Thread: first razor

just a question from someone looking to buy first straight razor. i have looked at many sites on the web and the dovo is a nice looking razor in all price ranges.what about the timor? is this a wise choice. is it ok to buy a ja henckles on ebay ? how do you clean a used razor so it is safe to use?

I would avoid fleaBay for your first purchase. I would stick with www.classicshaving.com or www.vintagebladesllc.com for a first blade, and make sure to get it honed!

Dovo is a nice brand. My first is a Dovo and I'm utterly pleased with it.

thanks kasperitis. thats good advice

or you can find a nice one here in the B/S/T and it will most likely come honed.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/showt...ight=disinfect
for cleaning the jury's out

i guess its ok to purchase a razor at an estate sale,have it sharpened and the clean it and use it?

That might work. Just be mindful of what you're buying and the fact that it will need work before it's ready. Some of the members here do restoration work and will gladly restore a blade for you.

Originally Posted by p379

i guess its ok to purchase a razor at an estate sale,have it sharpened and the clean it and use it?

Yep, that'll work in most cases, but spend some time learning what to look for beforehand. The benefit of estate sales is that you may get a real treasure on the cheap, but you may just get an average razor for an average price too. But practicaly all estate sale razors have started as very good ones, just because back in times there was a big market with a competition and no space for junkers.

is it acceptable to buy a used razor strop?or is this a bad idea

Originally Posted by p379

is it acceptable to buy a used razor strop?or is this a bad idea

It’s best to purchase a new strop for a razor that will be in intimate contact with your face... especially if you are new to straight razor shaving.

Some times when the previous oner uses a strop, they may accidentally “nic” or slice the strop with the razor; sometimes the damage is not repairable and would be really bad for your razor (and your face).

That said if you can get a good look at the “used” strop before you buy, make sure the strop is smooth and flat and clean, that is; without wrinkles, folds or creases, the surface should have an almost rubbery texture without any cuts that look like a razor slice. Make sure there is no rotting in the leather and make sure it has the clip (or in some cases a string) to hang the strop.

Many people who buy used strops are collectors of vintage strops, sometimes these vintage strops are not even used by the buyer.
However there are used strops for sale that are not vintage and are quite serviceable... but as they say "your millage may vary".

Oh one more thing… don’t buy a strop on whose name starts with the letter “Z”... now thats a bad idea.