Awesome gift: Getting an expensive razor, advice/help wanted!

Thanks for all the ideas guys!! I may be further from knowing what I want than I was before starting this thread, which isn't a bad thing!

ace, I've been shaving with a straight for maybe 2 months or so now. I have 2 razors, a Bengall I got from Zephyr on the classifieds here, and a Torrey that I got at an antique shop that I cleaned up and honed myself (turned out pretty good, just can't get the very tip of the toe as sharp as I'd like, it has a slight smile to it). So I'm getting better and better with every shave, and it looks like I'll be sticking with it.

I may wind up buying a couple $200 or so razors instead of one for $400-500. But who knows! I like seeing all your guys recommendations, they all look like great razors. Keep the ideas coming! And I definitely will post pics when I eventually decide on something.:p Thanks much all!

I usually recommend an entry level Dovo and maybe the razor/strop combo deal to new guys. You know what you are getting and one vendor sends the razor shave ready at no extra charge, and includes a second honing free.

In this case, this is a one of a kind one time deal. This lovely young lady (my assumption) is offering to spend up to $500 for a razor for the man. Now IMHO, whether it is a full hollow 5/8 or a 8/8 W&B for barber's wedge, if you start with it you'll learn to shave with it. So may as well go for the gusto and you can always add the "practical" razor out of your own pocket .... if you like shaving with a straight dozens of them eventually. :D

Can help you with what razor to buy but I do have a question, does your friend have any like minded sisters? You are a lucky guy.

Bob

Spending $500 on straight razors and gear is not hard to do. I am a vintage razor lover and perffer them over new razors, not that there's anything wrong with new razors. With your budget I would not purchase a vintage razor that needs restoration, you can afford a few of them that don't need anything more than a good honing. You can even pick up a couple of new razors and stay with in budget. If I was starting out from scratch w/ a budget lile your's I would pick up at least two razors of your liking, one or two silvertip shave brushes from Thater or Shavemac and a good strop or two. That would kill the budget or come close to it. Ass some shave creams and hones and you may need to cut back to one strop and one brush. I would go with two straight razors so you can have one sharp while the other is out getting re-honed. If you pick up hones you should not learn to hone on the razors you shave with until you learn to hone properly. Which ever way you go, good luck and be sure to have fun.

I can fix your problem for 225.00 with nice blond horn scales in 6/8 and you can buy it new....... You razor guys can smell what i,am cooking.... WACKER !!!! Go and treat yourself !!!!

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Originally Posted by Noswad

That Charlie Lewis is a very pretty razor, Jimmy.

toadq5, what a wonderful friend to do this for you; and a wonderful dilemma for you to decide which razor.
Enjoy and please post pictures when you get it.

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What? No votes for a Robert Williams Purist?

I'm not selling anything on the Classifieds so I can suggest it! Go to the classifieds section again. Zephyr hooked you up once, but I know I have seen some other beauties on there lately! Whatever you do, have fun with that chunk o' change and go big!

Well just another thought here - you could buy a couple of razors and work on a 7 day set?

I found the size I liked -> started collecting them with an eye on ultimately making a little 7 day set of mixed blades, but 7 custom scales that match.

It's been fun! I have a two week set so far lol!!

Good luck - awesome issue lol. She must love you!! : )

Iwasaki razor from SRD..:rock:

Bob - fortunately there is a sister, but unfortunately, she is not so like minded! Jimmy - those are my thoughts as well. If I have the opportunity to spend the money, might as well go all out! :p

Thanks again for all the suggestions guys - I think it will take me a few days yet to decide what I'm actually going to do!!