Thread: straight razor purchase

I don't know anyone who has one but I would like to hold one or purchase one from a retail store as opposed to ordering sight unseen. Are there any retail outlets that sell straight razor shaving supplies where I can go to purchase in person? Detroit area. Thanks, jamesleroy

Art of Shaving stores do sell straights and I would say you could go to one perhaps to look at a straight but I don't recommend buying from them as they are way over priced and they are not shave ready at all.

You may be able to find a used straight at a flea marker/farmers market also but unless you know what to look for and not look for that can be risky as well.

There is a list in the wiki of good brands to look for as well as lots of other good info.

Straight Razor Designs are in eastern Ohio AFAIK they are soon to be opening a retail store which if and when they are open will be worth the trip, I know I plan on visiting them at least once

Oh and Welcome to SRP

A lot of times specialty knife shops will carry them. If you do happen to find one I would STRONGLY recommend a) consulting the wiki to make sure it is a reputable brand, and b) send it out to be professionally honed - DO NOT LET A KNIFE STORE GUY CONVINCE YOU TO LET HIM HONE IT.

To be honest, most razors you would buy in a store would not be anything near shave ready. Your best bet would be ordering from the classifieds here, or one of the reputable straight razor vendors.

You can still go to a brick and mortar and pick up some razors to get a feel for what you want. Also, whipped dog has a trade in program

Any razor purchased from me may be traded for an equivalent value razor for the price of honing. This is a great way to try different style and size razors.

Originally Posted by jamesleroy

Are there any retail outlets that sell straight razor shaving supplies where I can go to purchase in person? Thanks,

If the US is like the UK you are probably better advised to purchase a razor 'shave-ready' by mail from one of the specialists.

Every antique store I have entered that has straight razors only offer rusty junk. The Art of Shaving place near me has great customer service, and will explain a lot, but they are also interested in selling their product.
I found the best advice ultimately on this website and through posting my questions or reading the forums here.

+1 on everything said so far. You really can't go wrong ordering from a vender listed on this site. If they're not honest they don't stay long as this site is well policed.