Thread: Safety Straight Razor

So if I don't go the disposable route, what are some recommended options to start straight razor shaving? I'm hesitant to purchase a used razor, as I can't imagine myself believing that it could be sanitary. I just don't want to spend a lot of money to start straight razor shaving if I find out I can't do it well enough or I can't hag with the maintenance. But I just want that smooth, irritation free shave. What do you all suggest?

First, get over your aversion to old blades. They've been cleaned with alcohol, and they're safe.

Lowest-cost option is Whipped Dog -- Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment

There's a "sight unseen" special deal, and a "poor man's strop kit" that will get you started very nicely.

Or, check out the "classifieds" on this site for inexpensive ($30 - $50) vintage razors.

. Charles

If you must have a new razor to start, check out the Dovo Best Quality 5/8 or 6/8. Great razor for not a lot of $. Remember to get it "shave ready" and that it will last you, literally, forever if you take care of it. And as for care, all you have to do is strop the thing, and put a little oil on it so it doesn't rust. I do have some bad news for you though, if you have the itch, you won't be satisfied until you scratch it with a real straight!

I started with a Diane 21 with a disposable super stainless steel blade and it was inexpensive and worked well. I also was hesitant about the initial cost and I got hooked on straight shaving within a few shaves.

Best of luck,

Pabster

Originally Posted by Pabster

I started with a Diane 21 with a disposable super stainless steel blade and it was inexpensive and worked well. I also was hesitant about the initial cost and I got hooked on straight shaving within a few shaves.

Best of luck,

Pabster

What was your experience with the Diane like? There's one available from a local brick and mortar shop. I'm pretty sure it's under 20 bucks. I spoke to the guy at whipped dog, but all he had was a 7/16 Geneva cutlery, and I couldn't find any information about it on google, so I'm reluctant. Plus, everything I've come across says to start with a 6/8 hollow ground. Now, granted, I'm not too sure what the difference between those fractions really means other than to say that one is larger than the other, but I don't know anything beyond that. Should I go with a 7/16 from whipped dog or just get a ten dollar one from a local beauty supply shop for barbers and start there. Now, by law, barbers have to use disposable blades, so can they really be that bad/inferior than regular straight razors? Or is it more of an aesthetic/purist issue? I'm not saying I want a disposable forever, but I'd like something cheap and reliable to get going. I take a long time to research, so I'd rather have something to start working on as I continue to research until I settle on my ideal instrument.

Thanks all!

Originally Posted by Poetman

Should I go with a 7/16. Nope, too small to start with. 3/8 to 4/8 shine as trimmers not shavers.

Now, by law, barbers have to use disposable blades, so can they really be that bad/inferior than regular straight razors?
That law is in place so cross infection between customers doesn't occur. Nothing to do with the blade quality.

Or is it more of an aesthetic/purist issue? I'm not saying I want a disposable forever, but I'd like something cheap and reliable to get going. I take a long time to research, so I'd rather have something to start working on as I continue to research until I settle on my ideal instrument.

If you want to try the experience of a straight razor you have to buy one & 2nd hand is the cheapest option. If you buy a cheap shavette don't base your judgement of straights on that. Take your time to research as planned. Also there's plenty of info in the tab at the top of the page that says "Library"

Originally Posted by Poetman

. . . I spoke to the guy at whipped dog, but all he had was a 7/16 Geneva cutlery, and I couldn't find any information about it on google, so I'm reluctant. Plus, everything I've come across says to start with a 6/8 hollow ground. Now, granted, I'm not too sure what the difference between those fractions really means other than to say that one is larger than the other, but I don't know anything beyond that. Should I go with a 7/16 from whipped dog or just get a ten dollar one from a local beauty supply shop for barbers and start there. . . .

Thanks all!

FWIW --

Genco ( = Geneva Cutlery) razors are very good. However, a 7/16" blade probably started out as a 5/8" (= 10/16") - 6/8" blade, and has been honed a whole lot. It might be OK, but I'd hold out for a 5/8" - 6/8" width.

You'll find lots of opinions here about replaceable-blade razors (generically called "Shavettes", a Dovo trademark) vs "real" straight razors. Most people prefer "real" straights, and say they're more forgiving of mistakes. Some people prefer Shavettes -- they're always dead sharp (and if not, you change the blade).

So (based on that), my caution is something like:

. . . If you get a replaceable-blade razor and don't like it, _don't_ assume that you won't like a "real" straight razor.

They're two different animals.

. Charles

PS -- I haven't used a Shavette-type razor myself.

PPS -- the selection of inexpensive razors in the "Classifieds" is quite limited right now. If I wanted a first razor _really badly_, I'd get a new Dovo "Best Quality" from Straight Razor Designs and end my torment.

When I first started shaving with a straight razor "style" it was just the cheap shavette thing that came with some derby blades that I bought and it taught me alot about holding, pressure and angle of the razor, but I got alot of nicks with it. The first time shaving with a real straight I was surprised at how I didn't get any nicks, but I think thats because of the real straight. Just seems like its alot more forgiving than the shavette.