What to look for in a razor?

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10-23-2009, 05:58 PM
nick1990

What to look for in a razor?

im pretty new to all this, but i am looking for a 5/8 rounded tip razor, as suggested by a few members here, and i have no idea where to begin.

I have looked at a lot of the links around here and the classifieds, but there are way too many options to choose from.

I have also checked the "good razors" link, but that just gave me more options to choose from.

I see one for $75, then i see another for $100 and wonder what the difference is.

Can anyone give a little help?

Sorry if this is covered like everyday, i tried searching, but it came up with no results.

EDIT: oh should i get a stainless steel or carbon or brass?
Man there are way too many options....
10-23-2009, 06:03 PM
DPflaumer

For a 5/8 rounded point, basic razor, hit Straight Razor Designs. For $75 it comes shave ready honed by Lynn, with a certificate good for another free honing. That is basically a $40 value on top of the value of the razor. If you want to buy something new and simple, it is the way to go.
10-23-2009, 06:04 PM
DPflaumer

Carbon steel takes an edge easier but loses it quicker. It is also cheaper than stainless. I have never heard of a blade with brass...
10-23-2009, 06:10 PM
nick1990

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPflaumer

For a 5/8 rounded point, basic razor, hit Straight Razor Designs. For $75 it comes shave ready honed by Lynn, with a certificate good for another free honing. That is basically a $40 value on top of the value of the razor. If you want to buy something new and simple, it is the way to go.

well ive been there, but im still kinda lost as to what to buy.

I mean do i get a tortoise shell handle, metal, wood, etc?

And is there much difference between brands?
Well as long as they are in that list of "good razors" they should be okay right?

My main question is on how to decide between brands?

thanks for the help btw

EDIT: and should it be old or new or is that just personal preference?
10-23-2009, 06:10 PM
JimmyHAD

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPflaumer

For a 5/8 rounded point, basic razor, hit Straight Razor Designs. For $75 it comes shave ready honed by Lynn, with a certificate good for another free honing. That is basically a $40 value on top of the value of the razor. If you want to buy something new and simple, it is the way to go.

+1. Once you get it read this here before you shave.
10-23-2009, 06:11 PM
Scipio

Robert Williams does blades with brass tangs..2 to date I believe...but not a valid option for a 1st razor!

I would go for a standard Dovo as suggested above. It is a little boring however. I would check the classifieds for a vintage SHAVE READY razor from a member here.

In all likeliness if it is a SOLINGEN or SHEFFIELD of any make, it is likely to be cheaper, more interesting and arguably better/ certainly more character, than an entry level Dovo.

If I had my time again, I wouldnt have chosen the Dovo! But then again I didnt know about this wonderful place and the many generous members
10-23-2009, 06:16 PM
DPflaumer

I sent a PM with all the info so as to avoid 500 posts from everyone telling you the same thing. Best of luck man, feel free to ask away.
10-23-2009, 06:20 PM
nick1990

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

+1. Once you get it read this here before you shave.

oh of course!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scipio

Robert Williams does blades with brass tangs..2 to date I believe...but not a valid option for a 1st razor!

I would go for a standard Dovo as suggested above. It is a little boring however. I would check the classifieds for a vintage SHAVE READY razor from a member here.

In all likeliness if it is a SOLINGEN or SHEFFIELD of any make, it is likely to be cheaper, more interesting and arguably better/ certainly more character, than an entry level Dovo.

If I had my time again, I wouldnt have chosen the Dovo! But then again I didnt know about this wonderful place and the many generous members

so you wouldnt buy a new, shave ready razor?

and german made are the best?
10-23-2009, 06:23 PM
DPflaumer

The shave ready part is good, he is simply suggesting something decently cheap for your first razor. There are a lot of razors out there more exotic, interesting, or beautiful than the basic dovo. They also cost (in many cases) several hundred dollars more. And the only issue with buying a vintage razor is that they are often not shave ready. If I were out buying my first razor, I would go with the $75 Dovo hands down.
10-23-2009, 06:41 PM
nick1990

hey have you guys purchased vintage razors from anywhere else besides here?

I was looking at sweeney emporiums and they look like they have some good deals.

Vintage Straight Razors & Barber Shop Collectibles
10-23-2009, 07:00 PM
JimmyHAD

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick1990

hey have you guys purchased vintage razors from anywhere else besides here?

I was looking at sweeney emporiums and they look like they have some good deals.

Vintage Straight Razors & Barber Shop Collectibles

I don't see any good deals there. If you purchase from the SRP classifieds a member will give you an honest appraisal of the condition and in general he will know what he is talking about. In general if he says it is shave ready it will be. Aside from that emporium place wanting too much for what they are selling add the cost of getting it honed once you receive it.