Thread: looking to buy my first razor

hey guys, first of all i know this isnt the classified section, however there wasn't really anywhere to post about wanting to buy something there.
im sick to death of my cartridge razor and ive been doing a lot of research on straight razor shaving so I'm looking to step out and buy my first lot of gear


I'm looking for recommendations on a good first razor.
From what i have read I am looking at something around 5/8ths and probably a rounded edge with a half hollow blade.
I don't want to skimp out and go super cheap but I also don't want to spend hundreds on a massive collectors item. Something that does the job and will be easy enough to learn with would be great.
Also something being sold shave-ready would be amazingly helpful.


Also looking on recommendations for a shaving soap and brush.
I live in Australia but I'm aware I'll most likely have to get something posted internationally.
So, let the recommendations begin. Thanks!

Have a look at the classifieds first, you may find something there that's closer to you than you think....or not.

Razors all tend to be personal preferance, if you want to buy new then you wont go wrong with any DOVO, Boker or Theirs Issard.
Those brands have very solid reputations and offer a wide range of razors to fit your budget. Just remember, ANY new razor will likely
have to pe honed by a pro. Even if it says it's shave ready, it probably could be MUCH better.

As for a brush and soap. Get whateven you can comfortably afford. They all feel different and it's going to end up being a matter of......personal preferance....
There are some 'Staple' soaps to try out, Proraso is a great one and it is fairly affordable. Mitchels Wool Fat is another great soap that has
a very strong following among shavers.

Pick one, use it for a few weeks. Then get a new one and keep trying different ones until you find your favorite. Never stop experimenting, it's one of the
best parts about wet shaving.

Good luck, and let us know what you end up getting.

It's easier to list the razors to avoid rather than the ones to buy. I agree, check out the classifieds and our vendors and you'll have a quality piece.

i got a message from a user named Dimitry about some stuff he is selling

the two i am interested in are:
[A vendre] 6/8 Charlex #6
5/8 Wilhelm Mandt Solingen

does anyone have any opinions on either of those, or anything about the seller? i know its in french but there are images
he said he hasnt had time to post them here as well

Honestly it all depends on your budget. Take a look around and see what is out there that fits your budget and start making a 'must have' list! The only real way to find the perfect razor is to try the different styles and compare the shaves from different manufacturers. Everyone here says go look at the classifieds and that may be your best bet for a 'shave ready' blade, but don't discount new razors!! There are plenty of guys on here that can hone a razor at a decent price!

I realize what I've written might seem redundant but from my limited experience on here I've found that everyone says the same thing!

When it comes right down to it you won't know if you love the razor until it's in your hands and you're shaving hair off your face!

Originally Posted by astro

i got a message from a user named Dimitry about some stuff he is selling

the two i am interested in are:
[A vendre] 6/8 Charlex #6
5/8 Wilhelm Mandt Solingen

does anyone have any opinions on either of those, or anything about the seller? i know its in french but there are images
he said he hasnt had time to post them here as well

I personally like the 6/8 blade, looks like a heftier piece of metal. I enjoy a weighty blade!

5/8 is OK, as well 4/8 or 6/8, at the beginning you cannot feel the difference, buy one and learn to shave with it.
Half hollow is OK, full hollow is not such different. If you want a new one go for it, a Dovo, Thiers Issard, Boeker or Timor is OK, good razors and cost 100-120 dollars for the entry level. All offer excellent entry level razors. Roun point is a must, you will not need the help of a sharp point to get a lot of nicks.
The real issue is getting it perfectly honed. As said brand new is honed, but it could be much better. Either you live in a place where you can get it honed or buy it from a reputated seller that guarantees it is shave ready.
Then buy a cheap one a stone and a strop and learn to hone and strop.

Hi Astro,

Firstly, welcome to SRP from a fellow Australian. Townsville in fact. There is a growing number of Aussies on this forum as you will very quickly find out.
Re: the razor, the advice you are getting is very important. Get a shave ready from a reputable vendor preferably a member on this forum. Unfortunately, there are some vendors who claim their razors are shave ready and clearly are not. Hasten slowly and wisely.

As far as soaps are concerned, I have always been happy with "Shave" in a tube from Woolies/Safeway for about $3.
Most people prefer a badger brush which I also prefer. My first badger brush was, and is still a favourite from Frank Shaving.

Where in Aus do you live?

Feel free to PM if you wish to ask questions off line...

Sunbird

Welcome, and I have been doing alot of research into buying my first straight razor as well. It is probably worth it to check out something like SRD's straight shaving kits, as it will come with everything you need to get started. I am looking at getting the Dovo Best Quality set, as it is a solid razor to start out with, and due to the discounted price for buying the set, you can get a solid brush, soap, mug etc right from the start.

-Tyler

And heck, even if you decide the straight shave just isnt for you, if you go with the SRD package deal you will still be able to go back to the cartridge but have an awesome brush and soap (which you got at a pretty decent discount due to the deal) to use with it, which just on its own will give you a better shave. And then you can always go back to the razor at a later date.