Getting rid of a Straight Razor

Now that I have your attention and I feel like I might get some backlash for the title, let me explain myself.

I have a friend who wants to get her husband a straight razor for Christmas and doesn't want to spend a lot to outfit him. She knows that he wants a straight razor also. So I have been contemplating about giving her one of mine. In fact i was thinking of giving her the Dubl Duck for a discreet price. Let's just say she wouldn't be able to get it in this condition pretty much anywhere. I feel that while every blade should be cherished what better way to spread enthusiasm for straight shaving than to provide to those less fortunate. My question for you is do you think this is a good idea. It's got a good edge and no pitting. I just like the way that heavier grinds feel during a shave. There may be a day that I like full and extra hollows but I am not sure.

If the razor doesn't speak to you I can see nothing better then to pass it to another. Especially when bringing a newbie into the fold. Make sure to have her direct him here if you do decided to part with the duck.

Is her husband also your friend?

If so, you really ought to loan him some stuff and get a good idea of what he actually likes...better still, get together with him and teach him what you know.

The result will likely be a happier shaver...and you will also be able to help her get a razor he actually likes instead of one you don't.

The worst possible outcome would be, you regretting getting rid of a razor you later decide you would like...to a guy that hates it...and chips it or otherwise damages it as he learns the hard way about what not to do....and decides that straight shaving is stupid...and goes out and buys a box of disposables. For the love of God, man! Do not let this happen!!!

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Originally Posted by unit

Is her husband also your friend?

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Yeah he is. I do plan on giving him advise on use and storage. Right now it's an idea I have mulling around in my mind.

Purchase a good shaver in the classified section above for $50.00 or give him one of your own, of lesser status, for free.
It will come back to you in a good deed someday , from someone.

Well if a new person to the forum can chime in a bit...i am new to straight razor shaves as well. Technically I might not even be considered that because I shave with a Parker shavette so that tells you something. I can honestly say that if I had some one that was willing to do something like you are mulling around in your mind, I know I would greatly appreciate it. I have been out of work for seven months and could not afford to buy a real one so I opted for this. Having someone do that for me would really show that you can really mentor someone and care enough to do that for a person. I talk to the guys on my dart team and tell them all the great stuff about shaving with one and all the people with knowledge that could really help out..yes I guess you can say I am trying to make converts but in any event I am sure that what you decide would have a tremendous impact on that person..as it has been said it would get paid forward many times over..
I wait for the day (albeit slowly because my boys are little) that they can shave and I can teach them and hopefully pass down whatever razors I pick up along the way when I get back on my feet..

Just my two cents.
Regardless of what you give that person it will probably be with more in karma and good feeling than the razor itself

I have a nicked up (but still very use-able) poor-mans strop I will donate to your cause. It is not pretty, but it kept my razors shave ready for the first few weeks...and I did not screw up a good strop during that time;)

My vote would be to give him something a little less.....valuable? Especially since its his first. Just my $0.02

If you can emotionally afford to let the SR go, then I'd say go for it. It's a great way to get someone started in the wonderful world of SR shaving. Any help like that in life is always appreciated.

I think it's a great idea. Just give it to her for your price and that's it. Whatever happens to it she bought it so it's then hers to give. It's not some high end custom razor so don't sweat the value.

I think that is a great idea. Good relationships mean more than any razor, and you are only adding value and meaning to your relationship with your friends. BTW, I have a near mint 6/8 Dubl Duck, square point, that I am really not fond of, and I am thinking of doing the same thing, even though I know I can sell it without much trouble. Good luck!

I have a number of less valuable razors that I give away to friends who I think might want to get into shaving. Sometimes I give them to people I hardly know, with the caveat, that if they enjoy shaving enough that they buy a better razor, that they should pass the old solder onto yet another newbie.

I like the looks on peoples faces when they open the box that first time. :D

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Originally Posted by Pyrateknight

My question for you is do you think this is a good idea.

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Yes, if the discreet price & and her budget will allow for a strop, brush & cream - or family & friends cover these presents. A beautiful razor will make a nice Christmas gift but a shave ready edge, a strop, brush & soap has a much better chance of converting someone to straight shaving imo.

If you are in two minds I would not offer it.
There are pleanty of good starter options your can direct her to.

And if you do let it go, you must "let it go." Don't let the gifting damage your friendship if he later turns out not to enjoy it or in some way damages the razor. BTW, I am very fond of my Dubl Duck but...this is a very individual preference.

That red exclamation and title sure got my attention! My vote is 'go for it'. Christmas is coming soon (holy crap!) and it does feel good to give every once in awhile! You'll hafta go with your gut feeling on this one though, if you're coming from a place of scarcity or abundance when/if you decide to sell it. And heck, if the guy doesn't take to straight shaving after you coach him, he ought to be a good dude enough to let you get the razor back. Right? Well, that's my two cents!

I'm of the opinion you should let it go for a price you deem fair and be there to provide advice and guidance as necessary.

I requested my first straight razor as a Christmas present and... good intentions and poor execution led to Krieger which nearly killed me and is now, I think, in the kitchen junk drawer. I stepped away for a couple of months and finally purchased a stainless Dovo from Vintage Blades (honed by Lynn). If not for the first shave from the Dovo, given the razor quality and Lynn's expertise, I may have walked away permanently. [Note, I still managed to butcher myself handily, but it was a completely different experience. Butchering from poor technique and butchering from poor tools are very different animals.]

Good equipment is a must to make SR shaving an enjoyable experience and if one's first experience is very poor, they may not care for another go.

I have offered her the option and she seemed interested. But she hasn't said yes yet.

It's been awhile and I thought I would update everyone. The razor was not given to the friend mentioned in this post. She found her own avenue.

I did find it a loving home. One of my college buddies is into straight shaving and it became his Christmas gift this year. It went to a good home that likes hollow grinds and takes knowingly takes care of his razors. My friend now has a choice between his dovo and the dubl.

Excellent man, best of all possible outcomes really!

A few thoughts.

Vintage steel might not be the best choice. To most, vintage shaving equipment, no matter the quality is as welcome as a vintage toothbrush.

I've gifted lots of shaving equipment, and have seen some of it unintentionally get destroyed by poor handling. Advice is not always taken.

If a newer razor is destroyed by mishandling, you can rest assured that more are being made daily. That's not the case with vintage equipment.

Anyway, my two coins.

One last update. Clem shaved with it and he said that it is sharper and shaves better than his dovo. Considering I put the edge on this one I feel d@mn proud. He loves it and it definitely found a good home. I just am not a hollow kinda guy but he loves them.

Aespo - just sending best wishes for good work to show up for you soon. 'Been there too much myself. 'Still only have part time work.

Do you have a strop?
Perhaps pm me?

I think that there's nothing a person can do to encourage someone to SR shave than to make sure from the start that a friend has the right tool for the job. I gave my brother a straight last year for Christmas an Osgood Bray...it was a very nice shave ready razor, the type anyone would love to own. But my brother could've cared less I think. All you can do is try....

you can never go wrong with a blade from the classfieds, i second that!