Thread: First Straight Razor

OK guys..I'm going to try it...now age 70, and it's now or never! Getting tired of the Fusion, but the shave obtained really isn't all that bad! Hoping that the straight razor yields objectively better results. It IS hard to separate fact from fiction when it comes to shaving, and all of the appurtances used in the application of a straight razor shave seem to have proponents and critics. Seems to be lots of opinions, and such opinions will obviously vary. Nevertheless, let's get to the subject at hand.

So, I need a suggestion as to a first straight razor. I am certain that such question has been asked numerous times here, and of course there is no "right" answer. I thought I might start with one of the Feather razors, but I have read varying reviews. Then I thought I would go right to the "real thing", but which one? I realize one can buy a razor off Ebay, but how does one know if the razor is honed correctly, and in the condition it "should be"? Thus, I thought the most reliable course would be to purchase a razor from a well known source...one of the firms cited here makes sense. Half hollow, stainless steel, 5/8 inch, curved tip...no need for a unique handle...any thoughts?

Thanks.

Elliot

welcome to SRP,

yeah those are pretty much the things you need to worry about. check again Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki if you haven't, but you're on the right track.

stainless steel pretty much narrows it down to the dovo no.41 blade or the more expensive dovo no.105 micarta. they're slightly different the way they shave in my experience, but it wouldn't matter much to you. i'd get the no.41 with the pearlex scales not the least because the scales are well balanced to the blade weight.
i'd pick it at straightrazordesigns along with a strop - they probably have it listed under 'sets' or something for a bit of a discount, or you can ask them.
it'll come well honed and stropped and i believe they still do another honing for free when you need it (at some point everybody should be able to maintain their edges sharp, since it's far easier than full honing, or restoration, but it's certainly good to have the option of getting it fixed if you mess it up initially)

WOW
WELCOME TO SRP.
Age 70.
I will be gladly hone your blade to shave ready condition free.
Just let me know .
I am sure you will love straight razor shave.
gl

I would not recommend starting with a feather. One of the straight shave joys is the smooth shave. Much easier to obtain and learn with a real straight.

The mention of check the classifieds is a great idea. If it is unclear if it is shave ready, ask the seller. Where ever you get one, make sure seller assures you it has been honed shave ready. A new razor generally is not shave ready as it comes from the factory.

This isn't being said to "push" the resource at this site. Only members that have been around a qualified time can list. This helps many things including to insure sellers are passionate about what they offer.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

WOW
WELCOME TO SRP.
Age 70.
I will be gladly hone your blade to shave ready condition free.
Just let me know .
I am sure you will love straight razor shave.
gl

Welcome to SRP ! & an offer to good to refuse

I started straight-razor shaving at 65. You ought to be able to manage it at 70.

I'd forget stainless steel -- just oil the blade, and it won't rust. Accepting high-carbon steel opens up two worlds:

. . . the whole "vintage razor" world, and

. . . the Dovo "Best Quality" and other reasonably-priced new razors.

All other advice is spot-on. I wish I had taken it when I started, it would have saved me some grief.

Charles

PS -- Don't even _think_ about eBay -- too much chance of a bad experience.

Hey guys! Thanks for all of the encouraging words of wisdom, and the great suggestions! I will start looking today...keep the ideas coming! CP...don't EVER count the over 65 group as past the curve! I agree about Ebay:Too risky. Bud...I will certainly consider taking you up on your offer!

Once more, a heart-felt AND genuine thanks.

Elliot

General Sir,
you can try art of shaving store. For 35 usd you can try a shave from one of their 'shavers'. They usually sell T.Issard as their most expensive brand at 270 usd for a ivory st8 razor.

I started off with a feather razor myself from dovo. Its a lot lighter than real straight razor. But once you feel the shave is dulled. Throw out the blunt n in comes a brand new blade. Does rust if water is not cleaned properly. So dry well.
Carbon steel does rust which is what T.Issard is made off.
Personal choice like Dovo straight razor better than T.Issard. Its my first day at the site too. But not first with straight razor been on it for a year now.
Will be posting a few questions I had and will give best knowledge feedback.
Welcome to the st8 razor family

I turned 70 last year. I can tell you that you will get some good advice on this forum.
The tutorials are great. I definitely agree with the advice not to start with a Feather. I got discouraged when I tried a straight about a year ago. But I kept coming back to the forums. I finally became determined to get thru the learning curve. Now I look forward to a straight shave each day. Before the straight I never shaved every day. I couldn't because I'd break out. The straight gives me a close, comfortable, irritation free shave every day. And I enjoy trying different shave creams, brushes, and after shaves.

There are many helpful posts about technique. That's where I found myself going many, many times.

Good luck and welcome to SRP.