Thread: Request for beginner info

I have just begun to research straight razors and I find that the more I read the more confused I get. I would like to try but I don't want to spend more than $50 if possible. I know I will need a strop as well, and those seem to be widely varied in price, too. Any advice on what I should look for,where I should look and what I can reasonably expect to spend. I don't know enough to buy off of eBay, because I have no idea what I am looking for I.e. no experience with razors. I realize this may be a common request, but I appreciate any SIMPLE advice

Spending less than $50 is tricky, your best bet would be the classifieds for that. Otherwise, save up for a Dovo best quality. You can get one for under $100 (probably around $100 after shipping costs.
You could also go to whippeddog.com and see what larry has there in the sight unseen razors. They don't look the best but will shave.

An alternative would be a double edge razor as well. A lot of people like the Edwin Jaggers. I'm expecting one in the mail this week. You can get one for $35.

Welcome to SRP. Don't forget to have fun.

Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment

I started shaving with a Gillette safety razor; so I've been there done that. I found a web site called vintage straight razors with some reasonably priced razors and what looks like a good guarantee on their products. Does anyone know anything about them? I'm no spring chicken; I'm 60; started with a safety razor, then went to a Gillette tech attic ( remember those?) then a Gillette atra,then a Mach three and most recently a fusion. I just want to regress and be old school. I have had barber straight razor shaves albeit with a shavette but I want to try a real straight razor

Techmatic (damn autocorrect!)

Originally Posted by Aurandy

I started shaving with a Gillette safety razor; so I've been there done that. I found a web site called vintage straight razors with some reasonably priced razors and what looks like a good guarantee on their products. Does anyone know anything about them? I'm no spring chicken; I'm 60; started with a safety razor, then went to a Gillette tech attic ( remember those?) then a Gillette atra,then a Mach three and most recently a fusion. I just want to regress and be old school. I have had barber straight razor shaves albeit with a shavette but I want to try a real straight razor

I've heard bad things about the quality of steel on those at vintagestraightrazors.com so I would stay away.

I'd go with the sight unseen razor from Larry at whipped dog. He has a great reputation here that many will vouch for

I checked out whippeddog.com. Great prices! Can you select a size? I.e. 5/8 round tip etc, or do,you get what he sends you?

You can probably request a size I'd imagine. Send him an email, everyone that's bought from him says he's a pleasure to deal with. A lot of his prices are indeed good, everything from strops to brushes!

Just emailed him. Thanks guys for all the quick help!

+1 to the advice given above re contacting Larry. He's a top guy. Opinion is divided in these parts regarding the sight unseen deals. Some are really against the whole idea, but as long as you know going in that the thing will not be pretty (in fact it may be downright ugly) then go for it. Regardless of how it looks, it should shave well - that's the deal with the sight unseens.

And a big +1 to the advice to check out the classified here. At least you'll get pics and be able to see what you're getting.