Thread: UK - buying guide

Hello,

I've been shaving with DE's for 3 years, and 1.5yrs with a shavette + Feathers.

I want to move onto straights, but I've been having problems finding quality looking razors in the UK.

Are there any brands/stores that source legitimate razors that you guys could recommend?

Is there a guide on how to ensure that the blades I'm getting are not fake?

I know about this guide: Brands of Straight Razors to Avoid - Straight Razor Place Library

Are there any differences, aside from aesthetics, of two razors that are the same size and same material by the same company?
For example, two stainless steel 5-8's from dovo, priced differently.

Thank you,
-Ram

Hey Ram and welcome to the forum. Some UK members will be along shortly to give some some reputable places to buy over there.

In the example you gave of the two Dovo razors the price difference may be down to scale material used, any ornamentation like carved spines, gold etchings on the blade and jimps or lack of same and so on. Possibly to some extent the grind also. So yes, mainly aesthetics.

Bob

Thanks Bob!

It's 1am here atm, so I'll try my best to not place an order till noon. My countrymen are sleeping.

I've read that carbon steel blades rust over time, are there any remedies for this and could you give me an example of how much rust is to be expected?

Thank you,
- Ram

Originally Posted by RadikulRAM

Thanks Bob!

It's 1am here atm, so I'll try my best to not place an order till noon. My countrymen are sleeping.

I've read that carbon steel blades rust over time, are there any remedies for this and could you give me an example of how much rust is to be expected?

Thank you,
- Ram

The remedy is to dry and wipe any soap from your razor post shave. Carbon Steel will only rust if it is wet. Humid or damp environments can be problematic but with proper care and storage you won't have an issue.

I would recommend looking through our library section and the beginners forum you will get a lot of information from there and you will probably find a lot of your questions answered.

shaving.ie

royal shave

Special purchase razors

Hello Ram.

Here in the UK, there is Neil Miller(member here) at the Strop Shop. Also, Steve Dempster at The Invisible Edge.

Hey guys,

How long does it take for a Razor to come back in stock? Or are they usually done for a short run, and then sold out?

I've taken a liking to the dovo forestal cocobolo straight razor, but it seems sold out.

I think manufacturers have been having difficulty keeping up with the growing demand for straight razors lately. If a shop is out of a particular razor it might not be a simple matter of just ordering more. Could be out of stock for awhile. That is unless things have changed. Might be best to email the dealer for info on when they will have it back in stock.

Bob

I'm a US buyer that just received a UK razor from theinvisibleedge. Very high quality and great customer service.

I have read that Dovo is going to only sell through it proven high volume sellers and not service small sellers. So a small dealer may not get any more of the Dovo products.
~Richard