Thread: Looking for my first razor

Does anyone know if a Vintage Genco GoldStraight Razor Genco Co. Bradford PA Translucent Handle would be a good razor?

Hello MRL and welcome
Your question is something akin to asking if a certain model vintage car would be good to learn how to drive with.
There are so many variables to consider you would need a qualified mechanic who specialises in those models to be able to make a valid assessment right?
Same goes with razors.
If you were to provide detailed photos for the very experienced and helpful gents here to assess, I am sure they could offer some sound constructive advice

Originally Posted by bonitomio

Hello MRL and welcome
Your question is something akin to asking if a certain model vintage car would be good to learn how to drive with.

Spot on, I'm afraid. From my relatively limited experience (several years, but nothing compared to some folks here!), my two pieces of advice for a first razor would be to: 1) avoid a square point. The potential for ouch factor increases with pointy bits; and 2) whatever razor you opt to purchase, have it professionally honed. I struggled along with a poorly honed razor when first starting and can assure you that it's worth every cent to get it set up properly.

Oh, and 3) have fun, and good luck!

This is one of those easy questions for those on a budget: Whipped Dog. Get the sight unseen deal, learn with the right tools at a reasonable price. After you get a feel for things indulge your inner collector. Or indulge in collecting now so long as you get a professionally honed (not just a factory honed) razor first.

im am new here at srp and to sr shaving in general but i can assure you that there is plenty of sound advice here. i tried to shave with a unhoned razor and it was terrible. so i would agree with the first to gents that you should get a razor that is of good qaulity and have it pro honed. as for the square point i dont see it cuz thats what mine is and thats never the part that ill nick my self with but everybody is different. but there is tons of stuff on here to read about that can help before the first shave. good luck, be careful and like cangooner said have fun. you will realize that sr shaving is a interesting topic even to those who dont do it. its a almost lost art that is growing in great numbers, due to cost of throw away blades and that people such as my self want to reconnect with the past. and its addictive so watch out! next thing ya know theres 34 razors, 5 strops, honing stones , 13 brushes and more soaps and creams than a guy can count in your bath room.

Genco razors are great shavers. Your's was made by Case as in Case knives. Case bought out Genco. Look in the classifieds for Member's services, select someone with a lot of honing experience like Lynn and send it out for Professional honing. I don't suggest buying anything sight unseen.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

avoid a square point. The potential for ouch factor increases with pointy bits

I disagree. Learn to shave with a spike, then you can shave with any razor.


The Genco you are talking about, assuming it's the one listed on ebay, will need to be properly honed. So you can add the cost of honing and shipping to the price. I would shoot for a razor that is shave ready. Stay away from the junk razors being advertised as shave ready on ebay.

My first two straight razors being a cheap made in China brandless, and one from the Do Not Buy list (started first, then found SRP) I have to say that REALLY shave ready is REALLY noticable.