Help me chose my first straight razor

[Liviu]

Hello everybody.

I'm a happy DE user right now but I would like to try also a straight razor. Because I'm new in this area and of course, I don't know yet how to honing/stropping the blade, I am wondering if it is a good idea to buy a brand new straight razor or an old one.

From my point of view, there are two options:
- new C135 steel - for example 6/8 Le Dandy from Thiers Issard (165 USD) - Le Dandy
- historical steel - something made with Sheffield steel - much more cheaper, probably less than half - Straight Razor KROPP.Sheffield. | eBay

any advice ?

[DylanMW]

Both look like very nice razors! I really love the look of the scales on that Le Dandy one. I'm sure you would be happy with either one. Heck later on get the other one also!

My first two razors were a Dovo Best Quality and a Boker King Cutter. I absolutely LOVE my King Cutter.


Also, both new and used razors are great... you might have to get them honed by someone here on the forums if you really want to get a great experience. I got my two razors from straightrazordesigns pre honed and they are perfect.

[Carpefor]

Hi there!

I started with a Bismarck 'registered', half hollow razor. After 8 month I tries several other razors, but nowdays the "Sheffield Line" is the most comfortable for me. I am using a 5/8 Wade&Butcher 1/4 hollow razor which is the best to my skin and I can get the perfect shave with it. From now half hollow, full hollow razors seems to be a bit "agressive" for me.

Go on, try it, if you get a nick, say Laskei Bine!

Salut from Hungary!

[cpcohen1945]

How important is money to you?

If you want something inexpensive, check the "Classifieds" on this site, or contact Larry at WhippedDog.com .

If you're willing to make a fairly expensive mistake (in case you _don't_ like straight-razor shaving), the TI will be more than good enough.

The new Dovo "Best Quality" (hand-honed from Straight Razor Designs, and other sellers) is a reasonable compromise, at around $80.

You'll need a strop. WhippedDog.com and Straight Razor Designs and RupRazor and StarShavingSupplies (and vendors on this site) are possible sources -- prices vary.

Have fun --

Charles

PS -- If you haven't read the "Beginner's Wiki" on this site, now would be a good time to start.

PPS -- You're in Romania !!!! So a European or UK seller would probably be best. My advice was designed for North Americans.

[Liviu]

Of course, I already read the Wiki.

Money are important, of course. On the other hand, this will be my first razor, so it is important. I think I'll go for a new razor now (Le Dandy) and after few months I will buy other pieces.
Of course, I want to have also some vintage pieces like WB, Filarmonica, etc. All the things at the correct time, I need to spend also a little fortune to strops and Naniwa.

[dodgerdawg]

I am considering the Le Dandy as well, thank you everyone for your thoughts.