Best Straight Razor in the $250 price bracket?

I'm looking for a straight razor now I'm well and truly rid of the forest I use to carry around with me on my chin. I'm bored of my Gillette fusion pro-glide and am after something a little more manly. I've spent plenty of money on beard trimmers in the past so figured I'd splash a bit on a straight razor now I'm entering a different stage of my life. Any sign of a beard forming now and I'm disgusted by its scruffiness, can't believe I used to let myself get so feral. I must be getting old man, I'm saying the same things about beards that my dad and granddad have been saying to me for years "Is that a dead rat on your face?". So anyway, I'm after some suggestions on a straight blade that's in and around the $250 mark. I've heard of Hart Steel blades and they have a strong reputation but was wondering what else is on the market? Thanks

That's a good shout, thanks for the quick reply. I'll check out the kit you've suggested a bit later when I'm back at a computer. Thanks again.

as people will have pointed out to you, the price of a razor is dictated by many things. The size of the razor (5/8 less expensive than 8/8), the fanciness of the razor (gold wash, fancy scales in posh woods) and the desirability of the razor (NOS Palmera or Iwasaki will be a fortune, as will custom makers).

The most important thing about a razor is its shave ready state. To this end, it is essential you buy from a seller who guarantees the edge. The SRD package has the additional benefit of ensuring you get a second honing free when you (inevitably) roll the edge on the strop.
If you really want to splash the cash on the razor ALONE, then there are a couple of very attractive razors currently in the classifieds which are guaranteed to be shave ready (I'm thinking of the 7/8 Grelot, very very nice razor, and also the NOS German razor which is 6/8 and very attractive).

Koraat knives.

Like previous posters have said, the most important point is to buy a razor that is truly shave ready regardless of price. A $30 vintage razor that has a shave ready edge will shave as well as a much more expensive razor with a shave ready edge. At the beginner level you really can't "buy" a better shave by throwing money at the gear you get. You can't make up for poor technique, which most all beginners have, by fancier gear. I'd get decent basic gear and go from there.

Bob

The above post is completely correct. A more expensive razor does not equate to a better shave. The edge and what you do with the edge is the most important thing. I think the only caveat to the above post is that I would make sure you buy a razor you want for keeps. I had some starter razors which I ended up selling on when I wanted to "upgrade". If you are planning on being here for the long haul, buy a razor you would be happy to shave with for the rest of your life.

All good advise for the kits, and the fact is its all about the edge right now and forever, razor bling don't shave the whiskers. it takes months to really get good at this. Another good way to start is to buy a lower priced vintage in the classifieds because the plain truth is a good percentage of guys, especially young guys, tend to give it up after a few failures.
I,m not advocating cheap, there is a difference between cheap and inexpensive. A vintage lower priced in the classifieds will more than likely be shave ready which is the only way to start. If the seller hones then maybe they will rehone it for you when you dull your razor, notice I said when , not if. Then pick up the rest of your kit just remember to ask before you buy off eBay, that's not really where you want to start.
Do try to meet with a mentor and start right in shaving if at all possible. After you are shaving well and stropping well, then and only then have a sit down with your mentor and learn to maintain that blade.
Good luck, it's a commitment in time and patience. But also remember it's just shaving, so keep your kit budget reasonable so if you don't like it there will be some of your investment you can get back. Tc

All of the above is excellent advice -- I'll just throw in one minor point.

Wedges and hollow grinds are both worth trying at some point, and I have both in my rotation, but I think a hollow-grind blade can be a somewhat better choice for someone just beginning to learn this art. It's easier to pick up on the audible and tactile feedback from a hollow-grind blade, and it will be easier to master good technique. They call some of them "singing" blades for a reason!

