Buying First straight razor, please help

I am new here and have hit a bomb in the road. I have been shaving with a shaved for a few months and want to change it out for a straight razor (the feather replacement blades mum around to much). I am turning 18 soon and was going to buy the razor from the money i am getting for my birthday. I was wondering do I spend a reasonable amount on a brand new as its my 18th or do I buy a bit cheaper on a vintage ( I am worried about the possibility of germs and pathogens on the old blade though)
any and all help is much appreciated

While the germs and pathogens concern is not really an issue because you can sterilize a blade easily, just dip in some alcohol and you would be fine and even then that wouldn't really be an issue because it would be an arid environment which bacteria doesn't like. But again just dip in alcohol and you could even light the alcohol that is on the blade to be super sure.

However given your situation I would be either a new reputable brand (most expensive option) that way you don't have the concern of germs and you also don't have the concern of getting a razor that has wear issues. However there is also the classifieds on here that you can look at. Just make sure you ask any questions you want before committing such as if it has any issues and if it's shave ready. Being young you probably won't have enough money to get a razor and a hone and a strop and be able to afford being an 18 year old.

You'll definitely need a strop with whatever you get but not necessarily a hone just make sure whatever you get that it is shave ready

good advice. If you go with the new make sure it is a quality razor and strop. don't go with a starter set made in China. You can get a strop and razor set from Straight Razor Designs starting at $124 which includes a free re-sharpening. (can't go wrong with them) if you can't afford that then a vintage from the classifieds is the way to go. Good luck!

Check out Larry over at Whippeddog.com. He sells used vintage razors that are shave ready at a very reasonable price. He even sells strops and brushs. Then if you find you like straight shaving you can buy more and if it's not then your not out very much.

Just my $0.02

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Lloydhandley on the day you have your birthday money send me a private message and we will take a look at our BST offerings in straight razors. I am pretty sure you will find a very suitable straight, in good condition and honed to shave ready. If for any reason it is not honed to shave ready I will hone it for no charge as long and you send it to me. I do not think you can go wrong this way.

Welcome to the forum and in the mean time submerge yourself in our library and begin learning. Do not worry about whipped dog. You need a decent razor to learn to shave and it will not be found in the doghouse.

That is a nice offer Bob.

I am guessing you already have a brush and some good soap to go with your shavette, but with a straight you will also need a strop, so save a couple dollars in the budget for that too. Nice strops are a little harder to fond second hand.

thank you for the offer. Money wise isn't much of a problem. I will look at the classified on the day and message you. what point stiles, grinds and depths are best for beginners

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Originally Posted by Lloydhandley

thank you for the offer. Money wise isn't much of a problem. I will look at the classified on the day and message you. what point stiles, grinds and depths are best for beginners

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I suggest going with a 6/8 razor in a half-hollow to full hollow grind. That is right about the middle of the road for razor sizes. I have only one 5/8 razor and don't use that one too much. My sweet spot is between 6/8 and 7/8. Japanese vintage razors work really well and are most often 13/16 in width...not too big, not too small. Hope this helps you with your decision.

If you start with a shave ready razor, a good strop and a Chromium Oxide pasted paddle you can go for a very long time between honings. The classifieds are a good source for used shave ready razors, when it says shave ready on here you can assume they mean it unlike ebay. Straight Razor Designs would be a very good place to shop for new razors and strops.

A pre-sharpened Dovo or Boker is affordable as well as a good starter razor. As others have said, I would wait on the vintage until you are proficient with a straight razor. This way you will eliminate the variable of the blade as the cause of any problems while you're learning. There is a bit of a learning curve, but this site can be utilized for great advice and products to buy, as there is a plethora of knowledge here. Good luck!

You definitely came to the right place to learn. I am pretty new to the game, and I have received tons of help here. If you are already using a shavette, the switch is going to be a pretty easy one. Good luck!

are the razors from straight razor designs, actually shave ready or need extra honing shave ready

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Originally Posted by Lloydhandley

are the razors from straight razor designs, actually shave ready or need extra honing shave ready

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Lynn hones them to shave ready...plus, he offers a free 2nd honing on all razors if I'm not mistaken. A good deal if you decide to purchase a brand-new razor. :)

I usually have some shave ready razors knocking around, that are cheap enough and I know shave well, I am also UK based so you could have them pretty quickly if needed,
But if you have seen something already and have your heart set on that 'one' its no problem.

I have sold a few razors on the BST and donated a razor to the raffle and no complaints regarding how they shave.

That said you have been given some very good solid advice from the kind gents on this site already.

Lloyd, when is your Birthday? I have a Klas Törnblom (18mm) Concave or Rattler Grind razor that I'd like to gift you. You'll need your birthday $$ for other wet shaving goodies. Just send me you address vis PM. Here is what the razor looks like, she's a real sweet and very sharp razor.
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What a nice gesture...In these times of strife and confusion, we often forget the importance of mutual support and kindness. Doc, you are a great example for all of us to pay it forward.

Actions like these always serve to remind me that SRP is a very unique, gentlemanly forum. Way to go, doc47! :tu

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Originally Posted by bcw

What a nice gesture...In these times of strife and confusion, we often forget the importance of mutual support and kindness. Doc, you are a great example for all of us to pay it forward.

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Thank you. However, the OP wants to go in a different direction, which is fine.

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Originally Posted by doc47

Thank you. However, the OP wants to go in a different direction, which is fine.

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Shocking. That's such a great looking shaver -- shoulderless and gorgeous scales! Hopefully, you can make another beginner's day with that one or donate it to the monthly giveaway. She's certainly too sweet to sit collecting dust.

The young man is a beginner and I'm sure he knows little about razors. Like all of us did when we began, he will pick the blade or the scales that suit his esthetic and then begin to learn (I have sold or given away the first 5-6 razors I purchased). When he understands razors and learns about Swedish steel he may one day chose to purchase such a razor, though true collectible razors like this one are hard to come by.

That is quite the razor doc! I just got my first SR in the mail this morning and while it's servicable it sure isnt as pretty as that Klas!

I can tell I will soon be aquiring more razors.

this is aimed at anyone in the uk. are razors from the invisible edge truly shave ready

I'm not in the UK, but I did bought a Dovo from them, and it certainly came shave-ready.

thank you to everyone on their advice and help. with exams over and my 18th birthday passed i have bought my first real straight razors, A dove 5/8 square/spike point in ebony wood scales. very happy with its shave. puts my shavette to shame