Thread: First Straight Razor for Beginner

Originally Posted by MikekiM

Agree with this recommendation.. If we rely solely on looks, we would all own a few hundred straights. There are so many that look nice, but that's where it ends...



I agree here as well. I have a Dovo Flowing. Essentially a Bismark with a scalloped spine. I love the looks and the ergonomics, but the shave just isn't on par. It gets very little use. It's sentimental value is what keeps it in my collection.



You know... You can buy a great used blade with a set of crap, boring scales and have it either restored or give it a new set of scales that have all the bling factor and are EXACTLY what you like, and probably end up spending less.. There are a good many artisans who can help you with the scales and it's not all that expensive. What could have more cool factor than custom design?

No doubt Ti & Ralf Aust have both function and form. I have both and they are at the upper end of my rotation.

Spending $200 on a Ti won't necessarily yield you a better shave than if you spent a third of that on a starter blade with all the right specs (round point, half to quarter hollow etc) and then added a set of custom scales with all the bells and whistles for another $100 and put the balance into a nice brush and soap.

"SPOT ON" Couldn't have said it better myself.

MikekiM, sound advice. I'd say most of mine are old and vintage (just snagged a 200 year old 'beauty') and shave like champs. Most are Plain Janes and my daily opt for my daily shave is based on memory of how they last did versus their (sometimes) deceiving looks.

Just to toss another card into the hat... if you like the aesthetics of the Dovo shoulderless blade, and scales that look similar to a TI, here's a 6/8" Revisor with palisander scales that might float your boat.

Revisor also has a "Rarities" section on their website, with a selection that's certain to fuel RAD.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

MikekiM, sound advice. I'd say most of mine are old and vintage (just snagged a 200 year old 'beauty') and shave like champs. Most are Plain Janes and my daily opt for my daily shave is based on memory of how they last did versus their (sometimes) deceiving looks.

Either way works for me... vintage or new custom. In the end, how much I like and use a razor comes to a few things.. The comfort (which is very much based on my honing skills), ergonomics (specifically how it feels and balances when shaving and stropping, and how well I can maneuver the blade) and the overall experined (which I find relates strongly to grind and blade shape. I love a gentle smile and shorty blades). If a razor fails on any one of these bogies it will eventually be jettisoned from my collection. On the other hand, if all three get check marks, the razor could be ornate or plain jane... either will work.

Some of my most treasured straights came to me with warped, cracked, ugly or missing scales, or chips and cracks in the blades.. and now, sporting a new set of scales, garner top billing in rotation.

Welcome to the forum. I'd recommend (because I'm biased and love them) a Boker King Cutter as a first razor. They are well within your price range and really are lovely razors. Good luck with which ever razor you choose. Let us know how you get on and post some photos too.

I will chime in on the favorites thing as well. I find a 6/8 J.A. Henckels Friodur very agreeable. Not the fanciest razor around but beautiful in a utilitarian way. And can it shave!!!

Any new straight razor from a reputable company 5/8 to 6/8 size with a round nose that comes shave ready from a reputable seller should do. By shave ready I don't mean the edge as supplied by the factory, I mean professionally honed by the retailer before being shipped out. Just pick one that you like the looks of at a price point amenable to your budget. Once you can get good shaves from what you bought you will also have a better idea of what you would like different when you buy another one.

Bob

Welcome to the forum. You certainly can't go wrong with the Dovo or with any of the other blades folks have been discussing. My only advice would be to spend less rather than more. You have a hankering for a straight shave ... might love it and become a member of the tribe ... or go back to the electric after you decide it's all too much work.

Get a basic blade, get it cheap, and see if you're hooked. If you are, then spend the $$$. This also gives a chance to try out a particular grind or shape.

Come to think of it, I have a drawer-full of oldies. Not fancy, but all good German or English steel, and all shave ready (or will be once I pick up the hones). I'd be happy to pass along a freebie if you give me a holler/private message. If you don't like it, pass it along to the next guy who's starting out.

Originally Posted by aribica59

.... I'd be happy to pass along a freebie if you give me a holler/private message. If you don't like it, pass it along to the next guy who's starting out.

Well done, Sir! The OP can't beat a deal like that!

Originally Posted by aribica59

...Come to think of it, I have a drawer-full of oldies. Not fancy, but all good German or English steel, and all shave ready (or will be once I pick up the hones). I'd be happy to pass along a freebie if you give me a holler/private message. If you don't like it, pass it along to the next guy who's starting out.

And THAT is what it's all about...
Well done sir!