Thread: Hi

but it does the same function as a cloth side?

Originally Posted by TheyCallMeChief

but it does the same function as a cloth side?

Yes, it serves the same purpose. You'll strop on fabric before leather...the general consensus is around 30 strokes on linen/fabric & 60 strokes on leather.

Ok, thanks. Do you know how long it takes for this vendor to get this type of set back in stock?

Also, on a side note, is there a chance of getting a discount code for this site, or do they not offer that. Not trying to be cheap, but high end for me.

Thanks again everyone for all your help thus far.

You could contact them and see when they'll be restocking...they're really good to deal with. Shipping is free in the US on orders over $100

Hi Chief

Firstly welcome to the SRP community
I see you have a great many questions about wet shaving.
My recommendation to you is to go for the Dovo Best Quality set

It certainly will give you a good quality entry level setup within your stated budget
While you wait for the goods to arrive, read up as much as you can about straight razor shaving
In particular look for threads on shaving, making lather, stropping methods
Another very valuable learning tool is to watch any video clips on these subjects

Tips - download the latest Free You Tube Downloader to your computer
Then you can save any videos you like to your computer.
Then you can find it any time you need it without having to be online
One last tip - the search bar at top right can be your best friend here
Use it and go through the replies shown

Best of luck in your venture

Rick

Welcome to SRP Chief. First let me say that I would not purchase a razor sight unseen. I do not believe that is a good business practice and that alone would make me question the business ethics of any vendor. I also perceive the quality of business for a vendor on the quality of their web site. I'm all for saving money any way I can but the risk needs to be on the low end. Our library/WIKI has a list of razors to avoid here: Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki It is not a complete list but will give you some idea of what to avoid. There are a lot of razor shaped objects out there that are just for show and not for shaving. We also have a list of razors that are good: Good Straight Razor Brands - Straight Razor Place Wiki This list is also not complete but a good starting place. Be aware that purchasing a razor that need restoration services may exceed the actual market value of the razor.

What inexpensive gear would I recommend? Here's my list:

Illinois strop: Search for a site to purchase from but this vendor is fine - Illinois #835 Hanging Razor Strop
Vulfix Pure Badger brush: Vulfix Shaving Brushes
Shave cream/Soap: Premium Shave Cream with Eucalyptus Oil - C.O. Bigelow - Bath & Body Works
Straight razor: Dovo and Thiers-Issard are good brands for new. Vendors that I know provide new, shave ready razors are Straight Razor Designs, Classic Shaving and Vintage Blades LLC just to name a few of the more prominent ones. Vintage per the approved list above or from Solingin, Sheffield, Sweden or US. Check the classifieds forum and choose a seller with lots of experience and sales. There have been sellers purporting instant success in restoration and honing. Avoid them until you know more about the gear you are purchasing and/or how to hone/restore them.

I started straight shaving with all but the strop I listed above and it was a good start. Using poor quality gear has caused many a people to give up on straight shaving.

There are many better products available for more money. The items I listed will get the job done and done well.

Originally Posted by TheyCallMeChief

Ok, thanks. Do you know how long it takes for this vendor to get this type of set back in stock?

I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I'm just wondering why wouldn't you just pick up the phone and ask the people who can actually answer that question, i.e. the vendor?

Yes, a brand new razor usually cost more money than a comparable razor that has been used (and often abused). If quality new equipment isn't quite within your budget, you've got to compromise on either the quality, or the condition, or on both.
It's not that hard to compare prices online if you want to see if somebody is charging you an arm and leg for junk. For example when you get a 'complete set' with strange or missing brand names on the individual pieces it is a pretty safe assumption that these items are simply the cheapest version and the poorest quality of such items that normally cost less than $1 each.

Thanks all.....and i was under the impression that the vendor was on this sight is all.