Thread: New razor VS. Old Razor for beginner

Hey guys,

New to wet shaving and looking to get a nice straight that I will be able to learn on. What are your opinions of buying a brand new razor as a beginner or finding something vintage from the classifieds that has been well maintained.

Thanks

I usually stay with vintage, as you can get a top quality razor for a relatively small amount of cash. Just have to make sure you're buying something that's in good shape. New razors are nice, but it's difficult to procure a high quality new razor for what I would consider a reasonable amount of money. New razors also lack the "vintage vibe", but then again, they have their own "Patrick Bateman" thing going on.

No difference IMHO, just make sure you get a quality shave ready blade.

I'd suggest a used straight razor for a beginner. You can always buy a brand new one later, when you have a better feel for what you like.

Originally Posted by mainaman

No difference IMHO, just make sure you get a quality shave ready blade.

+1. Buy whatever catches your eye. New and vintage razors are both great.

Once you've been doing this awhile, you will likely gain an appreciation for the historical significance of the vintage razors, and possibly regret spending 100$ to $300 on a new razor that works just as good as an old one

don't spend to much money in the beginning until your sure you really like straight razor shaving. As long as they are honed by someone who knows what he's doing a vintage one that costs not to much should do, you can take it from there.

Buy from a reputable vendor if you are going to get a new one. Make sure that it is honed and shave ready.

If I could do it all over again, I would have went with a vintage blade from the classifieds here. They can be had at a fraction of the cost and will most likely shave as well or better than some new production razors.

Edit: Nice to see a fellow Long Islander! Where in Suffolk are you?

Originally Posted by ruhaggard

Hey guys,

New to wet shaving and looking to get a nice straight that I will be able to learn on. What are your opinions of buying a brand new razor as a beginner or finding something vintage from the classifieds that has been well maintained.

Thanks

I don't think the razor matters as much as how well it is honed. You need to find out how a well-honed razor feels so you can learn to hone it yourselves.

My first straight razor in 1973 was on the order of a Dovo Best Quality and I think Dovo probably made it, but it was a Cutlery World. I wanted my own and I wanted something not owned by anyone else to start with. Personal preference and I was only 21 at the time. Since then however, I have bought more than my share of some pretty nice vintage razors and some not so nice ones now that I think about it. Take your time and look around. Go for what fits your pocket book and looks good to you. Take a look in the wiki for some help on good brands.

Have fun.