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Hello to all! I'm new to the forum, and I've been looking at shaving with a straight razor. I'll probably get a dovo anywhere from $89-120. But since i'm new at it maybe buying a cheap razor to practice sharpening/honing is a good idea. So I came across some razors at a fleamarket and thought about getting one of them. Q1 what brands would be good to look for typically at a fleamarket? Q2 what should I do/look for period? thanks
First, a warm welcome to SRP.
Before you proceed forward I highly recommend getting a copy of Lynn's CD. It is a great investment. Next, I also recommend getting your first razor from either the classifieds or a starter kit frmo Kenrup (a member here). The classifieds have many listings for straights under $50 that are truly shave ready. They are not cheap razors. Rather they are very good quality razors that have been properly honed. Kenrups are good razors too. Look at it this way, if you start with something like a 5/8 or 6/8 round point you will be more educated when it come time to purchase a more expensive razor. You will know what suits your needs without a costly outlay first.
Another thing to consider is that when you do start honing one you pick up from ebay or antique market, you already have one to compare your edge with.
as far as brands go: anything american, german or french will be just fine...unless you get a crap razor. Even the well known brands have garbage razors out there once in a while.
When it comes to looking at flea markets, look at spine wear, notches/nicks on the edge, rust, cracked scales etc etc.
I also think the Classifieds is a great place to look for razors, just be sure and compare prices before you buy. Some are very expensive, and some (most) are quite reasonable for a shave-ready.