Thread: Just Starting Out

Hello All!

I am brand spanking new here. I live out here in sunny SD Cali for the time being but I miss being back home in the south. I've decided that I want to switch over to a straight razor. There's so many reasons why. But I'm having a quandary here. I'm not sure what to purchase and was hoping for some insight. Here's what I'm looking for: I want something of high quality. I believe spending the money for quality that lasts is worth it. I want something to pass on to my grandkids (it has to last a long time because I don't even have kids) so it would be nice to have "that something special" about it. I thought about getting a cheaper priced straight razor to learn on but one of the reasons I want to switch is because its not disposable. So buying more than one doesn't fit my beliefs. So I'm kind of stuck. Do I go vintage for a carbon steel blade and will it last? Or do I go custom stainless steel? At the same time I don't want to mess up a work of art.

First off welcome to SRP!
Personally, i'd go for a vintage to start, maybe off the classifieds here, that way you'll know it's honed by someone who knows what they're doing and you'll also save a bit of money to start...then you'll also know if it's something that you'll enjoy and works for you. Then once you get the hang of it and you're sure you want to "go straight" you can always upgrade to a more expensive razor or a custom. You can always sell that first razor off after...you are correct, they'll last many generations and there's enough newbies and guys who'll appreciate that it won't go to waste. That's just my 2 bits.

Thanks! I honestly didn't consider being able to sell it. I'll definitely check out the classifieds and I look forward to getting to know everybody.

Originally Posted by young

So buying more than one doesn't fit my beliefs.

yeah... we'll see in a few months

Originally Posted by young

Do I go vintage for a carbon steel blade and will it last?

If you get one that has been well cared for... and you continue to care for it, it will last. Also, don't rule out a new carbon blade either.

Originally Posted by young

Or do I go custom stainless steel? At the same time I don't want to mess up a work of art.

Well, if I were in your shoes and could front the price of a custom I'd go that route... BUT that's because I've been using straights for a while and I know that I'm not going back. That said, if you take good care of it, and send it out to a pro for honing until you know the ropes you aren't going to wreck the piece of art.

My point is that nobody is going to be able to make the decision for you. Read up on all of the threads about why certain people go for certain blades, shapes and grinds... then take all of that with a grain of salt and find a razor from a reputable maker that you think is cool. Then learn how to use it without giving up and thinking that you may need a different grind or a new finishing stone or whatever it is... if it comes from a good maker, it will shave. Until you find out how to make it work you'd be spinning your wheels by looking for greener pastures. You are in a great place right now... lots of options, lots to learn, and tons of people who love to help. Just enjoy it and pick out something you like.

my .02

Ya, and definately what Del1r1um says about seeing in a few months...lol. I too said i'd only need one for the rest of my life..but if you hang out here, unless you have incredible willpower there's just too many to not have...lol.

LOL. Funny thing is I'm thinking to myself " Well maybe if I buy an entry level one, take care of it, and it could be my kid's entry level one so I can get another one when I know more". And so it begins. Thanks everyone for making a guy feel welcome.

There are a few reasons for owning more than one. We usually choose one from "the rotation".

Yes buying more than one does not mean they are wasted unless you crack or break one. You just pass them on when you don't want them any more.

.enjoy!

Hi Young, and welcome! I can't add any newer or better advice than you've already read, but here's my argument for having more than one razor. You should have one sharpened by a honemeister, and use it only often enough to tell you how sharp a razor can be, and how the shave from a properly sharpened razor should feel. I still keep one blade back as my "reference blade," though eventually it will join the regular rotation.

Another good reason for the second blade is that you'll have one to use while you send the other out for honing. Or, if you get into your own honing, that reference blade is even more important because you can use it to see how the different sharpness tests work. Just don't do the thumbnail test on your reference razor; it's meant for a much earlier stage of honing and will ruin a finished edge.

This might be too much too soon, but it's my 2 cents on 2 razors.

Best wishes

Originally Posted by young

Hello All! I believe spending the money for quality that lasts is worth it. I want something to pass on to my grandkids (it has to last a long time because I don't even have kids) so it would be nice to have "that something special" about it.

Check out classicshaving or straightrazordesigns. (SRD has an amazing deal going on now till xmas, free sharpening for life!)

Originally Posted by young

I thought about getting a cheaper priced straight razor to learn on but one of the reasons I want to switch is because its not disposable.

Don't confuse cheep with inexpensive. There are a number of inexpensive razors in the classifieds that are high quality, and places like whippeddog carry very inexpensive razors, some of which are quality as well.

So buying more than one doesn't fit my beliefs.

I think many of us start off thinking this way. Then... well... you'll see. Let me just say that there are very real, and very nice benefits to having more than one razor beyond just RAS. Especially when it comes to sharpening your own razor, having one that is honed by a pro to compare your own work to (again, that SRD deal comes up) is invaluable when learning to hone.

Thanks everyone! You all are making me feel real welcomed. I have a feeling that owning more than 1 may very well be in my future. I just picked one up off the classifieds that is going to be my starter.

But I have to admit I was desperately hoping to win the razor for 1st prize in the Christmas giveaway. That thing was beautiful.