Thread: Your 1st Straight Razor

What was the first straight razor that you purchased?

This, of course, is a simple question, but I think it'll procure the ends which I've tried to meet: making the decision on which first straight razor I should purchase. I've not found a definitive guide as to direct me to which particular one a beginner should purchase, although from looking at the data, 5/8's and 6/8's are a reasonable starting point, and there seem to be a large number of suggestions on buying used. I think my difficulty is pertaining to brands: Dovo? TI? Dubl Duck? (does brand even matter?)

I suppose in addition to the first querry, if you could maybe explain what compelled you to make that particular purchase?

Thanks in advance!

Mine was a vintage Super Kama, 11/16". I bought it (along with a barber hone) about 15 years ago at an antique store for $10. After honing it (very poorly) myself, I shaved with it a couple times and got miserable shaves.

It sat in a drawer until a little over a year ago, when I sent it to Afdavis11. He honed it up for me and started me in our little hobby with great shaver.

My first (got it about 3 weeks ago...) was a NOS Henckels Fridour 7/8.

I just loved the look of the blade, that's why I got it. It just spoke to me. (although I find alot of razors these days also speak to me: "buy me, BUY ME!..." is what they usually say )And I wanted a low-maintenance (stainless) blade to start with. Although they say a 7/8 is too big to begin with, ignorance is bliss, and I haven't had any issues with getting BBS with this big bad boy (even just this morning).

I have tried a 6/8 W&B I got in an antique store and restored, it does give me a bit better visibility. I'm still working on getting it honed up right, but for now the 7/8 Henckles shaves me better.

My first straight I purchased was a New Old Stock Hen & Rooster blue bone handled round tip 5/8 in carbon steel I bought shave ready from Joel at B&B.

My reasons for this were simple. The price was right, I knew the H&R brand, and it was ready to use. I just love this razor. It is very comfortable to use, it is very, very sharp, and is easy to strop and shave with. I haven't honed it yet, but from what I hear, these are supposed to be good razors.

As far as a beginner's razor....I'm by no means an expert, but you might try a Dovo Special. This razor was my 2nd purchase. In fact, I bought shave ready from Amyn over at B&B as well. It too, is a good razor, and shaves like a champ.

As always, YMMV, but happy hunting anyway

My first was a Wapienica, primarily because it was cheap but seemed like a solid razor. I think it was a good choice (more by luck than judgment) - for £8.50 it was superb value. I still use it occasionally even now so it wasn't just a beginner razor. The only negative is the stainless steel handle is a bit heavy but you get used to that surprisingly quickly.

I think beginners would be well advised to start with a Wapi - you don't want to spend really substantial money on a razor if you've never tried a straight before.

Mine was a Challenge Cutlery 5/8. I bought it from Joe Chandler, a member here, who was very helpful.

For vintage blades, I don't think brand matters that much. As long as the blade is in good shape. Going vintage is a good way to avoid spending too much on your initial set up. You may also end up with a great shaver. I still use my first blade even though I've since acquired a bunch of other "fancier" razors.

Enjoy!

Jordan

My first razor was purchased about five years ago and was the Dovo Ivory Micarta.
I still love the thing.

I bought it because I love the look and I've always preferred new/unused items.

The blade is super hard and shaves great and I don't see myself ever getting rid of it.

Good luck with your search and let us know what you decide on.

Ivan

a 5/8 hollow which I bought from one of the honemeisters on the board (Josh Earl). it's unknown english brand - chip-a-way, and takes nice edge. i also like the looks of it - has the barber's notch and there's a bit of patina, which adds just the right character to it

I am not an authority but I went with the new Dovo in tortose scale 5/8. I have not regreted this yet. The main thing is making sure it is honed and shave ready. This will give you a benchmark and there are enough things to worry about without a dull razor. Jim at vintage blades and Will at classic shaving both sell shave ready razors. If you get an old razor make sure to have it honed as well. Tony Miller also has some good kits with his strops included if you have no gear.

Don

My first was a Wapienica. Members here hailed it as a great buy and a solid razor, even for non-newbies, so I figured it would be a great idea. I also intended to learn to hone, so since it was not a bank-breaker I felt comfortable grinding metal off it

Be warned, the metal scales can get slippery depending on your grip.