FNG from Alexandria Virginia

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#000000]Hello fellow SRPers,

My name is Patrick. I’m 43 years old, I live in Alexandria Va.

I’m new to the forum. So I have a few questions for you people in the know about straight razors.
I have recently (in the past year) become almost obsessed with knife and blade sharpening and honing. Because of my obsession with knife sharpening I thought I would try shaving with a straight razor just so I could keep it sharp. I have Japanese water stones, homemade Strops, and more.

I don’t have a real heavy beard. I usually only shave on Mondays and Wednesdays, and about half of the time I skip Wednesdays and just go with the unshaven look. But I can grow a beard if I want to.

I was looking on ebay to find a straight razor for myself and I realized I have no idea what I’m looking at.
And after reading the beginner section on this forum I now know Im doing the right thing. So I’m here to ask you good folk if maybe you could suggest a razor from ebay or anywhere for me to buy. And maybe some shaving accessories.

I have read the beginners guide and first shave sections and some other reading as well on this forum.
I had no idea there was so much to straight razor shaving. One almost needs a mentor for this stuff.

I’m in no hurry I still have to finish my economy size pack of Gillette disposables.
Things to keep in mind
• I have never used a straight razor in my life
• I have no problem with a high maintenance razor. Rust, dulls fast, no problem.
• I’m just looking for something really cool in the $100.00 range. Vintage, maybe historical, just cool. I prefer no plastic handles.
• An old rusty razor that needs to be brought back to life is a plus. As long as the blade is not in too bad shape. And the handle is OK I would have no idea how to fix a handle.

I’m not sure how realistic all this is but it’s what I had in mind

Thanks in advance for your help.
Any tips or comments are welcome

Patrick

Welcome to SRP!

Check out the classifieds here for a decent, shave ready straight razor. It is important to have one that is shave ready so you can learn to shave first. Honing usually comes down the road after your technique improves. Removing user error from the shaving equation will help you understand what the edge if your razor needs. If you want to learn to hone you should buy a sacrificial razor off ebay for practice after you purchase your shaving razor.

Just my .02, hope it helps.

Best