Thread: help? looking to buy straight razor

Hey all, I'm interested in looking to get a straight razor for my boyfriend. He is really interested in getting one. He already has the cream and brush, just not the razor. My problem is that I know nothing about straight razors. Would anyone be willing to give their opinion on what brand/type is best? Is there other things I should think about when purchasing one? Any points, tips, or help would be greatly appreciated!!!

There are actually several great looking razors up in the classifieds right now. Anything that says shave ready will do the trick. If someone here is selling it, you can count on it being a great shaver.

Oh, and you probably want to look for something around 6/8 wide. That is pretty much middle of the road, standard starter stuff.

Welcome to SRP. What price range are you working with? Also do you want to purchase a new razor or a vintage razor? Here's what type of razor our FAQ recommends. Also read the parts about shave ready.

Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Good luck!

Thanks guys! I read about the 6/8 wide is good for beginners, as with a half-hollow grind adn rounded point, are these two things something I should actually worry about, or just focus on the 6/8 size?

I also know that he might take it to an expert honer the first couple times it needs to be resharpened, but after that, he'd be doing it all. Is the idea of the beginner 6/8 ok for this?

Unfortunately, my budget is on the cheap side right now and I'm not able to go over $100. I'll check out the classifieds and see what's there, new or vintage is not a major factor right now.

I just remembered!!!

WAPI's in the classifieds!

Originally Posted by diarmadhi

Thanks guys! I read about the 6/8 wide is good for beginners, as with a half-hollow grind adn rounded point, are these two things something I should actually worry about, or just focus on the 6/8 size?

All of this comes down to personal preferences but since your boyfriend doesn't have a preference yet, the recommendation is to steer toward the middle of the road. IMO a 5/8 or 6/8 is a good place to start for width. I think a round point is a good idea. It's a little more forgiving around the ears. A square point can make it a little easier to cut yourself. As far as grind, I'd stay with a hollow grind of some type, and stay away from a wedge for the first razor. But when it comes down to it, if he sees something he really likes, I bet he'll be able to adapt to it. Most people end up purchasing more than one razor.

I also know that he might take it to an expert honer the first couple times it needs to be resharpened, but after that, he'd be doing it all. Is the idea of the beginner 6/8 ok for this?

The grind is probably more crucial here. Again a hollow grind would probably be a better choice than a wedge in terms of a beginner honing. He will need a strop, even if he has the razor honed the first couple of times.

Unfortunately, my budget is on the cheap side right now and I'm not able to go over $100. I'll check out the classifieds and see what's there, new or vintage is not a major factor right now.

That is enough to purchase both a razor and strop. You could purchase a gift certificate for a hone with the rest.

Here's a good starter package, strop and razor that comes shave ready.

RupRazor - Gold Dollar Razor and Filly Strop

Awesome, thanks everyone, this has been a great help to me!! I think the Gold Dollar starter kit will be perfect to begin with. He's one of those that once he decides he likes something he will become obsessed with it.

I'm really excited about this and I hope he likes it, thank you all again for your help, happy shaving!!!

I would recommend having your BF review this site prior to his first shave, there are a lot of helpful tips for the beginner that will make his transition to a straight much more enjoyable.

After a razor, the next best thing you can do for him is make sure he knows about the Wiki instructional material on this site! Third most important is to lovingly rub his face after every shave and tell him he's a real stud!