Thread: Whipped Dog Sight unseen Razor and poor mans strop set

Hello all, just wondering if anyone has purchased a sight unseen razor from whipped dog. Would it be a good first razor, and would I benefit from getting the poor mans strop set?

I havent personally but i know of some guys who have. Larry (at least i think hes called Larry) who owns Whipped Dog seems a nice guy who wont let you down.

Im actually thinking about getting a sight unseen razor too very shortly too.

Two things you should know about the sight unseen deal:

1) the razor should arrive shave-ready (which is *extremely* important)
2) the razor will most likely not be pretty.

So if you want a razor that is nice, new, and shiny, this isn't the deal for you. But if you want something utilitarian that will introduce you to shaving with a straight, it's worth considering. The sight unseen deal polarizes opinion here on SRP. Some guys are dead-set against it because some of them are pretty worn out. But I think that if you go into it well informed and know what to expect, then it can be a good deal. I haven't bought a sight-unseen from Larry and so don't have first-hand experience. However I have bought a sight-half-seen one from him (similar idea, more thorough description) and it was fine. I have also bought a number of other items from whippedgod (brushes, brush knots) and have always had excellent service.

So if a fugly razor doesn't bother you, go for it. If you want shiny and new, look elsewhere.

Good luck

Let me second that.

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.

It's a fair deal, but if you want a razor you will be proud to post photos of...I wouldn't want to suggest this avenue.

It's a good place to start, and you can "upgrade" to the rich mans strop and the "sight half seen" (I think thats it) and the selection is a little nicer. I was very happy with the razors I got from them.

But like unit & Cangooner says, they are not going to be in any shaving glamor shots, they are shave ready if you can keep them that way.

The SRP classifieds is a great source of entry level, shave ready razors - just keep checking the site.

For entry level strops you might check out Glen/ggsixgun/www.gemstarcustoms.com bench strop. When I started I ended up clamping my stop to the counter to keep it flat - it was one less thing to worry about and I've since used some kind of bench or paddle strop. Glen has basic bench strop setup that might fill the bill for you.

Good luck and Smooth Shaving, let us know how it goes...

I bought a sight-half-seen razor with a written description but no photo for $41. It has become one of my favorite shavers. It is a 5/8 Solingen round point half hollow blade with green transparent scales with bottom jimping. The blade had minor hone wear, had a few small discolorations but it came shave ready, shaved smooth the first time and still does. The blade is easy to strop and seems to hold a good edge. It gives as good a shave as several of my new Dovo's.

I only have this one Whipped Dog razor but I'd say that it's worth the risk if you realize the blade will have a good edge but won't be new and shiny. There are other sources of good restored vintage razors at reasonable prices.

I've been straight shaving now for a little over a year and like it. I never thought I'd ever do it but once you start, it gets easier and more enjoyable with endless variety. Vintage razors have a nostalgia value that new razors don't have. Money spent on a first learning razor isn't wasted but is an investment into a new rewarding adventure.

I bought one when I started out. The condition was not that bad. Finish wasn't a mirror but minimal patina. Great edge, I still use it.

As above,help support your site members first and foremost.Watch the classifieds,look in the archives for blades that have recently sold with perfect No B.s discriptions and extra honings.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

As above,help support your site members first and foremost.Watch the classifieds,look in the archives for blades that have recently sold with perfect No B.s discriptions and extra honings.

I disagree with that Pixelfixed. You make it sound like its a necessity to look on the classifieds here first. Its not. There are great deals out there from other vendors whom a lot of people here use and have experience of buying from.

Originally Posted by tbert33

I disagree with that Pixelfixed. You make it sound like its a necessity to look on the classifieds here first. Its not. There are great deals out there from other vendors whom a lot of people here use and have experience of buying from.

Is not a necessity,I said watch the classifieds.are many great deals.