In searching for my first Straight Edge Razor...

I've looked around, done a bit of research and I would rather have a modern production razor in my den than one of generations past. As someone who is passionate about cooking, I was ecstatic to discover that my kitchen steels of choice made razors as well, so I feel that I may be tainted in my judgement.

From what I understand, these are still in production to the point that finding one listed as New anywhere I'd find it wouldn't necessarily make it new old stock correct?

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This is a photo of one that I will bid on at feebay. I'd err on the side of caution and send it to a honemeister immediately since it is not marked as shave ready (and I haven't the skill or experience yet at honing). However, if I'm going to make my bid to what I am willing to spend, I want to make sure that I am spending my money on a quality shaver. Another forum poo-pooed my choice of first straight in favor of a Gold Dollar that I wouldn't feel bad about "wasting" the money on if it wasn't for me. I think that viewpoint is full of malarkey as I've been of the mindset of buying the best product that you like and can afford at any given time.

So what sayeth you all, is this is a razor worth considering the purchase? I'm not asking for a valuation, but insight as to the current production razors, how well they obtain and hold an edge, quality of manufacturing, overall quality of shave etc.

It sounds to me like you did some research before you came to your conclusions. That's a nice razor and yes sending it out for a hone job is smart also. I have never had a brand new razor but I hear it is wise to get a better than factory edge on them. I think that is a very fine choice for a first time razor. Good luck on the bidding !

You should be just fine with one of the Henckels...much better than the first choice you listed. And as already been said, you've done your research and know enough to send it out for honing. Good luck and welcome to SRP and the world of shaving with a straight :)

Congrats on doing your homework before making what I think is a sound choice. I have and use a Friodur and it is a fine shaver. I am unaware that Henckels are currently making straight razors though.

Bob

That should be a very fine shaver indeed. Just be very careful with it, as it is surprisingly easy to get stains, drop it or bang it into the faucet. Or, once you get into honing, to give it a lot of hone wear. Those are the reasons for me to suggest a used/cheap razor as a first. On the other hand, that Friodur is very pretty and if you take good care of it, you should be fine :)

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Originally Posted by Laurens

That should be a very fine shaver indeed. Just be very careful with it, as it is surprisingly easy to get stains, drop it or bang it into the faucet. Or, once you get into honing, to give it a lot of hone wear. Those are the reasons for me to suggest a used/cheap razor as a first. On the other hand, that Friodur is very pretty and if you take good care of it, you should be fine :)

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Dude, you will positively not be disappointed! As for the Gold Dollar, it is only a good razor if it is modified and honed by someone with experience at it, and because after all the steel is from China, until it has given a dozen shaves or so, you can't be absolutely positive that it will hold an edge decently. I have several, and no complaints about the one that was totally modified cause it is a great shaver and looks great in its new scales. The guy who did mine is great! But just buying one from some guy as a newbie is not what I would recommend. Only if the guy has a great reputation with plenty of happy end users. I got others in various states of modifications including a couple I am slowly doing myself. But ask me if I would trade my good one for that Friodur and just watch me LOL!

For a first razor where you are on a budget, I would say a whipped dog razor would be great. A Gold Dollar from a known razor fixer upper would be okay if you could return it. But with a little money to spend, I would definitely go for a nice new one like that Friodur. You made the right choice. Enjoy it.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'll put a bid on what I think is appropriate to pay for it, if I win, then I gotta go down the slope of buying a strop and eventually learning how to hone. Don't think my wife will be happy when the credit card bills come in :rofl2: