Which razor for a first?

Morning SRP,

I just joined last night since I have been browsing SRP a lot in search of answers to all of my questions. Currently in using a Muhle safety razor and looking to get a straight. I don't want to go wild ass and spend tons of money on a straight but "tons" is a relative term. I have chosen between two razors currently. The first is a Henckels carbon steel (TWIN Beauty) and the second is a Blue Bell 99 square blade. Can anyone give me any insight to either of these straights? Any answers or help is much appreciated.

Know it's not what you asked....but if I had to do it over again is start with a Feather Str8 and ProGuard blades. Learn the motions before you have to worry about the Maintainance!

Then, I'd look to the guys here for a shave ready preowned str8.

Welcome Dingo

I'm not sure if either of the above razors are a round-point or not but I would start with a round-point razor. A bit easier to manuever especially if you have a goatee or other facial hair to trim around. My first razor was NOT a round-point and I kept cutting myself with the point because I just wasn't use to handling a straight, at first it will feel very awkward hadnling a straight but in time it will become old hat. Hope this helps, just my personal opinion.

Welcome. I have no idea what your second choice of razor is, the Henckels are amazing shavers. I have never used a DE or a feather, but I do know that the importance of quality steel and a professional honing is paramount to a good shave. There are certainly easier points to learn with than others, the suggested round point is going to give you a little security and likely less nicks. Hopefully we help you make your decision and don't confuse the issue more with too much information.

Thanks for the information gents, below is a picture of the blue bell that I was looking at.

http://www.shavingshop.com/products/DSC00940.JPG

this is the Henckels

http://www.shavingshop.com/products/Henckels%202.jpg

those are both very workable options. If I were buying I'd go for the Henckels just because I think they are the bomb. Top shelf razors at good prices.

Thank you for the help Rez, Its good to see the members on this forum are friendly.

It is what drew me in and keeps me coming back. I haven't seen such a free flow of information before. For the most part it does seem to very much be a place of gentlemen.

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Originally Posted by Dingo7

Thank you for the help Rez, Its good to see the members on this forum are friendly.

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Understatement of the day :)

Those both look like great razors. I can only second what has already been said...Henckels are a known good shaver, round point is IMO the way to start, and definitely keep an eye on the classifieds here.

Feel free to ask questions, there is so much knowledge and experience on this forum!!

Chris

I am a fan of the vintage Henckels. The new production have not been so good in my experience.

Have fun.

Dingo,
I suggest going with the Ralf Aust 5/8 round point. This is an excellent razor for the money. Sure, there are other razors, both new production and vintage, but this Ralf Aust is a sweet little razor that will give you a good start.

With the excellent advice given i would not wish to encroach but i wouldn't discount the square point razors entirely. The advice given vis the superior eviscerating abilities of the square point is fair but it is far from insurmountable and should you prefer that sort of style then it shouldn't be the deciding factor.

The razor itself is of secondary importance to ensuring it is properly honed since this will be the deciding factor between a rather unimpressive experience and result, versus a smooth shave that will leave your skin feeling great.

Dingo -- To second what Obie said, SRD has the 5/8 Ralf Aust for $99, and it will be honed by Lynn himself. I have one and I love it.

I appreciate all the help with this decision guys, and I have made my first purchase!! I decided on a 7/8 Henckels Friodur Spanish point in INOX. I understand some people wanting to have a more entry level Straight, but I am going to try sticking with one straight that I love. Hopefully I will get it soon and be able to post some pictures for you guys.