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.

Originally Posted by jwy77

I agree, My first straight was the Ralf Aust 5/8. Very forgiving and well balanced. Until you have shaved a few times with one you will want a rounded point. Get a 3 inch strop. When I order mine I really didn't know what to get and didn't ask first. My 2 inch strop is working well but I am going to get a 3 inch.

If you order from SRD make sure to add the "World of Straight Razor" DVD, and Watch anything you can find about straight razor shaving by Lynn Abrams.

SRD sent everything I ordered (no back orders) before the shipping date promised.

Be patient, ask questions and ENJOY!! the shave.

jwy77 , That is good. When I first became involved in straight razor's, I ordered Lynn's dvd & it has helped me quite a bit including using a Dremel the correct way. If you don't use a Dremel the correct way, bad things will happen & in most cases, you can easily ruin a blade with one if you do not know what you are doing do I advise others to get the dvd because it is very informative. Thanks for the above post & also about the dvd.