Thread: Beginner Needs Advice on Straight Razors

I’m in the military, but got to go home this weekend. My Dad gave me his old DE Gillette, and I picked up these two straight razors which I got during a deployment to Iraq in 2003. I gave about $5 for both (plus a pocket knife) from a street vendor. At the time I just thought they were cool; had no idea I would one day have an interest in using a straight razor!

The first is marked STAINLESS-ROSTFREI SOLINGEN-GERMANY on one side of the shank, and 67 (barrel logo) D. PERES SOLINGEN on the other side, as well as “Stainless Ice tempered Steel” on the blade. The scales are ivory colored with a barrel logo in silver on one side.


The other razor looks similar, but has no markings except for “Pakistan” embossed on the scales.




Is either worth getting honed and using? I just started using a DE last week, but would like to learn to use a straight razor. I’ve ordered Lynn’s Straight Razor DVD, and plan to watch it a few times before getting started. Any insight (particularly for the German razor) would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

That Peres is a very good quality razor and will serve you well if it is professionally honed and properly maintained. On the the hand, that Pakistan made device only resembles a razor on the surface and shouldn't be used for anything calling for an edge other than a letter opener . . . . and maybe not that.

Regards - Walt

Originally Posted by Walt

That Peres is a very good quality razor and will serve you well if it is professionally honed and properly maintained. On the the hand, that Pakistan made device only resembles a razor on the surface and shouldn't be used for anything calling for an edge other than a letter opener . . . . and maybe not that.

Regards - Walt

You know, every time someone writes something like that about Pakistani razors, I am incredibly tempted to get one just to find out for myself how bad they can be!

Great find on the Peres - I know a guy who had one a few years ago and he said his was a very good shaver. Good luck with it!

Originally Posted by Cangooner

You know, every time someone writes something like that about Pakistani razors, I am incredibly tempted to get one just to find out for myself how bad they can be!

I admire your adventurous spirit and your complete disregard for volumes of information to the contrary. "Incredibly tempted" you say. . . . Well, my friend, here is a golden opportunity staring you directly in your misguided eye socket! Because, like the tv infomercials say, one of these rarely used devices can be yours - - absolutely FREE!!! (Just pay shipping and handling) This amazing ONE-TIME, ONE-OF-A-KIND offer is yours for a limited time only. For a minimal cost I can put you behind the wheel of this beauty. Used very little (because it couldn't be sharpened) and ready to go onto your hones for endless hours of ecstatic enjoyment. If you are interested, drop me a PM and we'll do some business.

Regards - Walt

I have had a few paki razors come into may hands in different ways. Most have actually taken an edge the problem is that once you start shaving they don't last a quarter of a pass.

For the op Welcome to SRP! I had a Peres once before and was a great shaver. I eventually moved it on to get someone new into the wet shaving game and as far as I know they still use it all the time. Good find and good luck

Originally Posted by Walt

I admire your adventurous spirit and your complete disregard for volumes of information to the contrary.

Not to mention a complete disregard for my own well being!

Cangooner:
What can I say other than I like your attitude!