the experiance and add a lot more time and possibly discomfort in shaving.

This is just my personnal opinion. Maybe someone will jump in and say that the com0any does great work and sells quality stuff. I just cant say.

Another option id say to look into is whippeddog.com. he sells low cost strops, and thats good as your going to cut of your first strop. It just happens. Also sells site unseen razors that have been honed by hand. Look them up. If you already have a brush and soap then a razor and strop is all that is needed to get started.

Id go as far as to email him and tell him your wanting to start out and see what he offers.
Good luck on whatever you choose.

Hello Dieseld,
Thanks for your thoughts.
What do you mean by PM's and B/S/T?

Hello and welcome back to SRP.
Enjoy your time here on the forum and have fun.

Pete <:-}

PM's is private measages. Someone might be trying to contact you on the down low. Privately.

B/S/T is the buy, sell, trade thread where members sell stuff.

I think the cheeper razors whippeddog sells are vintage so you will get a good razor. It might have some pitting or black stains etc... but will be honed by hand. Maybe not pretty but it will be a good razor.