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

Hey guys-

So I am still very new to straight razor shaving, but I've been put into a very funny situation that is allowing me to splurge on my new hobby. So a friend just gave me a large sum of money to spend on whatever I want. There is one condition however, I must spend the money on something 'impractical' (no putting it in the bank, no buying normal everyday stuff, etc.). I think a razor is very practical, but to her, it is highly impractical. So that's where I stand now.

So I'm looking to buy a nice razor, probably somewhere in the 300 to 500 dollar range. So where do you guys normally get your more expensive razors? Should I go new or vintage? I've been looking on Straight razor designs while SRP was down for the past day or so. The Boker Arbolito looks nice, so I've been thinking of that. Any advice/help would be much appreciated. Keep in mind that I'm still very new, I have only 2 other razors now, a Torrey and a Bengall.

Thanks guys. Hoping this will be a fun thread!

Congratulations!

Have you considered a custom razor? That way you can get exactly the razor you want.

If you don't wantna custom razor I would maybe have aimed for a vintage razor and spent some of the money sending it out for a full restore with Glen, Max or some of the other restorers around.

Get a custom razor by all means. Robert Williams does outstanding work, among many others. You will be pleased for a long long time. Good luck.

If I were you I might steer clear of a custom until I was a little more experienced - that way I'd be in a better position to really know what I wanted.

Really, there are a plenty of good razors out there in the well-known names. I'd suggest perhaps you also take a look at Thiers Issard (TI) if you are considering new razors.

Indeed, is there any rule that the money be spent on only one razor? If not, you could perhaps buy a few very nice vintage blades with that money.

But just remember that this is but one of many razors you will try over the years. In the end it might be a crappy, half-rusted, no-namer that wheedles its way into your heart as your favourite. Gold wash and shiny scales end up playing second fiddle to a good workman-like blade in my book.

Good luck!

James.

Filarmonica EPBD or Novodur 14 NOS or mint.

Best shavers on the planet...probably

Originally Posted by jaycey

Filarmonica EPBD or Novodur 14 NOS or mint.

Best shavers on the planet...probably

Not on my planet but that is why God made apples AND oranges.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Not on my planet but that is why God made apples AND oranges.

Just out of curiousity, on the HAD-planet, what is the best shaver? lol

How new to straight razors are you? Have you shaved with one? Do you have any? I wouldn't recommend splurging immediately on a nice razor until you know where you stand vis-a-vis straight razors. Like most things one can buy, the value will drop once you buy it. If you are really new, you stand the risk of damaging it trying to shave with it, strop it or hone it. That is why most advice to newbies here has them starting out with something they can do no harm to, including to their faces. If you are serious about straight razor shaving and plan to stick it out, I'd start with the Feather SS with replaceable blades. It shaves wonderfully, you don't have to worry about stropping and honing, and you can easily sell it on the SRP classifieds for close to what you pay for it.

Originally Posted by justinA

Just out of curiousity, on the HAD-planet, what is the best shaver? lol

I really couldn't pin it down to one specific brand, since there are so many good ones out there ..... nay ..... superlative rather than good. I have gotten great shaves with Fillys but the same could be said for Pumas, ducks, C-mons ... Dovos and many more. Not to mention old Sheffields and than there are the customs. The internet has created a golden age for straight razor shavers in terms of availability of razors, hones, strops .... and how to use them.

I would also stay away from customs for now. Get yourself a really nice vintage razor off ebay (Solingen or Sheffield) and send it to Glen or Brad for restoration and exotic wood or bone/horn scales and honing.