Art of Shaving Razors (and Where Else to Buy?)

So, I first started looking into straight razors because I found out about Art of Shaving while planning a trip to Vegas (which sadly never happened). So, for a long time, I thought that if I bought a straight razor, it would be from them. But after pouring through information on the site and forum, I'm thinking that perhaps AoS razors aren't shipped shave ready. I'd hate to buy a razor just to find out it's not properly sharp (presumably after a few shaves) and get discouraged, or have to send away for honing of a brand new blade.
Has anyone here purchased from AoS recently? Did you find their products to be appropriately shave ready? If not, where should I look? I took a look at SRD (who I know ships shave ready), and Whipped Dog (who I'm not so sure about). My problem is that the less expensive razor sets from SRD all seem to be sold out, and I'm not too sure about buying (presumably) used from Whipped Dog, although it seems that's what most people on here do.
I'm seriously overwhelmed here, and I'd like to get into this sooner rather than later, before my resolves wears off, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I bought my first usable razor from Bob Keyes and couln't be happier with it. I suggest you give his site a look and feel free to email him with any questions. He was very helpful when I was looking to buy.

I strongly recommend SRD. I would suggest you to buy a Dovo straight razor from them, great for starters, and a fair price for a professionally honed razor.

Personally, I have never purchased a straight razor from AOS.

I have purchased straight razors from both of the other previously mentioned vendors, however. I like both of them and have never been disappointed with any razor that I purchased from either SRD or Bob Keyes. Bob does not offer straight razor sets, like SRD, just straight razors.

Check some of the other vendors who advertise here as well. I believe that they offer straight razor sets for sale.

You should also take a look at the SRP "Classifieds" if you are leaning towards just purchasing a vintage straight razor.

I reccomend ( The clasic edge) not only is phil an outstanding guy he really knows his stuff and everything comes shave ready he insures the utmost quality in everything he does and sells and answers any questions you might have. He also has excellent starter kits with strop razor shaving cream etc. Heres a link i suggest you take a look
Straight Razor Sets

+1 on the advice given so far. Buy new if you want, but if you're not sure you'll stick with it, then I would recommend the classifieds here or Larry at whippeddog. His "Sight Unseen" deals might sound awkward and counterintuitive, but they're a great way to get your toes wet without investing alot of moola. The razors may not be pretty, but they're shave ready. The main thing to remember is there is a learning curve involved with using a straight razor, regardless if you buy a brand new shiny razor or a used/vintage one. If you're are patient and willing to endure the process with the occasional setback, in time you will get the best shaves you could imagine. If you stick with it, trust me, there will be plenty of razors to invest in if your wallet is willing.

I bought a TI from Art of... and NO it was not shave ready, AOS is a retail store and does not provide this type of service ( honeing ) I did send my TI to Phil over at classic edge, however there are dozens of choices for your needs...DOZENS!!!

+1 to the Classic Edge they provide outstanding service!
And try to check classifieds, you can find there something interesting also

My first straight purchase was with AOS. I got the Dovo Cocobolo or the Forestal model. It was not 'shave ready'. I did send it out to be honed by Lynn. Before I sent it out, I also knew this old time barber who touched it up for me. Sometimes it could not hurt to find a barber. They might have the tools to do it. That did help. But having it sent out was a good idea. Also, I purchased a TI, unopened and not honed. It gave me a great shave the first time. I am really tempted to purchase one of AOS TI's to see if I get a similar experience. As they say here-YMMV (your mileage may very).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Zife

I'd hate to buy a razor just to find out it's not properly sharp (presumably after a few shaves) and get discouraged, or have to send away for honing of a brand new blade.


I'm seriously overwhelmed here, and I'd like to get into this sooner rather than later, before my resolves wears off, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

---

It is the norm for a "new" blade to not be honed to shaving status. Just like a brand spanking new Ferrarri cant be drivin at top speed. I dont know why the manufacturers dont do it (in the car scenario it is for engine break in) just that they dont. Probably has something to do with shipping and transit, might as well get the proper edge at the end of the journey instead of getting lost during it.

