Thread: 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.