Advice on New Razor Purchase

Hello all,

Looking to buy my first professionally sharpened straight razor but some of the terms are confusing for the moment. There are many choices out there and what is the difference between half-hollows, 5/8, 4/8, some are rounded and not rounded, etc. Is there a thread that has definitions?

Also, I have a couple of inexpensive straight razors and the heavier one is most comfortable to use right now. It's an old Mehaz blade rounded tip. I think it says Solingen on it too. That's all that I can read on it. I am finally getting a fair shave on it without gouging my face but there is always room for improvement.

Not sure if this post goes here but thanks for the help.

The blade is measured from the top of the spine to the bottom of the cutting edge .... 4/8 = half an inch 5/8 = five eighths of an inch and so forth.

The grind of the blade refers to the blade being full hollow or thicker. Full hollow being the thinnest, and most common. Your points, round, square, also known as spike, French and what have you.

If you go to the SRP Wiki I'm pretty sure there is a chart illustrating the different points and grinds in there somewhere. Which one to choose is a matter of personal preference and can only be realized by trying the different options.

The straight razor - Straight Razor Place Wiki

This should help you out. I recommend reading through the wiki, it will answer a lot of beginner questions.

If you just want a sharp straight, you may consider sending the ones you have to be professionally honed by one of the members here. You can see those who offer services here: Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

If you are looking for a nicer new razor, I also recommend checking out the classifieds. Many places say they sell razors shave ready, but not all places have the same standards that members of the forum here have. If you buy from the classifieds and it's advertised as shave ready, it will be.

Best of luck!

Call DOn at Straight Razor Designs. I was/am a noob to straight razor shaving and he really took care of me i think. He really took his time explaining to me everything id need to know and the differences between blades, stropping and shaving.

There are some links in my sig that should help you out. The wiki will really answer most of your questions, and everyone here loves to help answer any other questions you have, or offer clarification.