Thread: First Straight Razor

Hi everyone,

I have been shaving with a DE for about seven years, the last five with a refinished Gillette New Long Comb with Bull handle. I love this razor but just can't shake the urge to try a straight. I have a pretty good idea what I am looking for but am having some trouble finding what my specific options might be. I wear a beard year-round, so I would like something relatively nimble. My current thought is to get either a folding 4/8 with a square point or a Kamisori-style. Either way, I would prefer a new razor and am open to a reputable custom designer if necessary. So, I have a couple of questions:

1) Although I have found a couple of (new) 4/8s, I have yet to find one with a square point. Any suggestions?
2) Other than an Iwasaki (which I am considering) are there any reputable Kamisori-style (western is fine) razors that I should look at?

I appreciate any guidance that you experts can give me.

Thanks,
MCN

I wear a beard most of the winter and still use my entire rotation to keep everything in order without issue, up to full 8/8. So don't limit yourself on size, it doesn't make as big of a difference as you'd think. Also, I get where you're coming from, but I would NOT recommend starting out with a square point. Trust me on this. Not until you are comfortable with your technique should you go for the square point.

Good luck with finding a 4/8 French point.

A square point with a slight mute to the toe is fine & mostly the Iwasaki's come that way also.

A #1 Iwasaki 45mm length might suit you or just about any vintage western.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Good luck with finding a 4/8 French point.

A square point with a slight mute to the toe is fine & mostly the Iwasaki's come that way also.

A #1 Iwasaki 45mm length might suit you or just about any vintage western.

I agree with that. I have a W&B that is 9/16" wide & has a French point but you don't see too many W&B straights with a French point.

Thanks guys. I think a French point or muted square makes a lot of sense.

You will only know if the razor you pick is right, after you get it and shave with it.

I am pretty new myself, almost at shave 100. I agree with engine46 and the Ralf Aust round point 5/8. That was my first razor, along with the kit from SRD. It shaved fantastically and is a great razor to learn on.

If you are just going to get a razor to see how well you like the straight (and you will) a 5/8's round point will give you the best chance to succeed starting out and the Ralf Aust is a great razor at a great price that from SRD comes professionally honed, with a coupon for a second honing. After that and with some experience, you can move on to try anything that may trip your trigger.

Just my 2 cents that may not be worth even that.

apipeguy, all advice (especially from a fellow pipe enthusiast) is welcomed at this stage of my search... thanks.

Right now I'm leaning towards a Kamisori, either the Iwasaki or a custom (I sent out about a half dozen requests for quotes yesterday). I like the idea of a symmetrical grind which most (if not all) of the custom designers produce.

As with pipes and tobacco is doesn't matter if your smoking a Jess Chonwitsch or a GBD, or smoking a fine Virginia Perique or a drug store aromatic.

Some pipes smoke easier and some tobaccos are easier to smoke down to the dottle.

What matters is that you, as an individual and the only one who's opinion really counts, are getting pleasure from what you are doing.

Originally Posted by apipeguy

As with pipes and tobacco is doesn't matter if your smoking a Jess Chonwitsch or a GBD, or smoking a fine Virginia Perique or a drug store aromatic.

Some pipes smoke easier and some tobaccos are easier to smoke down to the dottle.

What matters is that you, as an individual and the only one who's opinion really counts, are getting pleasure from what you are doing.

Well said!

I would shy away being new from a Spanish point with that point! That will grab you for sure. Maybe a more rounded French point or even a rounded toe < this would be my first and was for me would be best.

You cannot go wrong with the Ralf Aust round point 5/8 for $103...............easily one of my best razors and the cheapest to boot.

I think a few others recommended this exact razor as well and for great reason.

Good luck!