Thread: i need help with getting a new razor

so im new and i want to start shaving with a straight razor. im only 17 but i cant shave with a mach 3 4 or 5 or whatever the hell is coming out next. i get irritation,bumps,cute,ingrown hairs. the works! i hate it and im so sick of it. so i really want to start shaving with a straight razor to see if my problems will be fixed. ive been looking on ebay for a nice razor that wont set me back to much. what would you guys say about these? the first one ive listed is the one i think i want to purchase.thank you!

Antique Solingen Straight Razor COLOMBI Germany - eBay (item 250326993789 end time Nov-23-08 17:05:41 PST)

Sweeney Todd "Demon Barber" Straight Razor - eBay (item 140283521195 end time Nov-28-08 05:19:28 PST)

im sure the sweeney todd one is HORRIBLE but it looks cool, doubt id buy it though. must be a scam!


solingen straight razor germany henckles - eBay (item 400011110792 end time Dec-21-08 08:26:25 PST)


STRAIGHT RAZOR HENCKELS GRAEF & SCHMIDT - eBay (item 150309666061 end time Nov-23-08 12:15:15 PST)


straight razor, Collectibles, Health Beauty items on eBay.com

IMHO, the learning curve is steep enough without throwing the uncertainties of an ebay razor into the picture. I think you'd do best to post a Want to Buy note in the classified section here for a shave ready razor. Generally, you will know that you are getting a properly honed blade that hasn't been screwed up by some ebay seller that doesn't know what they are doing.

Oh, the sweeney todd razor...forget it.

Jordan

Originally Posted by jnich67

IMHO, the learning curve is steep enough without throwing the uncertainties of an ebay razor into the picture. I think you'd do best to post a Want to Buy note in the classified section here for a shave ready razor. Generally, you will know that you are getting a properly honed blade that hasn't been screwed up by some ebay seller that doesn't know what they are doing.

Oh, the sweeney todd razor...forget it.

Jordan

oh yea i know, i was just messing around about the sweeney todd one. but i thought the solingen ones may be good choices?

They may be good or they may have minor flaws that can really trip up a new straight user. While there are steals to be had, the "good" looking razors often seem to rise in price to the point where you can do better buying from someone here. There are a couple of blades listed in the $40-$50range currently. I think you'd do better with one of them instead of spending $30+ for a razor that might be warped, have excessive hone wear, etc. To find something for less, you can post a WTB, someone might approach you with a reasonably priced razor that they haven't listed yet. Just my $.02.

Jordan

the thing is. i dont have money to spend like that. so i figuerd if i buy a cheaper one off ebay and see how i like it that even if i dont atleast i didnt spend a load of money.

Not having extra money to spend is a big reason NOT to get one on EBAY... A razor from the bay will NOT be shave ready costing you extra money in that alone. If you had hones and were more experience using them , then that would be a different story. Getting a "shave ready" razor from here on SRP would for sure save you money in the long run and get you up and shaving a heck of a lot quicker.

Viegas, look at it this way. By the time you spend $25-$50 for something on ebay, pay shipping, then pay to get it honed by one of the honemeisters (plus shipping both ways) you will have spent more than just buying a shave ready razor from the classifieds. You are also going to have to invest in a few other items. At a minimum you will need the following:

1. Shave ready razor
2. Strop (hanging is the bnest, but a paddle will work)
3. Shave brush (can be had for as little as $5)
4. Shave soap/cream (personal choice)

Kenrup (a member here) also sells starter sets (shave ready razor and strop) at a very nice price. Check the Vendor's Cortner forum and the classifieds for all these things. Ask around. You never know what you will be able to come up with.

guess you guys are right. well i was planning on saving up some money and buying a razor from royalshave.com...the one i wanted was the dovo razor hollow 5/8 i think its called and it was a bit expenssive but i guess it will be worth it istead of buying a crappy one rite?now since you guys are well educated on straight razors would a new dovo be a good choice for me?

well thanks to you guys ive decided to just spend my money and get something thats good instead of the opposite. but i have a question what is better and what is the difference between a wedge,half hollow,or full hollow? the one im looking at is a dovo 5/8 best quality half hollow. is that a good razor?

Check the wiki for explaination in regards to the full hollow, 1/2 hollow etc, Basically the "more" hollow it is the more flexible the blade is in relative terms. In the end it comes down to personal preference as to how hollow you like the blades. Because of the flixibility of the blades the hollows shave closer, but the wedges can feel smoother when you are shaving. People with heavy, course beards seem to prefer the wedges. I like both, but I started out with the hollow ground ones. Hollows also are a bit easier to hone. It also lists some brands to consider and those to avoid.