Thread: Need some advice on razors

Hello everyone. I am new here and I need some advice for you guys. I have been shaving with a DE for years and I am looking to make the jump to a straight razor. I just want to know what you guys would recommend for a first razor?

Regards,
Ben

Hi Ben,

Welcome. I did my first straight shave this past weekend and it's the closest shave I've ever had. You won't regret it. As a newbie to straight razors myself, let me say that the items from Tony Miller are top notch and at a reasonable price. Tony's site is at: www.thewellshavedgentleman.com

He offers a very nice Dovo tortoise 5/8s razor that he hones for you prior to delivery so you can't go wrong there. That's the razor I bought and it's really great. I also got the paddle strop.

You might also find some nice used razors from Lynn or some of the other veterans on the site.

Ed

You stole my thunder, Ed! Couldn't have said it better myself.

Ben,

That's definitely the best and easiest way to get started. Or you can go the harder route and buy an ebay special, spend lots of money on hones and then more razors until you realize you should have just gotten a shave ready razor to start with! Be aware that if you order a new razor from any of the online vendors, it won't be shave ready and will need to be honed. That's one of the great things about Tony's package deal...you're ready to go!

RT

Well, if you're looking for new, or even a start-up kit (razor, strop, etc.), Tony Miller is the man to see. Or, you can check out www.classicshaving.com or the buy/sell forums. However, if you're looking for a used razor, there are plenty of members that would be more than happy to sell you a used, but shave ready razor.

If you go new, remember that it's probably not going to be shave ready (read sharp). Before you use a new razor make sure it's been honed by one of the honemeisters. Since you're new here, you'll soon learn who they are. But Lynn, Randy and Tony are the ones that readily pop into my head. There are more but right now I'm brain-f*rting.

Anyway, good luck and keep at it. Straight shaving is not something that is learned overnight. Persistance, patience and proper technique are required to master this art. The time spent learning is time well spent as the shaves you'll soon be getting will be unmatched compared to the shaves you have been getting.

Happy shaving...

Jeff

I guess as I was typing a reply I got beat to the punch and basically reiterated what everyone else said.

That is correct. My first razor came from a specialty store "The Art of the Shave". While it was nice it was not "shave ready". I was a newby and didn't know the difference. It cost me alot of time and some skin because my razor wasn't sharp enough. In fact it is the same razor Tony is selling the Dovo 5/8 and my wife paid more for it than Tony is charging. Go figure. It has I may add become one of my favorite razors.

I agree, buy a starter set from Tony or a honed razor from Lynn or one of the other honestuds here. It will save you lots of time and pain and allow you to grow into it.

Bill's razors shouldn't be forgotten, especially this one, what a deal, or this one, what a beauty. No strops or brushes though.

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