Thread: What are some good razors for a beginner?

I am looking to start using a straight razor and was wonderign what some of the good brands are to look at when shopping for my first razor or two. Also what are good places to purchase them? I am a student, so money is a bit tight. What does everyone think about buying from ebay?

Thanks, Jordan

Ebay is tough for new guys as you will have to learn to hone. Same can be said for most new razors as well as they usually don't shave well out of the box. Can't go wrong with a Dovo, TI, Henckels, Puma, Boker, Genco, Double Duck, Wade and Butcher, Wester Bros, Gold Bug, and many many others. Check our links for sellers of new razors. ClassicShaving and Straight Razors and Stuff are a good start. Many of the members also have shave ready razors that they sell. Check that forum here as well. Let us know if any other questions.

So to prepare a blade to be a good razor do you need to initially hone and stroppe it? Then after it is good, how often do you have to hone and/or stroppe for maintainance?

I've been reading around and like DIY projects, just not sure if any of this will require going to a highly skilled crafstman.

Thanks, Jordan

Welcome to the group! Your question is very normal. Lynn has mentioned some of the better known brands. By the way, Lynn is the founder of the group. The straight razors you want to stay away from are those made in Pakistan and China. The quality of the steel is poor and does not allow for a keen, shaving edge to be maintained. The edge simply falls apart. Some of the brand names are Venus(Pakistan), Dove (China) and others. The key question to ask is what is stamped on the BLADE. It should be stamped with Solingen (Germany), Germany, MI Germany, Sheffield(English), Eskiltuna (Sweden). Beware of any razors that do not have these stampings. If in doubt then simply post a question here asking about a particular razor.

Lynn also has some quality razors for sale but he is to modest to mention them. His razors can be found on the Yahoo straightrazorplace forum site. Look under Photos- Lynns for sale for a photo then under the files- Lynns for sale for the prices. His razors come superbly honed and the price is very fair.

David Uthe is also selling a starter setup that you might want to look into.

Hope this helps,

See messages # 50299 and # 50340 on the Yahoo! forum site:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/straightrazorplace

I'll have to read around some more about this whole process. Thanks for all the links and brand names.

Jordan

Jason,

Being a newbie myself, I have found the two things are very helpful: 1) lots of research and questions, and 2) confidence. As an Eagle Scout, I've played with knives since I was in middle school, and I've sliced my fingers a number of times, so I was confident that I'd be ok, and I was.
I would suggest that you go to shavemyface.com and check out the short booklet written by Dr. Christopher Moss; I found it encredibly helpful, especially with the pictures.
My second suggestion, don't listen to anyone who says that shaving with a straight is a stupid waste of time. Instead, simply educate them on the masculinity of shaving with a miniature razor-sharp bayonet, and offer them a shave themselves.

-Jon

Jordan,
I just sold two nice beginner sets on ebay this weekend. Both included a brand new German made razor, Illinois strop, mug, brush and soap. I offer to hone the razor before sending so a beginner does not need to learn that part just to get started.
I will have more listed in a week and a half when I return from vacation. Prices run $99 to $120 depending on the razor included.
Photos in the Gallery section.
A good used razor from many of the club members is also a great way to start especially on a budget.
Tony