Thread: 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

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

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!