Thread: What razor to get for my husband

Hi folks. First off I know nothing about straight razors. I am starting to look for Christmas gifts and I want to get my husband a better razor. What I retained from what he told me is the one that works well but it is not amazing. The handle is maybe bakelite and is worse for the wear. I want to find him a high quality razor that has a fancy handle. He really likes anything made out of wood or inlay. Do you all have any suggestions? I want him to really love his gift.

(as a side note I am a little worried he is on this site... I am not positive but he has mentioned boards.)

What kind of budget are you working with? That'll narrow your choice.. People around here seem to like Straight Razor Designs store, so you might want to have a look there.

As for myself, I like Revisor and Wacker razors a lot. Thiers Issard Spartacus (the new one) is another one on my list and they come with wicked handles. Ralph Aust is great, too.

I wouldn't really recommend you go searching for vintage restored razors (i.e. on ebay), cos that needs an experienced eye.

There are several reputable sellers who, no doubt, make great custom blades and do restoration work (e.g. Glen gssixgun, Max Sprecher, Joe Edson, Silverloaf customs, Alex Jacques).. I hope I haven't violated any policies by mentioning their names.

I would say I am thinking under $300 USD. I do not even know how much one really costs, but I want to get him the best. He is very particular and wants things that will last forever. So something high quality is important.

Sorry, I live in another state that I will not disclose in case he is lurking. Would that be a good Christmas gift? I guess what I am asking is what razor would make your wife the best wife ever. I am willing to fudge the $300 if need be.

Drats.

In my opinion, that would do it.

Does he have kit, strop, brush and soap, can’t have too much soap? On the home page, click on the link for SRD Straight Razor Design for all that stuff.

A Tub of MDC (Martin De Candre soap) or any good soap, would make anyone happy.

Or for under a hundred dollars there are some nice, shave ready vintage razors in the classifieds, and real nice razors for under $200.

Sorry to disappoint.

So this might be a silly question, can you get a razor like that engraved? Again, I totally know nothing about this, but he has an entire setup. Kind of like a vanity set but for a man. It seems like an engraved razor would make it even more... struggling with words here... more posh and old man like. Am I totally off the mark here or is engraving it sacrilegious?

More soap might be a good idea. I was thinking of getting him Floris No.89 soap because that is what James Bond uses in several books. I figure that it is okay because it is expensive.

I agree that SRD would be a good place to buy from as it would come shave ready. Has he already got a strop etc? If you PM Lynn at SRD he could chat with you re your requirements. Personally, I wouldn't have the razor itself engraved, but maybe the scales? Looks like some lucky chap is in for a great Christmas!

Would something like this be a good choice? it is a restored Wade & Butcher "Fine India Steel Razor."