Thread: Looking for advice on finding a good starting straight, maybe a Boker

Hey gents, I'm new here and looking to get into straight shaving. I've been shaving with a DE for a year or two now and loving it (haven't looked back since) and feel the time is right to move up to (or at least try out) a straight.

Anyhow, I'm looking for a good blade to buy. In particular I'm really attracted to Boker razors and wonder if they are a good place to start. Also, is it a better bet to buy a restored vintage or are there still some good quality razors being manufactured these days?

I'm looking to spend in the area of $100 - $150 for a good starting razor, but would also like something with resale value in case (heaven forbid) I decide it's not for me, or for future upgrades.

I've tried monitoring the classifieds, but razors sell so quickly there I have no chance to ask a veteran for advice, so I'm asking now.

I found what appears to be a good deal on a new Boker King Cutter from ShavingShop.com:

5/8 Böker "King Cutter" Round Point - black plastic : Shaving Shop - luxury classic wet shaving products - straight razors

Do you think this would be a good one to get?

Thanks for any tips/advice!

-Logan

Welcome to SRP, if you check our wiki it is full of information useful to a new str8 user. I have no expierence with new Bokers but vintage ones are excellent shavers. The desision to buy new or vintage is a personnal preferance, however it is really cool to shave with a razor that is older than your country, and has been passed down for generations. (maybe even pass it on to your own children/grandchildren) Just my opinion. John

If I were starting out I wouldn't be paying a lot for a razor and the related stuff you will need. Check out the classifieds for an inexpensive shave ready razor and reasonable strops and such. if you decide you like using a straight and then after you learn to care for it and do basic honing and stropping then you can upgrade to a boker. I wouldn't want to ruin a fancy razor or cut a top notch strop while learning or accidentally drop a razor which is a real possibility while learning.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

...or accidentally drop a razor which is a real possibility while learning.

Hmm, that's a very good point.