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Hi there
I'm a complete novice to straight razors, and was wondering what would be my best option for an entry level razor?
I've only really looked on ebay, and can see that I could get a blade with a strop, or one that will take replacement blades.
I'm not looking to spend a fortune, but don't want to waste money on rubbish, either.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks :)
Hello!
I'd advise against ebuy at this stage. It would be too easy for you to pick up something that'd put you off completely. The shavette type things give a different experience, so it depends if you are after a real straight or not. The classifieds here are a good place to start. A 5/8 round tip in shave ready condition & a Tony Miller apprentice strop would get you started. If you really are unsure if it's for you then maybe the shavette type thing is the way to give it a go.
take a look in the classifieds on here, cheap shave ready straights do come up. Kenrup does a starter kit that seems to get well recieved, it's a wapi razor and one of his Filly strops. I think it runs to just under $80. You should be able to find that in the vendors section.
I started just over a week ago and I'm currently using a cheapo shavette (replacement blades) and I've got a shave ready straight from a member here on the way. I'm personally glad I took this route but shavette blades are not at all forgiving. It is an inexpencive way to learn the technique all the same.
I think the general census is avoid ebay for your first razor, if you look at the SRP wikipedia then they have a list of known poor quality brands.
This is a really useful place, the guys here know what they're talking about and are really keyed towards giving new members good honest advice.
Welcome to the site, I hope you enjoy the experience.
That's what I would also recommend .Quote:
Originally Posted by ben.mid
Those ebay blades with a strop are rubbish! Don't buy them.
Whatever you buy, make sure it says shave ready. As for a strop, Tony Miller's beginner strops are great, and you have the option of a practice strop for very cheap. Theres also the classifieds at the other place, but it tends to get gunked up with other stuff.
Thanks guys :)
I'm in the UK, so hopefully there'll be something in there for me
excellent, another UK member!Quote:
Originally Posted by decembersspawn
Although, I'm buying all my stuff from the US, it's not quite 2:1 but good enough for me. SRS seems much more prevalent in the US for some reason.
a 5/8-6/8 hollow ground razor is a good place to start. the important part is that it's sharp, which means it must've been honed by somebody who knows what they're doing.
for vintage ones the classifieds is a good place and if you want to purchase from UK theinvisibleedge is the one option i know.
getting a strop there may be harder, but i don't really know, that's what i've heard.
I recommend Steve at the Invisible Edge for shave ready razor. He also does a line of custom strops. Several places in the UK sell strops, mostly Dovo. The lowest priced Dovo is probably a good start.Quote:
Originally Posted by gugi
Welcome. I would go for a Wapi from Steve at www.theinvisibledge.co.uk
They are £30ish and will shave you straight out of the box, no stropping needed - for the first shave !!
You could skimp and use whatever shaving soap you used before, but I would recomend a good hot shower or hot flannels/face cloths before you use a Straight. If you get your beard nice and waterlogged before your shave, you might get a couple of shaves out of the Wapi without stropping-maybe.
A Wapi from Steve is probably the cheapest pro-honed razor available in the UK. And they are good razors.
Steve is a 100% reliable too. He is known as 'blueprinciple' on this forum.
I'm just off upstairs to use mine-right now.
Marcus, Wales.
Thanks so much for your help, everyone!
I think I'll end up getting the Dovo from the suggested site. It's more than I expected to spend, so it'll probably be payday that I buy it :)
Our pleasure.
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