Thread: Buy in Spain

I currently live in Spain and would like to get in to shaving with a straight razor. I am on the hunt for a razor. I am on a very strict budget due to my three kids and one on the way. I am looking at vintage blades that I can find around here. So my budget is a max of around $30. I do not mind learning how to get it to Shave ready. I tend to be pretty handy, it would be a good skill to master. Here is a few that I have found within my price point. What would you choose? Sorry for all the different Fonts. All of these razors have a little rust but the edge of the blades seem like they have no nicks. (from the pictures anyway) Any insight would be great. Thanks.


80 Razor Dovo Solingen stamp in the "Kacharbeit Solingen" leaf blade width 14 mm. It is a 9/16, has some cracks in the handle up to the top pin, $30

Filharmonics Shaving Double Tempo Jose Monserrat $24

20 Gotta Razor Solingen, stamped on the blade, no nicks or cracks $30

Razor Morley & Sons Germany, blade width 17 mm. 5.8 is a stamp "Extra Hollow Ground Fully Warranted" no nicks or cracks $30

N. Gesse of some sort, I asked for more info: $27

Guillermo Hoppe 14 for $18

C. Fredrico Ern Wald- solingen $38

We don't do valuations here so we can't give any judgments about the price and since there are no pictures we can't judge the condition of the razors.
All of the brands should be good(never heard about N. Gesse or Guillermo Hoppe).

Filharmonica is a panish brand that has a very good reputation and are very collectible, since you live in Spain I think you probably should be able to get one for a better price than the rest of us if you go to antique stores or local auction sites(similarly to how us Swedes have it easier to find Heljestrands and other Swedish razors at better prices than on Ebay. )

Another thing, It's rare around these parts that people save money on straight shaving, It's possible to get by with one or two razors, a strop, a brush, a soap, aftershave and a finishing hone for touch ups(this is the bare minimum that you'll need and the initial cost for all of this is quite a bit) but most members get one or several of the so called acquisition disorders and end up spending large sums on straight shaving.

Welcome to SRP, without seeing any pictures and assuming your description is accurate, Filarmonica's are high quality razors, Morley & Sons are fantastic shavers. Its all about the condition of the razor.

Hoppe 14 may be a winner,need pics tho

Thanks, this was the kind of feedback was looking for. General quality of the brands. Thanks Guys. I will post some photos if there is a general honesty among gentlemen with not buying things out from under people when in this choosing/hunting process. =) From the feel of things though I thing most people here seem like good people. Thanks again.

80 Razor Dovo Solingen stamp in the "Kacharbeit Solingen"

Filarmonica

Test for picture to see if will upload.

20 Gotta Razor Solingen, stamped on the blade, no nicks or cracks $30

Razor Morley & Sons Germany, blade width 17 mm. 5.8 is a stamp "Extra Hollow Ground Fully Warranted" no nicks or cracks $30

N. Gesse of some sort, I asked for more info: $27