The only thing I will add to the above, apart from the actual essential items, is also spend a little time up-front before your first shave playing with the brush and soap to get a great lather. Apart from edge and technique, actually getting the correct balance of soap and water that creates a smooth, slick, and thick lather can buy you a bit of the difference in rookie technique and flat out razor burn. The soap's function can not be overstated. It moistens the beard, lifts the hairs, and softens the skin...all critical to a great and close shave. Each soap is different, and settling for a canned gel wont suffice with a straight. The products mentioned above will work very well. Just practice getting that lather a few times before trying to shave, and refresh it on your face often so it doesn't dry out as you shave.

Well some brilliant advice, thanks for all the feedback, trouble is, now I'm really torn about which one to go far as there has been so many suggestions. Seems like I don't need to spend crazy money and I can go lower than my original budget but still get a great blade. I'm going to have a proper look down all the responses and check out the suggestions properly. I would like something that looks good but it is mainly about the quality of the shave. I think I'd want something for keeps too and am happy to spend that bit more to get one that's going to satisfy me for a few years to come. Pretty sure my cousin offers straight blade shaves at his barbers shop so I should ask him what he uses. Can't imagine he's spent loads of cash on one but it would have to be half decent.

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Originally Posted by barberann

Well some brilliant advice, thanks for all the feedback, trouble is, now I'm really torn about which one to go far as there has been so many suggestions. Seems like I don't need to spend crazy money and I can go lower than my original budget but still get a great blade. I'm going to have a proper look down all the responses and check out the suggestions properly. I would like something that looks good but it is mainly about the quality of the shave. I think I'd want something for keeps too and am happy to spend that bit more to get one that's going to satisfy me for a few years to come. Pretty sure my cousin offers straight blade shaves at his barbers shop so I should ask him what he uses. Can't imagine he's spent loads of cash on one but it would have to be half decent.

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More than likely he does use something cheap, a shavette with the most reasonable blades he can find, he has to change them every customer. You can find a keeper without spending a lot, save the money for after you get a hang of what works best for you. Good luck. Tc

Any Japanese razor, you can get NOS condition ones in that range.

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Originally Posted by tcrideshd

More than likely he does use something cheap, a shavette with the most reasonable blades he can find, he has to change them every customer. You can find a keeper without spending a lot, save the money for after you get a hang of what works best for you. Good luck. Tc

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Yeah I messaged him, that's pretty much what he said, should have realized that really. He said he has a couple of different types. One that he uses for some of his regulars which takes better blades made by 'Feather' and then a cheaper alternative for regular use. He's just revamping his shop actually so he's rethinking his design layout and getting some new bits of equipment.

My cousin has a Thiers-Issard 5/8″ straight for home but he said it cost him a fair bit. Its going to last but there's cheaper ones I could buy. He said a Dovo is good for beginners and gives a nice close shave, won't cost an arm and a leg either for the classic one but they do pricier ones for more advanced users. He can get razors honed professionally for me so that solves that issue.

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Originally Posted by barberann

My cousin has a Thiers-Issard 5/8″ straight for home but he said it cost him a fair bit. Its going to last but there's cheaper ones I could buy. He said a Dovo is good for beginners and gives a nice close shave, won't cost an arm and a leg either for the classic one but they do pricier ones for more advanced users. He can get razors honed professionally for me so that solves that issue.

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The pricier ones are not for more advanced users, ones with deeper pockets maybe, as the blades are made all the same.

Bob

In the $250 range, I would look no further than Brian Brown or Jerry Stark. Both handcrafted razors the makers will stand 100% behind.

I have purchased vintage blades off eBay for 20-50 dollars that shave as well or better than some of my more expensive razors.

Must admit, some of the Brian Brown custom ones looked mint, really nice designs. They are probably the ones I've most liked the look of out of the brands I've looked at so far and the reviews I've read are very positive. Not sure whether I still want to go that high based on everything else that has been said here but I'm considering BB for sure.

