Thread: Help with 1st razor choice

Originally Posted by petercp4e

One thing that I am finding, however, is that many of the shaving websites, including SRD are pretty much sold out of razors. Oh well...I'm getting closePete <:-}

I'd be surprised if they weren't sold out at this time of the year. It was previously suggested that you look to Whipped Dog and/or the classifieds. The classifieds are a sure bet for an excellent beginner's razor. It will, no doubt, come shave ready, since it will be from a SRP member. In some cases they will have it labeled as a good beginner's razor. Take a look. A good vintage razor is one that has been time tested and generally well taken care off. And if not to your liking after acquiring more razors you can sell it for just about what you paid for it.

Welcome to the forum petercp4e. My first and second razors were Bokers. I love them. They are quality razors and not too pricey. The 2 I have are vintage, but I'm going to buy a new one soon for comparison. I'm also considering a Ralf Aust. Whichever you choose to start with, just make sure it's honed and stropped well. I'm sure you'll soon be after your second and third razors anyway. Some will be good buys, some won't. It's all part of the fun. The RAD will bite! Enjoy your journey!

SRD has the Ralf Aust razors in stock. Have not personally got one but his reputation is as one of the best modern makers. Also come with jimps top and bottom which would recommend. Am also new to straights and you don't want the razor slipping in your fingers while experimenting with different grips. All the best and have fun learning.

I started with the 5/8 aust from SRD and feel it was a good starting point. I liked knowing that what I was getting from SRD was REALLY shave ready so that I could focus on my shaving/stropping techniques knowing what a truly shave ready razor was supposed to feel like.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

I'd be surprised if they weren't sold out at this time of the year. It was previously suggested that you look to Whipped Dog and/or the classifieds. The classifieds are a sure bet for an excellent beginner's razor. It will, no doubt, come shave ready, since it will be from a SRP member. In some cases they will have it labeled as a good beginner's razor. Take a look. A good vintage razor is one that has been time tested and generally well taken care off. And if not to your liking after acquiring more razors you can sell it for just about what you paid for it.

To be clear, I haven't gotten from WD, I was just passing along information that I had seen as a viable option from some here in the past.

I did go the SRP Classified route for my first razor and got it pro-honed. While I was waiting, I picked up a few more vintage razors from local antique store for peanuts.

Welcome to the most friendly, helpful and informative site on the web!!

You will find members here of all different backgrounds, ages and occupations from all corners of the world and all with a quest for more knowledge about using and maintaining a straight razor!

If you take the time to search, 99.9% of your questions can be found in the Library (WIKI) however feel free to ask us about whatever it is that you are wondering about or having a problem with. It does help if you’ve done some research before hand so it narrows the problem down a bit.

If you are interested in what I consider a beginner's blade (fairly inexpensive) send me a PM as I have a few that would come shave ready.

Again, Welcome to an older but better way of shaving. It's a long strange trip but it's a journey well worth the travel.