Hello from Wellington, New Zealand

Hi All,

I'm Brett from Wellington, New Zealand. I've had this morbid curiosity with straight razors for a few months now, and am getting closer and closer to making a purchase, however I thought I should sign up here and start asking questions first, because of course there's no rush, and the more info I have the better!

So, of course being in New Zealand, there aren't very many people about using straights (that I know of) and I have only ever had one straight shave, and that was at a barbers, before my school dance. I've looked for information and had a read around this site. I've located a place just down the road from where I work that sells a few straights (Dovo's, actually) but of course, these would only be Factory honed, and thus not shave ready.

I've also got a couple of friends/workmates who have gotten into shaving with DEs, and are trying to push me in that direction instead of straight shaving. One of them has also said that should I go for a straight, it should be a Feather, for the replaceable blades.

I guess what I want to hear from here is some sound advice on what I should do. I'm definitely more biased towards straights than DEs, and wouldn't mind buying a shave-ready straight from here, although I don't know what's good... should I pay attention to brand, etc? (I have been through the FAQ/shopping list, I know to stay away from Pakistan steel and that an old, well kept, professionally honed 6/8 would be a very good starting point.)

Cheers all!

--Brett

Hi Brett

Welcome to SRP. Haven't tried a DE but have been straight for a little over a year now and loving it.

By all means buy a straight if you are keen to start the journey. Depends on how financial you are feeling about a new hobby that you may not like (though hopefully will :D after all what's not to like about holding razor sharp steel to your face on a daily basis.)

Not sure where you've seen new Dovo's. If it's House of Knives in Petone then you can get them honed to shave ready by them. They send them to a guy who works for the Auckland branch.

If you don't want to spend that sort of money on a new razor then I have a shave ready razor that I am not using at present. Have a couple of others that suit me more - hard to say why but they do - so I'm not using this particular razor. PM me and we could arrange to meet up and you could try it out / make me an offer I can't refuse.

Another option is Scott who is a member here and sometimes sells shave ready razors on Trade Me for a reasonable price. If you PM him he will let you know if he has anything for sale. He has honed a razor for me and I have found it to be 'shave ready' enough for me. (Never had anyhting honed by Lynn or any of the honemeisters listed here to compare it to.)

Hi nzFuzzy,

Good to know there are some local Kiwis around to help out :D

I saw the Dovos at a mens gifts shop close to the corner of manners and willis in the CBD. I just work on Willis Street, and live up in Kelburn. Without a car, I don't think I'll be getting to Petone any time soon to look at House of Knives :P

What kind of razor is it that you're offering? Would it be a good razor to learn with?

Hi Brett, welcome to SRP. I shave with both a Str8 and a DE. The Str8 usually takes a bunch more time to learn than the DE. I use a DE when in a rush and I have no time to Str8 shave. The Str8 takes more technique as far as I am concerned and as a result, takes more time to leanrn.
Whatever you choose, good luck and enjoy.

Brett, Welcome to SRP. I too use both a DE, and Straight Razors, primarily straight razors. The DE, like previously mentioned, when I'm in a hurry. The DE is good, but you won't get as close a shave as you will with a straight, at least in my experience. There's something very satisfying about shaving with a blade you honed yourself.
The new Dovo's are good razors. They do need a honing if they're staight from the factory. Make sure you ask before you buy. Also, I'd take nzfuzzy up on his offer.
That way you can try it out before you invest any real money....Good luck....

beedub,

Welcome to SRP. I trust that youwill have an enjoyable experience here.

Feel free to consult the SRP wiki, post photos of new shaving equipment and your favorite shaves of the day as well as ask lots of questions of the members.

We look forward to and appreciate your active participation.

As for your query concerning razors. Check the SRP Classifieds frequently. You may find just what you want there. Many of the sellers will ship internationally, for an additional shipping fee.

Of course, there are also the online vendors who advertise here at SRP. Check out their websites too. A Dovo. Thiers Issard or Boker straight razor may be right up your alley.

Welcome to SRP! And don't worry, the rest of us had a "morbid curiosity with straight razors" too - still do. It's what fuels all our AD's..... :D

Take care,

Ryan

So I've just bought this...
Made in USA 6/8 NO REAL NAME HOLLOW GROUND. - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

nzFuzzy, I'm still interested in what you have to offer, as I'm hearing a general concensus that more than one is always better :)

Now I just need to get myself a strop... and probably some hones at some stage!