Thread: Brand, Style, Type, etc...

I've never considered a straight, but every one seems to think they're the way to go. If I were to get in to straight razor shaving, what would be a good brand to look for?
Thanks

Originally Posted by nonick

What are you shaving with right now?

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Merkur 38C HD

Well one good thing is you already shave with a DE. Many people here have gone in an order from cartridge to DE from DE to shavette, from shavette to straight. you have experience from the DE already. Awesome, as far as brands I concur with nonick DOVO is good. I went from cart to square point straight. Lol

My advice would be " It doesn't really matter" . Pic one you like the look of. The popular recommendation is 5/8 or 6/8 round point. Just keep looking and 1 will catch your eye. Just make sure it is sharp. New, does not equal sharp. Our classifieds have nice razors. The vendors here will not sell you a razor that is not properly honed, and this is the important part.

Basically I think you should get one that is shave ready. That really is the most important thing. But if you were to get something 5/8 or 6/8 in a half hollow that would make it medium size and medium grind combined with a round point it is a great starter razor. Dovo, Theirs Issard, Ralf Aust, Boker. Those are the current quality production makers I can think of.

Anything wrong with the shave you are currently getting from your Merkur 38C HD?

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Anything wrong with the shave you are currently getting from your Merkur 38C HD?

Bob

Bob has a good point. It will likely be a long time before your shave with any straight is as good as your DE is now.

It's a little controversial but I'd have a look at Whipped dog sight unseen razors if your on a budget. Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment

Larry is an excellent guy to deal with and the razor will be sharp and ugly.

Originally Posted by RezDog

shave ready.
5/8 or 6/8 in a half hollow
with a round point .

I concur, the only problem with a new blade is availability.
If you can find one they can be pricy.
Why don't you buy from the Classifieds here on SRP?
If you see something that matches the recommendations send me a pm and i'll give you an honest assessment.
Ralph

THESE are just about exactly the words i would have written had they not already been penned.

Originally Posted by 10Pups

My advice would be " It doesn't really matter" . Pic one you like the look of. The popular recommendation is 5/8 or 6/8 round point. Just keep looking and 1 will catch your eye. Just make sure it is sharp. New, does not equal sharp. Our classifieds have nice razors. The vendors here will not sell you a razor that is not properly honed, and this is the important part.

Okay i'll add that trusting your vendor is more important than any brand, new or used, no matter how much you pay.

Than the brand, size, grind, finish, glitter, glue...

Unless you originally learned to shave w/ your Merkur - or some other DE, you needed some time to learn technique, stretches & strokes. Same w/ a str8. Those things will overshadow all the 'perfect razor' concerns. Your tastes will change also - so what you start with may not be where you end up.

If you were able to get with an experienced member, that would likely help with alot of questions right away. It would also accelerate your learning curve. Should your travels bring you near Portland in the Great North Wet - hollar. Come get a few hours on the topic. Try my gear. 'Costs you nothing but time and fuel to get here. You can try more kinds of razors than probably 6+ mo. of practice, buying & selling.

You'll likely experience massive enthusiasm. You prob. have more self control than I, but I was gonzo to buy every flea bitten rust bucket on the bay or local antique stores, thinking I could make a silk purse out of each. So that meant I had to learn the hard way. It meant I bled alot. That's why I'm pinklather.

You already make lather for your DE shaves - that's not small. You probably learned from some threads on forums - some better than others.

Some good ones: Stropping, from the much loved Glen http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ch-2011-a.html

the other is the 'your first shave' link on the home page. 'Hard to improve upon. You have alot of help available here. Enjoy it. There's some learning curve, but 2nd best isn't even close to a str8.