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Originally Posted by barberann

My cousin has a Thiers-Issard 5/8″ straight for home but he said it cost him a fair bit. Its going to last but there's cheaper ones I could buy. He said a Dovo is good for beginners and gives a nice close shave, won't cost an arm and a leg either for the classic one but they do pricier ones for more advanced users. He can get razors honed professionally for me so that solves that issue.

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My cousins just asked me what I think of a few old used vintage barber chairs at this auction site he's looking at. He's after one or two for his new look shop. He's seriously considering spending well over $1,000 dollars just on one as a centrepiece. I've told him that i'll be visiting with my new razor once I've decided on one so I can have an authentic shave in an old-skool chair.

I think I'm going with a Brian Brown razor, just got to decide on a design.

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Originally Posted by barberann

My cousin has a Thiers-Issard 5/8″ straight for home but he said it cost him a fair bit. Its going to last but there's cheaper ones I could buy. He said a Dovo is good for beginners and gives a nice close shave, won't cost an arm and a leg either for the classic one but they do pricier ones for more advanced users. He can get razors honed professionally for me so that solves that issue.

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One thing you must remember for the most part...............a company like Dovo; Boker; Ralf Aust; Thiers; and others their steel used on a cheaper priced razor is no different than a several hundred dollar razor. What you end up paying for is exotic scale material; engravings; sculpted spines; gold wash; and other such things. I think this to be the biggest misconception of any new person to a str8 that really needs to be addressed.

That is why I pointed you to a Ralf Aust basic scale $103 razor. You will be hard pressed to find another better in that price point. I saw you decided on a Brown custom......I hear he makes nice razors and you should be fine. But if you dislike str8 shaving you may be out some money because all his razors are $200+. Twice that of a RA. Just food for thought they say. Good Luck.

For me the deciding factor found among razor models, either puts them into the decent shaver category or razor kissed by the gods, is the care taken in the grinding, accuracy free of warping and other geometric flaws. Steel being equal a razor in a perfect geometric state will be a joy to shave or hone and not be a pain in the you know what. That's what we pay for the rest is just decor.

I would mirror Stefan's call If I had that budget I would go for a NOS Japanese razor.

I have to mirror both Stefan's and Jamie's recommendations on an NOS Japanese straight. They are outstanding shavers.

I have 2 Ralf Aust razors; both are quite nice, shave well and are properly crafted.

I now own a Brian Brown razor, it cost about $100 more than either of my Austs, just got it.

Put all three alongside each other....

Attachment 232003


Not unlike a BMW 7 Series parked in between a couple VW Jettas.

Get bored with the program or decide the str8 world is not for you? I doubt you will have a hard time selling a Brown razor significantly quicker than you would an Aust.

And...there is that abstract warm and fuzzy feeling knowing YOU worked with the maker and had a real deal role in creating your new razor. Can't put a price on that....

OK, i'll take the advice, got a bit carried away for a second. I'll check out the couple of suggestions on NOS Japanese & Ralf Aust.

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Originally Posted by barberann

I'm looking for a straight razor now I'm well and truly rid of the forest I use to carry around with me on my chin. I'm bored of my Gillette fusion pro-glide and am after something a little more manly. I've spent plenty of money on beard trimmers in the past so figured I'd splash a bit on a straight razor now I'm entering a different stage of my life. Any sign of a beard forming now and I'm disgusted by its scruffiness, can't believe I used to let myself get so feral. I must be getting old man, I'm saying the same things about beards that my dad and granddad have been saying to me for years "Is that a dead rat on your face?". So anyway, I'm after some suggestions on a straight blade that's in and around the $250 mark. I've heard of Hart Steel blades and they have a strong reputation but was wondering what else is on the market? Thanks

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You can find a good Thiers-Issard for that much over at The Invisble Edge UK for $150 and a quarter grind. You can also buy a could paddle strop form them as well for $50 to $75.

Less than 200, Portland razor co. Fine hand crafted blades. Many to choose from. I like the srd stops
One can order replacement leather, for when you nick your strop. It's going to happen.