Thread: Razor Shopping

I have fallen in love with wet shaving, but my straight razors have me nervous every time I shave. (I'm still learning the tricks of the trade, and I have a really boney face)
I think its time to add a new razor into the mix of my two straight razors so I was going to go shopping for a vintage DE this week at antique shops around the Phoenix are. Basically I wanted to know what to look out for. Are their any key functionality checks to look for, brands, types and any desirable/undesirable razors. Seeing as there are so many types out there from all eras, I just want something affordable that I can get razors for. Im sure this has been discussed so point me to any existing wiki pages or guilds if you guys are tired of discussing it.


Any and all advice will be well warmly received.
Thanks Gents, Happy Shaving

Hi, Dubbin. Found these links and info for you in the FAQ section of the wiki:

Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki

http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...t_Razor_Brands

Questions to ask a seller

Despite their best efforts, many sellers have limited knowledge of what is essential information to be put into a classified. If any of the following are missing from the description of a razor that is for sale, you may want to enquire further to avoid later disputes over lack of quality.

When was the blade last honed?
Does it center in the scales without the edge making contact on either side?
Is the pivot pin tight?
Are the scales original?
Are there any cracks in the scales?
Are there any hairline cracks in the blade?
Do you have pictures of the (other side of the blade, close up of a certain area, etc)?
Do you offer a return policy if I am not satisfied?
If yes, what are the terms?

Cheers! I am after some information on DE razors however. I already have a pair or SRs and have done my homework on those blades. I really appreciate the info however.

Do you have a DE yet? As long as it has Gillette stamped on it and is in good shape it will treat you well.
An adjustable is nice so you can figure out how aggressive a shall e you want. The Fatboy and Slim are probably the most well known ones buy G also made a black one (super speed, maybe?) That I can't remember the name of that's usually a bit cheaper on the bay.

+1 on the Gillette DE advice. It's really hard to go wrong and a tech or super speed can be had for very little. You should probably get a sampler pack of razor blades (bullgoose, SRD, West Coast Shaving and even amazon among many others). If you get your razor and just can't wait, several have had OK results with DE blades from Walmart--but it's much better to get a sampler pack IMHO sooner than later.

No I don't have a DE yet, and Im not the antsy so thanks for the advise on a sampler pack. Basically from what I am reading is that all the old Gillette's unless obviously broken will be fine. Now all I gotta do it go shopping for one! I will report back with pictures if I find one.

Dubbin64:
Antique stores are hit or miss: you can either end up with a good DE razor or a piece of junk. If I may suggest, to be sure, why not buy a new Edwin Jagger or Merkur double edge razor and get a good start with your DE shaving? Eventually, once you know your way around the DE world, you can explore antique stores and flea markets and land some beauties. Either way, good luck.

Another vote for the classic Gillettes here, great razors and you can find them for pretty reasonable prices. With a little care and maintenance they will last a lifetime (or more!) Happy shaving!

Originally Posted by Obie

Dubbin64:
Antique stores are hit or miss: you can either end up with a good DE razor or a piece of junk. If I may suggest, to be sure, why not buy a new Edwin Jagger or Merkur double edge razor and get a good start with your DE shaving? Eventually, once you know your way around the DE world, you can explore antique stores and flea markets and land some beauties. Either way, good luck.

Dear OP,

This man, Obie, knows his chit. He steered me toward the EJ barley chrome, and I love it. Derby Extra blades give me and wonderful shave. Last few shaves, I've been trying the croma diamant blades. Very comfortabe, but not as close a shave as the Derby's. The great thing is, I still have a bunch of other blades to try! Man, I love this hobby.

Alright after A LOT of research on my part and about 5 antique stores (me and my girl made a day of it) I found my first DE.

It's a mild "old faithful", a Gillette Tech, its a Gold finish ball-end slim knurled handle, Im not sure which year exactly but it is in the original packaging, with some of the original blades. Don't know much more about it but I know a lot of folks regard it as a great starter and a very mild but great shave, and Im only 18 so this will be great on my thin whiskers.
I looked at a bunch of other razors that were either un-usable or were far over priced. This one is very usable, and vintage, and was very inexpensive, I think the perfect buy on my first go round!

Here are some pictures