Thread: The cost of razors. Do you get what you pay for?

Don't take the title to literally...I realize when you spend $200 you are getting a better prodcut than the $20 ebay razors.

My question is a little more specific...

I am going to buy a set from Classic Shaving, and am not sure what to do about the package to buy. I am on a bit of a budget, but can venture into that mid-$200 range. So there is a set available for $155 (razor, strope, brush, mug and soap)...there are also many different brands, and packages available as we move up the price range.

So...is the razor that comes in the $250 package that much better than the $150 package? I do think the $250 razors look nicer, with engraving on the blade as well as nicer colors...but do they shave nicer when properly honed?

Sometimes you get more than you pay for, sometimes you get less.

Cosmetics and collect ability also factor into price.

As far as, "Can I as good of a shave with a $20 ebay razor as a $200+ whatever razor".

My answer is yes, as long as both razors were honed by a competent person.

If you are looking for a reason to buy the $200 sets.... If you have the money and want it, knock yourself out.

Thank you for the reply.

When I jump into something, hobby or otherwise, I just in head first. I will not buy a "cheap" razor. However, with that being said, I also don't want to pay an extra $100 for a "prettier" one. I want a good, basic razor, if I love shaving this way...I will start getting nicer ones.

Thanks again, I will go with the lower priced kit to start with.

I have razors that I got on Ebay for $12 (and that doesn't even include the ubiquitous DA!) that shave every bit as well as new razors that I paid $200 for

Originally Posted by Dirt4dinner

Thank you for the reply.

When I jump into something, hobby or otherwise, I just in head first. I will not buy a "cheap" razor. However, with that being said, I also don't want to pay an extra $100 for a "prettier" one. I want a good, basic razor, if I love shaving this way...I will start getting nicer ones.

Thanks again, I will go with the lower priced kit to start with.

Please please please read this before you go jumping on ebay though..
Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki


I would look at buying a shave ready razor from the classifieds. Just about anything you get on ebay will need to be sent out to be honed.

Straight Razors - Straight Razor Place Classifieds


You could even try posting a WTB to see if someone can put together an entire starter kit for you.

Before my comment on ebay razors spirals out of control. I am strictly looking at the Classic Shaving website. So, the line of DOVO razors only....I don't want to try and figure out the ebay razors, and I also want my first razor honed before I use it.


So...I am just looking at those Dovo razors....I am sure Ebay ones can be terrific.

I never looked at the sets, I always just bought what I needed, when I needed it.

That said I do see a need for sets when getting started, very convenient. Some products will be better and some not so great, but funtional. If you don't know you will stick to straight shaving for the long run than a kit really gets you going for a good price. Test what it can do for you than upgrade the pieces as time moves on.

Each razor style shaves a bit differently, steel even playes into that feeling. Some razors have a strong following and go for a bit more $$ but the edge you get may not be to your liking. Thats why it's always a big gamble at the start. You will be learning as you go.

I have run the gambit of size and style and settled on a blade style I like, others will say one is better than another, but it is your face and style of shaving that will say what is best for you.

Pick the kit with the pieces you think you will like, give em a fare amount of use and see what you think. Ask questions here and see where this new adventure will take you

If you want a bit of bling the Renaissance or the Bismark are fancier but the 'best quality' is fine and will shave as well. IF I was going to upgrade anything I would go the extra for the 3" premium strop with the woven fabric, the silver tip brush rather than the pure and I would also get the DVD.

All above advice is good. If you want even more peace of mind I would email Lynn or Don at SRD and ask them to describe the differences each set would make to a newbie. They are both great guys and would be happy to assist you.

To answer the initial question, it varies.

I would highly recommend you DON'T just look at the classic shaving range and broaden your horizons a little. There are loads of razors available shave ready from here, stop makers that are renowned and offer excellent value for money, brushes and creams/soaps that are such good value it should be illegal.

My initial outlay, for razor, creams and soaps, brush, strop, AS and bowl cost $71. Thats leaves you with 80 bucks to play with. That's a fair chunk of cash.