Thread: Good day from Virginia

Wow...information overload.
As with anything we start out being ignorant and after much time we acquire knowledge and information.
I will start by saying I appreciate all the information that users have made available on the forum. However I am drowning in choices....
With time I will be able to make informed choices....
Currently I am a DE Razor kind of guy and contemplating making the jump into the straight razor world.
-I am patient and like doing things right the first time.
-I typically research a significant purchase for months before making the purchase.
-I enjoy classic luxuries.. I live comfortably but I am also frugal.

I ask for your expert opinion:
When purchasing a straight razor, should I acquire a beginner razor then when comfortable move up to a more desirable purchase...or could I just make the jump to purchase one can use and live with for many years...?

Thank you

Originally Posted by cfbmd

Wow...information overload.
As with anything we start out being ignorant and after much time we acquire knowledge and information.
I will start by saying I appreciate all the information that users have made available on the forum. However I am drowning in choices....
With time I will be able to make informed choices....
Currently I am a DE Razor kind of guy and contemplating making the jump into the straight razor world.
-I am patient and like doing things right the fist time.
-I typically research a significant purchase for months before making the purchase.
-I enjoy classic luxuries.. I live comfortably but I am also frugal.

I ask for your expert opinion:
When purchasing a straight razor, should I acquire a beginner razor then when comfortable move up to a more desirable purchase...or could I just make the jump to purchase one can use and live with for many years...?

Thank you

As you can tell from this site, there are as many options as there are people! Based on what you say it sounds like you will really enjoy a straight razor shave. Patience is the best quality in this pursuit! First, ask yourself where you think you would like to be. Do you want one or two really nice new razors that you can send off for touch-ups or do you think you may end up going into restoration? Are you a New type of guy or do you like the vintage razors?

If you want to stay cheap, Whippeddog.com seems to be one good choice. You can get a starter kit and try it out for a reasonable cost.

Based on your comments, I might suggest jumping ahead. Any one of the banners you see on the site is a good site for a new set-up. I have personal experience with Straight Razor Designs and would recommend them highly! Some of the other sites may have some more vintage selections.

The NUMBER 1 most important thing is to get a properly honed razor to begin with. The options above will fill that! You can also send a razor you find to many folks for sharpening (In the classified people will list their services)

Know that some sellers many not really give you a shave-ready razor. It seems straights from Art of Shaving can be a little hit or miss. (The razors are set at the factory. Any razor straight out of the factory probably needs a little attention to perform its best!)

Look at several of the Shave of the day pictures and see what draws you in!

Originally Posted by carpedm

As you can tell from this site, there are as many options as there are people! Based on what you say it sounds like you will really enjoy a straight razor shave. Patience is the best quality in this pursuit! First, ask yourself where you think you would like to be. Do you want one or two really nice new razors that you can send off for touch-ups or do you think you may end up going into restoration? Are you a New type of guy or do you like the vintage razors?

If you want to stay cheap, Whippeddog.com seems to be one good choice. You can get a starter kit and try it out for a reasonable cost.

Based on your comments, I might suggest jumping ahead. Any one of the banners you see on the site is a good site for a new set-up. I have personal experience with Straight Razor Designs and would recommend them highly! Some of the other sites may have some more vintage selections.

The NUMBER 1 most important thing is to get a properly honed razor to begin with. The options above will fill that! You can also send a razor you find to many folks for sharpening (In the classified people will list their services)

Know that some sellers many not really give you a shave-ready razor. It seems straights from Art of Shaving can be a little hit or miss. (The razors are set at the factory. Any razor straight out of the factory probably needs a little attention to perform its best!)

Look at several of the Shave of the day pictures and see what draws you in!

Thank you I appreciate your comments.
I think I would go with a new razor, I have a silvertip badger brush, endless shaving creams...
So I was thinking of investing on a Dovo or a Thiers-Issard razor (but does not have to be) as well as a good Razor Strop.

I don't believe in beginning razors; there are only beginners. Where are you in VA?

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I don't believe in beginning razors; there are only beginners. Where are you in VA?

I guess I can't even call myself a beginner since I am in the information gathering stage and have not yet purchased a straight razor.

-From beautiful Staunton, VA

Excellent! Let me know if you need any help!

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Excellent! Let me know if you need any help!

Thank you..!

Wow... This is a beauty....
Maybe this could be the one..(well the one to start with....)

Have you picked "the one?" Any shave tests yet?

I'm still in the info gathering stage.
Looks like its going to be a Boker King Cutter or Arbolito.