I hate to say it, but maybe just invest in some wet shaving gear. If you think your resolve is about to wear off before beginning a journey, what is going to happen to it when your first few shaves tank? Plus the wet shaving gear will get you good at that portion should you want to try straights again later (which will be a portion of the first shave fighting).

For the most part "used" razors are not much different from new ones. It boils down to a sharpened piece of metal. I got a razor from like the 1870's with a crazy smile, dark spots & 140 years later it still takes the hair off. Stick with the reputable people or ask advice in here to avoid any issues.

I bought mine from AOS (The Theirs-Issard with the steel scales). I have never had it sharpened, and have shaved quite comfortably with it 7 times now. However, I have never used a professionally honed/stropped razor. So, it may be more appropriate to call it "shave capable".

Also, I can't recommend the razor I got. I like the look of it a lot, and Theirs-Issard makes a great razor, but the heavy steel scales really make for poor balance.

My first razor was form AoS. I got the cheapest one I could find incase I didnt like it. First- they do not sell shave ready razors. I found out the hard way after the guy at the store assured me that it was good to go (I found this awesome website after the purchase). You can get any razor they sell at their stores cheaper (and honed) at SRD. However, with that being said, I really do like their shaving creams and balms at the store.

J

Per a statement w/in the description of AOS's least expensive AOS brand straight, their AOS brand razors are manufactured by Dovo. I chose to go w/ a Boker from SRD. My SRD came shave ready as SRD claims so I did not strop before my first shave just so I would know what a properly sharpened straight should feel like. And just remember when you do strop use a very, very, very light hand.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ReardenSteel

+1 on the advice given so far. Buy new if you want, but if you're not sure you'll stick with it, then I would recommend the classifieds here or Larry at whippeddog. His "Sight Unseen" deals might sound awkward and counterintuitive, but they're a great way to get your toes wet without investing alot of moola. The razors may not be pretty, but they're shave ready. The main thing to remember is there is a learning curve involved with using a straight razor, regardless if you buy a brand new shiny razor or a used/vintage one. If you're are patient and willing to endure the process with the occasional setback, in time you will get the best shaves you could imagine. If you stick with it, trust me, there will be plenty of razors to invest in if your wallet is willing.

---

This is GREAT ADVICE!!! I second the Motion! While when I started, I sent my Uncles Genco Grant out to be honed and boy was it sharp! I then started buying a couple of 'extras' here at SRP all of them for about $30 delivered. I can personally recommend a nice beginners strop from Eric (Straight Razors for Sale | Straight Razors for Sale) he also has beginners razors and he puts a nice edge on his razors! He's the one that helped me so much when I was a new-newbie!!

Start slow and (cost effective)!! If you like this art, then the options are as open as the heavens!!

Wow! Thanks for all of the information! I think I worded my initial post poorly in terms of 'getting discouraged.' If/when I buy a straight, it'll be something I stick with for a long tme; I'm not one to give up something once I've invested some money into it. That said, since Whipped Dog had been mentioned it to me before I made this post, I did some more looking into it, and I think I've decided to go with the Sight Unseen deal, that way if I ruin the blade by hitting the sink or stropping poorly, etc, I didn't spend too much on it. I know I can always get it re-honed, but somehow, wrecking something worth $55 feels better than wrecking something worth $100+.
Since I live in Newfoundland, we don't have an AoS here, so I was looking at going into Body Shop for shaving soap/balm/etc. I know they're not a specialty store, but I'm pretty sure I've seen some brushes/bowls/creams in there before, and it'll be easier than having to have something shipped. Anyone have any experience with Body Shop items?
Thanks again for the info, everyone!

Anything you buy from AOS,will be very much overpriced,JMO
Body shop has some great deals sometimes on Proraso soaps and creams.