Thread: Need Help choosing the right straight razor

I've decided that I want to begin the art of learning to use the straight razor, and need help finding the right quality straight razor. I definitely want a razor that I will take pride in having and using for a very long time not just a show piece or something to have. Through my limited research, I've found that hollow ground 5-8ths width razors are the direction I need to go in. I've heard Dovo is a good brand, but I'm not sure of any other highly appraised brand. As far as looks I really like the steel handles to the point where I don't think I would get a razor that didn't have a steel handle. So far, this is my favorite razor, it seems to be high quality and I like the lines of the hand and blade(although I do like the blades with the straight ends- meat cleaver look) it costs 170, which is the most that I would want to pay. Could you please tell me if this and a good choice and any recommedations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Stainless Steel Straight Razor | Buy Thiers-Issard Razors

It's only my opinion but I wouldn't drop $170 on something I may or may not stick with or enjoy.
There are a number of people that can supply you a shave ready vintage blade at a fraction of the cost of a new blade.
If you find you enjoy it, then you can look for a nice blade if you want.

Limiting your choice to steel scales will drastically limit your options as they are not a very common scale choice I have never used a steel scaled razor but would be worried about the balance. Theirs Issard is my favorite present day maker of razors so I would not worry about the quality of that blade but I can't say anything about the scales. Hope thus helps good luck on you straight razor journey.

Do the Art of shaving supply their razors shave ready? I found no reference on the site. That's a lot of money to drop on a first blade (+ honing costs?). Go vintage with a 6/8 half hollow round point (as Glen always suggests) and move on from there. I agree with the others that those scales may not be the best for a first razor either. If you haven't already, give this a read too.

I do not believe the AOS razors come shave ready.

I would suggest one of the vendors that advertises on this site. You can find a T.I. razor in that price range and get it shave ready. I will tell you that if you are only looking for razors with stainless scales, that might be your best option. If you are open to other scale materials, the options are endless.

You could also shop the classifieds and spend 1/3 that amount and get a quality vintage straight that is shave ready.

Thanks alot for the very helpful posts thus far, I've decided to seach the classified on this site, for the many reasons already posted. Already been searching for roughly thirty minutes, hopefully I'll find the one.

Jakeau11,

The AOS TI razor is, when honed and dialled in, an excellent shaver.

To start out, I would recommend you look at the Dovo Best in either half or full hollow grind. This is an excellent razor to learn on; very easy to maintain and is very reasonably priced (They are ca 80 USD from Straight Razor Designs and come with a free second honing certificate !).

My Dovo Best half-hollow is still in my rotation; a lovely razor !

The first razor usually has quite a 'hard time of it' due to the learning process associated with shaving and stropping, so a good solid no-frills razor is a good place to start

Good luck !

Have fun !

Bets regards

Russ

I have 2 of those razors. One in plastic scales and one with the stainless scales. My advise is dont go with the SS Handle. They are heavy, im not just saying heavy i mean HEAVY!!!! I bought a wapi with metal scales and that one is half the weight of th TAOS one. That extra weight mess with balance and fell of shaving.

Every single person has given you great advice.
You may love that blade and i do too.
You can buy it and save it for later shaving but don't try to learn straight razor shaving with heavy blade .
I have had couple of them and it is really PITA make them shave ready.
it comes with factory set bevel . seems like they put the bevel as they sharpen knifes.
Takes at least 2-3 hours work just get the right bevel set on that razor.
After that it is gets better.
when you done honing it will shave and keep the edge Great.
i would say choose cheap hallow ground from classified and try it out. Takes time to learn new hobby . As soon as you mastered shaving,stropping get rid of this blade and move on to your TI and enjoy.
All above just another persons thoughts you should make decision .gl
hope this helps.