Picking my first SR

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03-02-2011, 06:54 PM
hoopswoops

Picking my first SR

I keep my beard very short but need to shave the top half of my beard so it looks sharp. I usually use a convential razor (mach 3) but it doesn't create sharp enough definition for me. I know that I want to purchase a SR with a spike point so I can get really detailed and have confidence about where the razor will actually cut but I don't know much else about what to look for; brand? size? etc? I was just wondering if anyone could help me out with choosing the appropriate SR for my needs...it is an invetment! Thanks.

P.S.-this is my first post so greetings to all
03-02-2011, 07:06 PM
Aceofheartsg

you could look on ebay for a fairly inexpensive vintage to start with but when you do that make sure there are good pictures and the blade is in good condition ( not frowning, rusting . or chipped.) I recommend you find a few you like post them on here and see what the guys think.
03-02-2011, 07:08 PM
wmac

I suggest you check out the classifieds here there area number of good razors that come shave ready that will be perfect for you. Also this way you know you are getting quality that a more experienced member would use on their own face. Unless you know what you are looking for at this point in the game stay away from ebay until you get more experience.

Oh yeah, welcome to SRP.
03-02-2011, 07:09 PM
Aceofheartsg

you could also go to dovo and buy on there for fairly inexpensive.
03-02-2011, 07:14 PM
knightwolf

+1 For the classifieds here That is where I bought my first razor. You can get a good razor for litte cash. I got mine for 30 bucks and the best part is most are shave ready and sharp. ebay razors are gonna need work and some New razors will need honing as well. And the classifieds are from people who love razors so probably better for the money.
03-02-2011, 07:15 PM
Aceofheartsg

The problem with ebay is it is hit or miss. You can get good deals or really bad ones He is right to say stay away as a new sr shaver.
03-02-2011, 07:19 PM
Skippy

If all you want is a styling razor, buy a cheap shavette off eBay with some Derby single edge blades. The Derby blades are shorter in length than a straight razor blade. That way it is easier to make fine details without shaving off more than you want. If you want a styling razor, buy a shavette. If you want a razor to shave the whole face with, buy a straight.
03-02-2011, 07:21 PM
DCasper

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmac

I suggest you check out the classifieds here there area number of good razors that come shave ready that will be perfect for you. Also this way you know you are getting quality that a more experienced member would use on their own face. Unless you know what you are looking for at this point in the game stay away from ebay until you get more experience.

Oh yeah, welcome to SRP.

This is great advice. I have seen some nice shaving razors for some very economical prices. I am now looking for a duble duck in the classifieds so that I can start my collection of good razors.
03-02-2011, 07:24 PM
nun2sharp

Welcome to SRP, the best thing you can do is to buy from one of the vendors here at SRP or check the classifieds.
03-02-2011, 07:54 PM
Arrowhead

I think you'll have more luck finding a suitable razor if you look for vintage rather than new. Most inexpensive blades currently in production seem to be round points, and in my experience there are a lot of ugly duckling pre-war straights out there which will perform very well indeed, and won't set you back much. What is important is to get the razor honed by someone who knows what they're doing, and that applies to plenty of people here, happily.

The shavette option is probably not a bad one, but I dislike the very idea of them personally. If I was looking for a straight razor for the purpose you describe, the spec would be: carbon steel; full hollow; square, French or spike point; 4/8 - 5/8 in width.
03-02-2011, 08:26 PM
Obie

Picking the first straight razor

Hello, hoopswoops:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

Should you stick with the straight razor — and I hope you do — you have a long and enjoyable road ahead of you: of honing your skill with the straight razor, and adding a new razor to your collection when you see something you can't live without.

The road is long and enjoyable; it also requires focus and patience.

For starters, though, I suggest keeping everything nice and simple. The vendors here offer a wide variety of razors. Some come shave ready and some not. Make sure you buy one that is shave ready. Most of us here — but not everyone — prefer the razor to have an edge sharper than the edge produced at the factory.

I suggest starting with a Dovo "best quality" with a 5/8" or 6/8" blade. This comes in round point — nice and simple. As time goes on, you can broaden your taste into Spanish point, dreadnought, square point, spike point, and so on.

You will also find a quality collection of razors, hopefully shave ready, in the SRP classified, as well. Lay off buying razors from eBay until you get to know your way around the straight razor world.

In the meantime, everyone here is more than willing to help you out in any way possible.

Regards,

Obie