Want advice in shopping for first razor
I'm looking to buy my first straight razor. I've been reading information on the Wiki, but still would appreciate some help.
I phoned a few antique shops today and found a number of them had razors. A lot of the stores I'm not sure what brands they are, so I'll have to go and take a look. One store told me that he had a number called Solingen. I read the article "Good Straight Razor Brands", which said that razors actually forged in Solingen were good blades. How would I know this? Some of the other brands he had were Bower and Sons, another Stevens or Stevenson, one with Hamburg on it.
As someone suggested I'll be trying for a 6/8 half hollow. Is there any way to tell the grind of the razor?
There are a number of razors I can get for $25 to $50 and higher. Can I expect something good for a starter for this? I would appreciate any advice in things to think about when purchasing a razor?
Thanks
+1 on WHERE to buy rather than WHAT
Everyone rightly steers you away from the 'project' blades. This will come, but for now, it will be counterproductive. Used from a senior restorer/seller is VERY hard to beat. I have opinions on size/grind for a beginner (with all of 4+ mo. experience), but so does everyone else. What really made me nuts was that there is no way to determine your preferences without trying one of each size/grind. I don't know what area you are in, but I would encourage you to find other noob-friendly members that would allow you to try their gear. That way you don't go broke trying everything and get the AD's in the process.
FWIW - the 1/2 hollow recommendation is aimed at avoiding the flex of the full or extra hollow. That gave me fits also for about 6 wks. The 1/2 is sorta neither fish nor foul. The first 1/4 hollow grind I tried was a radical game changer for me - 'thought I was in heaven. What I could do w/ the 1/4 hollow enabled me to learn to learn w/ the full hollow. I get wonderful shaves from flexy full hollows now, but that 1/4 hol. is still my #1 fav blade.
I'd love to recommend specific sellers on the board, but that would be unjust to others I don't know about. Your price range will afford some truly wonderful blades from these guys, and you can enjoy them immediately.
Welcome, and keep learning. Attitudes and the quality of help here has been incredible. 'Some wonderful guys here. I'm grateful to each one that's helped me, and I have alot of learning to do still.