straight razors in north jersey

i'm just curious is there anyplace in north jersy that carry new and vintage razors. Went into AOS in Paramus but felt very intimidated its almost like the staff couldn't be bothered or just didn't have the answers i was looking for. could be just came on the wrong day or wrong sales person. and from what ive seen the selection was a little on the lean side. trying to make my first purchase of a straight and wanted to compare the different sizes and shapes . i am a very visual person so i like to see and hold something before i commit to it plus my hands have been described as a palm and ten thumbs any suggestions would surly be appreciated
thanks tom short

Tom,

While I'm in NJ too, I don't know of any shops where you can walk in and buy a new razor. I've been hitting the garage sales and flea markets around here without success.

If you are looking for your first razor, it seems there's consensus you will want a 5/8 blade with a round point. Middle of the road size-wise, and a safe tip that won't have fights with your facial protuberances. You'll want something professionally honed and not too expensive, just in case you a) ruin it (you might) or b) you decide this isn't for you.

While I didn't do this, since this isn't my first tangle with razors, I think you may want to pay a visit to the classifieds here or check out wippeddog.com for a used razor in shaving trim. If you must have a new one, SRD has new manufacture razors from about 100 bucks to whatever you want to spend.

I've a drawerful of razors - maybe a half dozen - that I bought before I realized cleaning and honing, not to mention rescaling or restoring, is not as easy as many of the guys here make it look.

Whichever way you want to go, best of luck.

Welcome to the forums Tom. I , too, am from NJ and i have not found any store that would fit the bill for you. Snake pretty much gave you most of the advice I would have. The classifieds has many reputable members that sell shave ready razors at reasonable prices. That maybe your best bet before you invest in a higher priced razor. Get comfortable with an entry level straight and then you will have a clearer view of what you may like. We all start out this way and then jump all over the place in terms of sizes and grinds of blades before we settle into a comfort zone.
Good Luck!