Thread: Advice on adding 10 x great straight razor shaves

Don't let price stop you from using a razor. That's what they are for. That's like having a muscle car and not driving it, completely pointless. Good luck in your search.

Hi, thank you for all the good advice. The reason I wish to "cheat" the process somewhat and ask for advice is something many of you don't have to contend with. Shipping to South Africa is very expensive and as such it is very costly to purchase duds and shipping them to Africa.

Originally Posted by Gerhardb

Hi, thank you for all the good advice. The reason I wish to "cheat" the process somewhat and ask for advice is something many of you don't have to contend with. Shipping to South Africa is very expensive and as such it is very costly to purchase duds and shipping them to Africa.

Yes, I can understand where you are coming from. I guess the safest route to follow would be to buy new or vintage restored razors from a reputable dealer known for supplying shave ready razors. A reputable dealer will not knowingly, I believe, carry a dud product as they don't need the hassle. The shaving community is small and word gets around quick. A reputable dealer will also stand behind their product and should a problem occur you stand a good chance at resolving it in satisfactory manner. I take it that the availability of new and used razors in SA is pretty limited.

Bob

considering your price of less then 300$

Here is a few

Heljestrand MK31 5/8
Heljestrand n6 (same as a mk32 just better price) 6/8
SSA Full hollow 6/8 to 7/8
WadeandButcher barbers use 7/8
Bengall hollow 6/8 or bigger
Erik Anton Berg Frameback 6/8
Dubl Duck Special nr1 5/8
Friodur 6/8 to 7/8
De Pew "Monkey Tail" razor

here is one not many know of as a awsome shaver for the money.
Heartring or eicker and söhner 4/8 up to 6/8 (probleby the best thin grind i seen)

My Filarmonica is at the top for me as well (It's a doble temple that I got for about $100), but next to that I've got TI (not fancy at all about $130), a Dubl Duck Goldedge ($140), and a Red Imp ($75!!!!) that are also exceptional shavers

I know every ones different and some cant get along with a kamisori, but I think every straight shaver should also own one. They are so fun to use and offer a different dynamic to a western straight. Ive got 3 and am saving up for another. A 45mm Iwasaki sells for under £300 and should be in every ones top ten.

Originally Posted by BobH

Yes, I can understand where you are coming from. I guess the safest route to follow would be to buy new or vintage restored razors from a reputable dealer known for supplying shave ready razors. A reputable dealer will not knowingly, I believe, carry a dud product as they don't need the hassle. The shaving community is small and word gets around quick. A reputable dealer will also stand behind their product and should a problem occur you stand a good chance at resolving it in satisfactory manner. I take it that the availability of new and used razors in SA is pretty limited.

Bob

This is exactly what I need to do. New and used straights are very limited in South Africa. I should look to find a dealer give him a budget and ask that he find me plus minus 10 razors at a fair price in 6-9 months (quality instead of haste) before he ships to me. Now my question would be where do i look for someone who could do this?

Originally Posted by Gerhardb

This is exactly what I need to do. New and used straights are very limited in South Africa. I should look to find a dealer give him a budget and ask that he find me plus minus 10 razors at a fair price in 6-9 months (quality instead of haste) before he ships to me. Now my question would be where do i look for someone who could do this?

There are a fair number of reputable dealers/retailer/vendors really. Just ask the forum who they would recommend to supply a shave ready razor from that they have dealt with. I have only bought from two, most of the ones I have are from local places and ebay. The two I have personally bought from are The Classic Edge Shaving Store Your Straight Razor & Knife Specialists. and Home . They were a couple of vintage ones from Classic Edge and one new one from Revisor and was happy with the purchases from both. There are a number of others that I would not hesitate to buy from but really can't comment as I have not yet bought any from them. Others have and been happy from the comments I have read on here. Good luck in your search.

Bob

I should add that I have bought a few from individuals off the Buy and Sell section here http://straightrazorpalace.com/class...wcat.php?cat=3 and also have been satisfied with those purchases. There is also a Vendors section here http://straightrazorpalace.com/vendors-corner/ .

Bob

You know, back in the day in a place like Solingen most of the razor manufacturers bought the steel from one of very few suppliers. Many even bought the blanks from larger makers and specialized vendors. Many sent the razors out for forging.

As long as you buy a respected brand the basic razor is pretty much the same. it's the grinding and final finishing that may make the difference. I've always felt as long as you buy quality and the razor is well honed you can never go wrong.

One of the funny things here is that aside from some of my Henckels my very best shavers are no names. I have the typical Fili's and W&B but they don't impress me any more than many of my little know vintage blades. For the most part it is about personal taste and experimenting. I hope you find greatness in your search.