Thread: First razor purchase

Originally Posted by Wullie

Google is your friend. Google the name.

Challenge was a top shelf cutlery house. I carry one of their pocket knives every day. NO junk ever went out their door.

Here's one made before 1899.

It amazes me that these razors and their packaging were so well made they've survived for so long, looking almost new!

One piece of advice I would give is to try and avoid making your own strop at this point.

The GemStar was designed specifically for a beginner to try and help ease the learning curve.

Whippeddog.com also has a "poor mans" strop, so check that out too.

I understand being in a tight financial situation, but its totally worth it to spend a little extra up front than it is to dull or ruin your edge by using less than ideal materials - especially an edge you just paid to have sharpened.

Just my opinion. We all gotta go what we gotta do! Let us know how it goes.

Originally Posted by EdG

One piece of advice I would give is to try and avoid making your own strop at this point.

The GemStar was designed specifically for a beginner to try and help ease the learning curve.

Whippeddog.com also has a "poor mans" strop, so check that out too.

I understand being in a tight financial situation, but its totally worth it to spend a little extra up front than it is to dull or ruin your edge by using less than ideal materials - especially an edge you just paid to have sharpened.

Just my opinion. We all gotta go what we gotta do! Let us know how it goes.

I completely agree. I want to do it right the first time and I probably get a good beginners strop. I just mean that I want all of my money going towards functionality rather than decorum or flair. Not saying I dint want that it's just something I'll have to save for a piece at a time. e.g I have a 7 dollar VDH boar brush, it works for me but by God if I don't save up for a nice badger and stand to compliment it

I'd suggest a paddle strop as you first one, because it is SO MUCH EASIER to keep your edge flat and your stroke consistent. SRD has some good ones for not too many $$$ as do others that who are partners here.

VDH set is a good starter. It works just fine. All you need to start is a shave ready razor, soap, brush and strop that work.

Fancy stuff can always come later. And then more....and then maybe some more....

All I know is I have a bathroom full of brushes, soaps, creams, AS, mugs, scuttles, more soaps....

[I'QUOTE=EdG;1189818]VDH set is a good starter. It works just fine. All you need to start is a shave ready razor, soap, brush and strop that work.

Fancy stuff can always come later. And then more....and then maybe some more....

All I know is I have a bathroom full of brushes, soaps, creams, AS, mugs, scuttles, more soaps....[/QUOTE]

im excited to start a collection of awesome smelling soaps. in the soap section someone recommended Ogallala bay rum.

If interested in inexpensive, great scented soap I have two suggestions.

First is Mikes Natural Soaps. Great scents, easy to use, and hand made USA.

Second I just started using. Stirling Soap Company. 5 bucks a puck. Super easy lather, amazing scent. Also hand made. Great stuff.

There are lots of high quality soaps and creams, all at different price points. There is lots of info in the soap and creams section here.

just an update bob has received my razor and said that it looked to be in good shape barely looked used, didn't recommend anything other than a good hone. Hopefully I will have my first straight razor shave experience within the week.

Good news for you! Let us know how it goes.

It finally has arrived, he didn't have to do much cleaning no new pictures yet. I can't wait to shave with it. The edge looks so mean. Now just have to wait to buy a strop. Might take the first shave tonight then put it up till I get one