Thread: Straight newbie - what razor?

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.

Originally Posted by ben.mid

Hello!
I'd advise against ebuy at this stage..... A 5/8 round tip in shave ready condition & a Tony Miller apprentice strop would get you started.

That's what I would also recommend .

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

Originally Posted by decembersspawn

Thanks guys

I'm in the UK, so hopefully there'll be something in there for me

excellent, another UK member!

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.

Originally Posted by gugi

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.

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.