Thread: Good starting razor?

Hi guys, I've been DE shaving for a while and have build quite the collection of soaps, creams and a number of brushes. I think it's time to move on to something more interesting though, and I think straights might be it. So, I'm asking you guys what you think of the razor and strop I'm getting for christmas? I want something relatively inexpensive (as I'm not sure if I'll stick with straight shaving or not) but still good quality.

The razor is a restored Richard Abr. Herder Solingen from robsrazors. (Rich. Abr. Herder Solingen, Germany - Detailed item view - Our Online Shop)

The strop is an Heirloom Latigo "Barber's Friend" Strop. (http://www.shop.thewellshavedgentlem...2&categoryId=1)

What do you think?

Thanks!

bobsrazors has a couple of other razors that are inexpensive. Would either of these be better/worse/as-good as the one in my original post?

EKS Gold Krone, made in Solingen, Germany - Detailed item view - Our Online Shop

This one would be a really good buy, if it's worth getting... $44.99
German made Lancaster, (very nice) - Detailed item view - Our Online Shop

I went with the SRD Dovo best quality with lifetime honing and a filly strop from Ruprazor. Both have been great so far and if the razor goes bad I can send it back and get it honed up for free. I am too new to straight razors to offer any meaningful advice on other razors and strops than what I have.

If I'm not mistaken, that website belongs to Kees, a member here. He is a respected member, and if he says a razor will shave well, I'm sure it will. That said, I am not personally familiar with those brands in the second post. I have heard of Herder, but never shaved with one - I hear they are great razors.

The link for the strop didn't work for me, but by the name I'm guessing it is a TM strop. If so, his strops are first class.

You won't go wrong with bobsrazors. Better price, total honesty, and better quality than many 'new' razors. Also Bob knows what 'shave ready' means. He is very accessible. Give him a call to discuss what you are looking for.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

If I'm not mistaken, that website belongs to Kees, a member here. He is a respected member, and if he says a razor will shave well, I'm sure it will. That said, I am not personally familiar with those brands in the second post. I have heard of Herder, but never shaved with one - I hear they are great razors.

The link for the strop didn't work for me, but by the name I'm guessing it is a TM strop. If so, his strops are first class.

Sorry, I fixed the link.

Yes, I'm pretty sure it's a TM strop.

Originally Posted by weshofmann

Sorry, I fixed the link.

Yes, I'm pretty sure it's a TM strop.

In that case you can't go wrong with the strop. The razors youlinked to look great… jump, would be my advice.

That's what I'm going to do! I've sent an email to bob asking his advice on what I should get.

Thanks for all your great input guys! I really appreciate it!

Wes

I have one Herder and it is a good razor. If it was me I would go for the Case Temperite on page 1 or the Theirs Issard on page 3. Just personal preference.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I have one Herder and it is a good razor. If it was me I would go for the Case Temperite on page 1 or the Theirs Issard on page 3. Just personal preference.

Wow, that Theirs Issard is a beautiful razor! Unfortunately, that's out of my price range for now. For this first razor, I just want something inexpensive to a) learn with (possibly including how to hone a blade) and b) decide if I want to continue straight shaving. If I continue, I'm sure I'll buy more expensive and better razors in the future.

So, that $44 is sounding awfully good right now.