Hi All, John from Melbourne.

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12-03-2012, 01:42 AM
saitou

Hi All, John from Melbourne.

Hi Guys,

I've always wanted to try shaving with a straight razor, I went to my local shaver shop to find out how much they cost and they told me it would cost 200AUD for the razor. So I bought a wahl shavette for 15 dollars to try it out first. The sticky on first time using straight razor was really helpful I thought the razor was faulty when I tried using it the first time, now I'm following the advice on this forum and just taking it slow not trying to do a whole shave in one go.

Anyways I just wanted to ask a quick question about some razors I've seen on ebay going for about 30-40 AUD, brand names like Jico and Imperial. Would these razors be okay to start out with for practising stropping/honing etc.?
12-03-2012, 04:06 AM
baldy

If its a brand new razor on ebay for $30-40 I'd stay away. I've never held one of these myself but from what I've heard they are not good at taking or holding an edge.
A good place to start would be the classifieds here on SRP. Its surprising what good value you can get there for a restored and shave ready vintage razor.
Welcome aboard.
Grant
12-03-2012, 06:12 AM
l3580

Hi All, John from Melbourne.

Hi from North Melbourne John - I second the recommendation above re classifieds or get a starter kit from whipped-dog. Forget shaver shop they're expensive and don't have a clue. If you want a good barber shave Alfonso at the Errol st Barber shop (Nth Melb) does a good job and is happy to give you some tips. Good luck.
12-03-2012, 08:11 AM
Sunbird

Hi John, welcome to SRP from Townsville.
Please, take the advice of others and purchase a "shave ready" razor from vendors such as Whipped Dog, or the classifieds from this site to avoid disappointment. There may even be an "older' member in Melbourne who might offer you one :)
Do your research and hasten slowly for that first purchase.
Cheers,
Sunbird
12-03-2012, 08:22 AM
MickR

Shaver shop is definately a no go zone for anything other than a few bits and bobs like styptic pencils and a few soaps/creams to try IMO. I've bought from classifieds here in the past and have been quite satisfied with my purchases. I don't think you would go too far wrong down that avenue.
Other places to get starter (read, lower end/priced brand name and new) razors from locally, just to name two would be https://www.himage.com.au/index.php?..._shop&pid=1326 and Cutthroat (Straight) Razors . I've used both of these places as well and recommend both highly. I will say that the razors from them, as far as I know, are only factory edges. You could make some enquiries from them prior to any purchase to see about having them furnished with a better edge before you spend any hard earned readies.
Welcome to the forum mate and enjoy the ride.

Mick
12-03-2012, 08:57 AM
saitou

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone =]. It's funny I'm so excited about buying my first razor, thanks for the tips also, I will probably get one of the kits from whipped dog to start off, honing looks like a very relaxing meditative exercise as well as shaving. I look forward to it all. Also one more question if someone can answer, is normal shaving cream not ok to use when just using a shavette? thanks
12-03-2012, 09:26 AM
Sunbird

Pop down to the supermarket and buy a tube of shaving cream for under $3, much nicer than canned goo! Perfect to use with any type of razor.
Cheers, Sunbird
12-03-2012, 11:22 AM
Havachat45

G'Day and welcome, John.

What have we done to get a run of Victorians here?....hehehe
12-03-2012, 11:55 AM
saitou

Quote:

Originally Posted by Havachat45

G'Day and welcome, John.

What have we done to get a run of Victorians here?....hehehe

Heh I'm not sure? I myself have always had an appreciation of blades. I own several swords and a few knives, and I only recently started needing to shave daily so before this I just used the clippers that I use to shave my head. (I'm half Chinese so never had much facial hair I'm 27 now so starting to get there haha) so now that I'm needing to shave often I finally have a reason to buy myself some cool straight razors. Can't wait to get one!
12-03-2012, 09:43 PM
MickR

They still let you own swords down that way? I thought you had to be a member of some secret government organisation to be allowed to own even a butter knife down there! :) I like my swords too.

Mick
12-03-2012, 10:14 PM
onimaru55

Welcome to SRP..

Here is a list of razors to avoid... Include the ones you mentioned ;)
Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Here are links to SRP Vendors & Classifieds :
Vendors Corner
Main Index - Straight Razor Place Classifieds
12-03-2012, 11:42 PM
saitou

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickR

They still let you own swords down that way? I thought you had to be a member of some secret government organisation to be allowed to own even a butter knife down there! :) I like my swords too.

Mick

As far as I know you can still buy them lol. You are supposed to be a member of a weapons guild or have a license from vic police. It's easy enough to get a membership with Akc or Victorian Edged Weapons guild for like a yearly membership (I really should renew mine) . The only things that are really hard to own that you need a police license for are: Butterfly knives, double edged knives/swords, nunchaku etc.
12-04-2012, 12:16 AM
KCC088

Hi John - I just joined last week and from Melbourne, too. Good luck with the new purchase..
12-04-2012, 01:11 AM
MickR

Quote:

Originally Posted by saitou

As far as I know you can still buy them lol. You are supposed to be a member of a weapons guild or have a license from vic police. It's easy enough to get a membership with Akc or Victorian Edged Weapons guild for like a yearly membership (I really should renew mine) . The only things that are really hard to own that you need a police license for are: Butterfly knives, double edged knives/swords, nunchaku etc.

Well, you can't be a member of the AKC, because they closed that down a few years ago now, after the authorities were wanting all the details of all the members around the country. I hope your ViEW is clear :).

Mick
12-04-2012, 04:00 AM
saitou

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickR

Well, you can't be a member of the AKC, because they closed that down a few years ago now, after the authorities were wanting all the details of all the members around the country. I hope your ViEW is clear :).

Mick

Hi Mick, sorry I meant Victorian Historical Edged Weapons Guild =], Victorian Historical and Edged Weapons Collectors Guild - Welcome to the Sword Collectors Guild.