Thread: buying a razor

I'm really torn on this one. On the one hand there's nothing like getting and shaving with a brand new quality razor its like putting on a brand new pair of cowboy boots, just makes you feel good all over. On the other hand as a newby buying from one of the regulars here will get you a shave ready razor and you can concentrate on honing your shaving skills instead of worrying about honing your new razor and immediately having to buy hones and all that stuff.

Another thing is that though most new razors need honing to bring them to full potential many still do give a very good shave out of the box (blasphemy). In my experience the Dovo's less so but I have several TI's I got new and they all ranged from quite good to excellent out of the box with the exception of the Damascus.

But I guess if I was in your position for my first razor knowing what i know now I would lean towards getting one from one of the honemeisters here.

Only own one 'new' razor. I like it, but I'm still trying to tweak it to get it up to par with a couple of my other razors. Among other reasons, I got into this sport/hobby/obsession, in part because of the history and tradition. When I pick up a vintage blade I feel conected to the past glory days of shaving . In the same way, when I bring back a tired old razor from the brink, I feel that I've done some small part in preserving that history--plus I get to use a 'new' really cool old tool. So, obviously, I lean toward 'vintage' blades. That said, I can't wait until I can scrape enough money together to buy one of the Meistro's razors

I use only antique blades as well even though I was eyeing the new razors for my first purchase. The older blades are every bit as good as I wanted my razor to be and cheaper, honed from the members here. THat's all the right things in the same basket. Plus, I don't much like the gold leafing on many of the new razors.

The only razors I currently own are brand new. I have three, I'll call vintage only because they're old but not popular models, razors I received from my Grandfather I'm going to practice my honing skills. It works out nice because one of the three is a s/s blade so I get to practice putting an edge on a toughy.

What I do want to do is put a vintage razor into my daily rotation. Should I start looking on ePray or should I set up a post in the "classifieds" here on SRP and perhaps buy one from another member?

Jeff

Originally Posted by str8rzrshvr

The only razors I currently own are brand new. I have three, I'll call vintage only because they're old but not popular models, razors I received from my Grandfather I'm going to practice my honing skills. It works out nice because one of the three is a s/s blade so I get to practice putting an edge on a toughy.

What I do want to do is put a vintage razor into my daily rotation. Should I start looking on ePray or should I set up a post in the "classifieds" here on SRP and perhaps buy one from another member?

Jeff

I recommend the latter: check out Bill Ellis' site, Lynn et. al. in the user gallery
Best,
Mark

I think I'll be much more comfortable buying from a member here than on the "Bay". I know a lot of folks purchase from sellers out there, but I place importance, maybe too much, on peace of mind when I purchase things. Thanks, Mark, that's what I'll do.

Jeff

Originally Posted by str8rzrshvr

I think I'll be much more comfortable buying from a member here than on the "Bay". I know a lot of folks purchase from sellers out there, but I place importance, maybe too much, on peace of mind when I purchase things. Thanks, Mark, that's what I'll do.

Jeff

Yeah, plus I figure I'd rather put some dough in one of my fellow SRP'ers pockets than someone I don't know. These guys here are like buddies, y'know?

I agree Mark. Plus, I know I'll be getting a quality razor.


To quote a famous American...

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