Thread: Buying a straight

I am looking for some help with buying a straight razor, i owned one years ago but it was stolen. I am looking for one to use on my face and head.

I am not a head shaver so I cannot help you there.
For my first razor I purchased a 5/8 Dovo 1/2 hollow round point, new and shave ready from an online retailer in Canada.
Knowing now what I know I would have gone a similar route and buy a shave ready razor very similar but second hand from the BST forum here. You can pretty much PM any mentor and ask questions about specific razors. However we will all have slightly different opinions so if you ask many people the same question you will get many answers, which can be confusing.
Will you also be looking for a strop and brush?
Everything will change a bit depending on what region you are in. There are members here from all over the world so where to shop does change a little.

I am in West Virginia

Hello. Welcome to Straight Razor Place!

My recommendation would be to buy from Straight Razor Designs if you are looking for a new razor. You can also find vintage razors in the classifieds here at SRP. Pay attention to see if the ad says shave ready or not.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razors-blades/

As I am a little further north I thing my friend from Missouri has the correct answer.
Shave ready is the important feature you are looking for. Straight Razor Designs has a great reputation for their edges.

Thanks guys

The most beginner straight is a 5/8 round point full hollow. Round point so you don't cut yourself, and full hollow (the grind) is usually more forgiving than a wedge razor. I personally prefer 6/8 to 5/8 but it's a personal preference thing. I don't know a lot of guys who shave their head with a straight but I'm sure it can be done. You can buy modern but you could get a good vintage for under 50 bucks. Just make sure it is properly honed.

I think you would be hard to beat the straight razor design strop and razor combo and what ever brush you can afford . I think it's a pretty good all around deal . Just pick one of the dovos that come in the set with a strop I don't think any of them would be considered "not a good first razor " except maybe the square point don't do that go round point

By the way you will find most everyone here very willing to give advice and help I have ,I'm still the new guy and everyone has been more than helpful and generous with there knowledge , good luck

Looking back at what I started with and what I have now I wish I would have went vintage right from the get go. I have a Dovo that was my first purchase and I don't even use it any more because I feel the vintage razors are better. I would say most people suggest 5/8 or 6/8 which is most common and either way I don't think you can go wrong. I would agree with Rezdog to check into the buy, sell, trade here and find a nice vintage blade. Best of luck with your search