Hello from Kentucky. Please help me get started on the right foot.

Hi, I'm Michael. I've always thought a straight razor was one of the coolest things ever. I'm finally going to give all this a shot. Here's where I need help. It's the typical newbie "what should I get" question. I've read a lot about new and used, and how they need to be honed before you even think about using it. I know I need a strop. I have a cheap brush, mug, soap set to start out with. I'm stuck at the razor buying stage right now. I'm not one to go buy the plain Jane, run of the mill anything, but I also have to find the best possible deal on anything I buy. Basically I'm stuck between a new $120 or so razor vs. maybe something a little cheaper used, with honing bringing them up to about the same price. I've read a lot of lists about good old razors to get. I have a few I'm watching on eBay now. Basically, my first question is simple. Is Peter J. Michels a good brand? It's the only one I'm watching that I don't remember reading about. Thank you sirs for your help.

Welcome to srp

Most any vintage razor will have the basic quality's that allow for a good shave. If you try searching Peter J. Michels here on srp you will find some of the best sources of information. You can find the search field on the top right of this page. You should also read the ebay 101 thread to educate yourself on buying over the internet.

Jonathan

Vtg The Clauss Sheer Co Straight Razor Fremont Ohio Black Handle Orig Box | eBay

This is what I'm looking at right now. I looked through the eBay 101 thread. I'm not interested in buying a busted up, rusty razor like a lot of the ones on there. I know people do restorations, but I'm not into that. Just want to make sure I'm on te right track with something like this one.

It looks nice but unless that seller is one of the members here and is reputable then I would suggest spending the money to buy a shave ready DOVO or similar for about the same price. Otherwise look at the classifieds here and get a razor you know will be a great starter. For what that Ebay is going for you can get a for sure great shaver IMHO. Otherwise if you did buy the one off ebay you may have to have it honed by someone on here still.

That's what I'm trying to decide. What the nostalgia factor is worth. I plan to have it professionally honed if I do decide to get it. I have been looking at several new Dovos and Bokers. I seem to quickly run up the list from the entry level to the I'm spending too much section. I figured something vintage might put me in the middle of that range, but have the appeal to me of the higher priced new ones that I can't justify right now. Too many choices. Very difficult decision. A lot like a first car. After you've had a few you know exactly what you want.

I have never used them but I have only heard good things about whipped dog shaving
. He sells beginner kits that are reasonable. My 2 cents are go that route, save some money and learn what you like or search the srp classifieds.. I found a razor at an antique shop and restored it with a mentor in my area so my experience was different but pretty much everyone suggests starting off easy so you don't regret anything later.

I just looked up the whipped dog site. I'm not a fan at all of buying anything you can't see first, but seems you couldn't go wrong for $38 shave ready no flaws. May give that a go.

At the current bid on that Clauss plus pro honing you could get a budget dovo from srd that would come honed by one of the best.

Whipped dog / Larry is a great budget option. If you want something specific he may be able to accommodate you, just email him.

Jonathan

I think I'm going to go with a star shaving fat daddy 3" strop. Next question is, what about all this diamond spray, abrasive creme, paddle strops, etc? What's the best way to keep a straight razor sharp between honings? I've heard if you do it right, you basically don't need it to be honed.

The first touch up that most use is the fabric/webbing side of a strop, those are usually pasted with french chalk. Then when that fails to bring the edge back, iron oxide on some substrate. Next would be chrome oxide. When those are to much work to bring the edge back, most either send the blade out or touch it up themselves on a finish hone or barber hone followed by chrome oxide, then iron oxide, 50 on fabric, and 100 on leather.

The different types of abrasives can make things rather complicated. Abrasives of approximately the same size grit can be used in place of other abrasives. You can do all the razors touch ups on some sort of strop, but with grits lower than chrome oxide you can do a lot of damage to the edge quickly. French chalk, Iron oxide, and chrome oxide are abrasive but not so fast cutting that it is easy to damage an edge with one less than perfect pass on the strop. That still will not protect the edge from rolling due to bad stropping.

Jonathan

Yeah, another note if you get ANY pastes make sure you keep them on a separte paddle strop, don't strop on one then go to your regular strop this will contaminate and ruin your regular strop.

The 3 inch sounds great, as your first strop do be prepared to nick the crap out of it even if you are incredably careful.

Wow! The one I was watching on eBay went for $178.50!

There's a Geissen & Forsthoff "Adoration" that hasn't closed yet. It's a nice razor. I don't think it'll reach $178 -- but who knows? And there's only one photo, so problems could be hidden on the back side of the blade.

There are good reasons why many of us say:

. . . Don't get your first razor on eBay.

. Charles

I have been convinced. I had never heard of whipped dog. I sent an email a few hours ago. Getting the whole shebang from him. :) Thank you guys so much for steering me straight.

That's why we are here. Most of us have been in your shoes. Keep us up to date on what you get

I surely will

Order placed with whipped dog. Sight half seen razor, and rich man strop kit.

Larry at whipped dog is a great guy. Great stuff he sells to get people started, and he'll always answer any questions you have. Good luck!