Safety Straight Razor

I'm considering venturing into the world of straight razor shaving, but before I invest in the expensive accruements of hones, strops, and the razors themselves, I'd like to practice on a more affordable disposable razor to see if I can develop the knack for it and if it will produce a good shave. That being said, what are some disposable straight razors that are inexpensive enough to begin with but not cheap enough to produce a deceptively poor shave?

I've been looking at the Magic Razor:
Charles Spilo - Spilo Magic Razor

and Persona:
Personna - Personna Pirouette Razor

Thanks all!

Hello there,

I`m not sure if you really must invest lot of money if you want only one straight razor be in rotation (unless daily shaving you need two). Straight razor professionally prepared will last many years just with proper stropping and one barber honed. If you want to do professional restoration... than yes, you might invest little more.
It really depend of your goal and approach to this art.

If you try those cheapies you will never get the feel you want. Do a search and investigate some of the other shavettes that are available. You don't have to pay a mint for a feather but there are others that will at least come closer to what a straight is but even then remember a disposable is different.

For about the same price you can find a professionally honed real straight razor in the classifieds here. Go to your local tack shop and have them cut you a 3" wide piece of harness leather for a strop. This set-up is as cheap as a phony razor and you will have something of value to show for it, and, you'll love the feel of a real straight.

Magic...?:mexwave:

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!:beer1:

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

Quote:

---

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!

Quote:

---

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"

Quote:

---

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.

Thanks everyone for helping me with this process! I really appreciate it. The guy from whipped dog said that the blade is actually 9/16, not 7/16, but I'm not sure how that translates. Everyone seems to be saying the same thing: shavettes are like straights but really different animals. I'm a musician, so perhaps an analogous example is that electronic drums are not like acoustic drums. Even though the drummer can say "I play the drums," playing an electronic kit is SO different than playing an acoustic kit. Based on all this, I think I'm going to avoid the shavette route unless I can find something under 10 bucks to get me started and scratch that itch. Should I go with the whipped dog razor? Is a 9/19 Geneva decent? The price point is ideal for me! I need to stay under 40 bucks for my first one.

Thank again!

9/16 is kinda on the small side for a beginner . I'd hold out for 5/8 or 6/8. Don't let cost colour your choice. As with strops, razors can also be a lifetime investment.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by onimaru55

9/16 is kinda on the small side for a beginner . I'd hold out for 5/8 or 6/8. Don't let cost colour your choice. As with strops, razors can also be a lifetime investment.

---

I am interested in why you think this is small for a beginner? My recollection and understanding is the 5/8 or 6/8 size suggestion for beginners was it is a middle ground. It allowed the new shaver to start with a base line and then go up or down to tailor to their preference. If he can get a nice Genco a hair under 5/8 he still has the ability to move up or down on his next razor. I do not see why the smaller blade would hinder in skill development

I see a real bias by the masses to the large blades and I know there are a few of us here that do prefer the 4/8 or 5/8 size. My first razor was a 4/8 that until I used it as PIF was one of my favorite razors. For me personally I find razors under 6/8 give me a better sense of control. Real or perceived I do not know but the difference is enough that I have sold all my larger razors and only kept the smaller sized ones I use.

The other advantage, that is a luxury to liking smaller blades is they tend to be cheaper.

In my experience, I found at first I liked smaller, stiffer blades, Easy to manuver and quite predictable. Wedges were my preferred razor. As I seemed to have matured in straight shaving, I gravitate toward razors of the more concave persuation in larger sizes. They require a bit more attention, but are nice to experience. I still have some smaller wedges in my rotation, but really dig the larger concaves. I lean toward 13/16+ these days, but enjoy the close-trimming ability of smaller Blades. A ladder must be climbed to find where you like razors and which grind. Personal Preference! You will see!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dyimages

I am interested in why you think this is small for a beginner?

---

Simply because 9/16 is approaching 4/8 which requires more dexterity than the next sizes up & is also probably a worn down 5/8.
A razor shaves better when it is closer to the size it was designed as.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dyimages

I am interested in why you think this is small for a beginner? My recollection and understanding is the 5/8 or 6/8 size suggestion for beginners was it is a middle ground. It allowed the new shaver to start with a base line and then go up or down to tailor to their preference. If he can get a nice Genco a hair under 5/8 he still has the ability to move up or down on his next razor. I do not see why the smaller blade would hinder in skill development

I see a real bias by the masses to the large blades and I know there are a few of us here that do prefer the 4/8 or 5/8 size. My first razor was a 4/8 that until I used it as PIF was one of my favorite razors. For me personally I find razors under 6/8 give me a better sense of control. Real or perceived I do not know but the difference is enough that I have sold all my larger razors and only kept the smaller sized ones I use.

The other advantage, that is a luxury to liking smaller blades is they tend to be cheaper.

---

I'm going to be learning on my Wade & Butcher 8/8. I'm going to love shaving with this one with Rob Zombie cranked in the background. Must remember to keep the styptic handy. Headbanging and shaving = a few nicks and some minor irritation perhapsAttachment 93793

Try this guy, he has used razors for a good price. I bought one off him a while back and it was well honed.

Straight Razors for Sale | Straight Razors for Sale

I have a folder full of links for places that sell used, shave ready razors, but for finding one under $40 this guy is probably your best bet.