Whipped Dog Sight unseen Razor and poor mans strop set

I think it's all already been said in this thread,but I feel the need to chime in none the less...
IMO when getting started its somewhat important to have a nice, clean, restored razor or new razor to appreciate. It's a part of the connection.

If you are just starting out, and you have a fugly razor, which you spent a couple bucks on, and you are getting subpar results because your still learning you are more likely to move on and give up than if you own a nice razor that gives you a send of ownership and pride in craftsmanship.

It's hard to appreciate a straight razor for all it's worth when it has puts, ugly scales and a honed out spine....

Think of it as a women... Sure she may do a good job at it, but if she's butt ugly it just doesn't seem as good... If you get down with a 'sexy lady' who also does job just as good, you'd prob be a little more inclined to deal with her crap along the way....

Ymmv, some folks like yesterday's news!

I think WD actually serves a needed service for newbs that want to explore the sport.
Have heard that his razors are shave ready,maybe not pretty but the edge is all that really counts.
You see so many newbs Join SRP,buy a ton of high end stuff,inc shave ready razors.Than they drop out,never to be heard from again.
One can only assume they discoverd the sport is not for them.

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Originally Posted by Cangooner

I don't think anyone has mentioned Glen's (gssixgun here on SRP) site yet: For Sale - Gem Star Customs. Scroll down for his selection of DFS (Damn Fine Shaver) razors.?

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Oh boy, I've been leaning pretty heavily toward WD for a first. Now, you show me DFS. smh

Thanks, I think.

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Originally Posted by unit

I bought one when I started and fugly barely does it justice. Ample devil spit, severe hone wear, scratched up scales where someone ground off pin heads, the scales obviously belong on a very different razor, and a great edge that showed me exactly what I needed to know to get into shaving and eventually honing..

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Hi unit,

Do you remember which price batch you ordered?

Thanks

My thoughts are that if you buy something at least half good, you can probably sell it if you dont like it. Even if you have to get a rehone first, you will still recoup some of your money. If what you buy is junk, then it will be a lot harder to move it on.
Saying that I bought a couple of cheap razors to get going and am happy enough with them, but would probably struggle to get that much back on them if I tried to sell them.
Regards ed

+1 on what Ed said

Razors have good value, and when talking about a vintage razor which has been restored there is very little room for major loss if you paid the right price. Of course if your in a bidding war on the bay for a mint DD, Filly or W&B you may be hanging on to it for a long time- but if IMO if you spend $100 on a restored Sheffield wedge with pretty scales you'll prob be able to recoop more if you sell out of the sport when comparing to buying a $140 dovo that will sell used for a loss.

If its ugly worn and common it's only worth the shave it gives......
Which is no good if you think you may want to sell out if the razor eventually.

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Originally Posted by JoeLowett

+1 on what Ed said

Razors have good value, and when talking about a vintage razor which has been restored there is very little room for major loss if you paid the right price. Of course if your in a bidding war on the bay for a mint DD, Filly or W&B you may be hanging on to it for a long time- but if IMO if you spend $100 on a restored Sheffield wedge with pretty scales you'll prob be able to recoop more if you sell out of the sport when comparing to buying a $140 dovo that will sell used for a loss.

If its ugly worn and common it's only worth the shave it gives......
Which is no good if you think you may want to sell out if the razor eventually.

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On the other hand,buying razors TODAY,hoping you can re-coup your envestment,is a slim and none prospect.99% of the time you will lose money.

As long as the razor is usable and gets the job done. The one I got from whipped dog is not as pretty as the razors in the featured shave of the day photos, but it is fully functional. Eventually I will probably pass it on to a friend or relative that is interested in starting the journey. As to the statement that its hard to appreciate an "ugly" razor, I have to disagree. I appreciate my whipped dog because 1-I purchased it, and I appreciate everything that I paid money for since that money represents time out of my life to earn and 2-the edge is amazing, how could you not appreciate a finely honed edge against your face?? Maybe if I get bored I will make some fancy scales for it and see if it has a chance to be selected as shave of the day, or just keep using it in my rotation and getting a great shave with it.

If anyone is trying to decide whether a str8 is his/her cup of tea, the inexpensive option is there. There is time once they decide they like it to go after the fancier/nicer razors, or get some beat up vintage ones and restore them. That is the beauty of this hobby. There are so many variables that are bound to appeal to some part of someone that is interested.

As stated above WD does serve a purpose in the community, especially for beginners. I think the important thing to know before you buy a straight razor in general is why you want to buy a straight in the first place- the rest will fall in to place.

If you are looking for something that shaves, and thats all you expect then the reward out ways the risk of the 'unseen deal'. You will get a great shave with one of WDs razors- from what I hear that's their promise.

When I was just starting out 'looks' weren't that important, and I thought I would only need to own one razor for ever.

Knowing what I know now I would opt for either new or half seen deal or new.

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Originally Posted by JoeLowett

,,,,,,,,,Think of it as a women... Sure she may do a good job at it, but if she's butt ugly it just doesn't seem as good... If you get down with a 'sexy lady' who also does job just as good, you'd prob be a little more inclined to deal with her crap along the way....

Ymmv, some folks like yesterday's news!

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One man's butt ugly razor, is another man's sexy box-cutter.
:shrug: