Thread: Newbie Help - Same Question, Different Day

Here's the way I see it: buy a 'real' straight razor; even if you end up not liking it, it's a good heirloom you can keep in the family-- maybe one day a child or grandchild will want to give it a try. I've never heard of a shavette passed down for three generations. Plus, let's be honest, whipping out a shavette when your friends come over to the house, doesn't have the same impact as a real live cut-throat razor (notice the use of British terminology for dramatic effect).

So, now the question is whether you want an instant classic (vintage), or a future one (new production). I love my new Dovo, but there's also something undeniabley cool about shaving with a century(ies)-old razor.

Short answer: if you're anything like the rest of us, you'll end up with multiple of each. So, stop worrying, find a razor that suits your tastes, buy it, and enjoy the ride.

Real horrorshow my droog... (love the avatar!)

So, I think that I am gonna go with this one instead of getting a new one right away. What do ya think?

5/8 Jos. Allen & Sons 'NON-XLL' Barber's Notch - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Also, I will need a strop, any suggestions?

My 2 cents

Originally Posted by Zts2004

1. Should I even bother with the Shavette? A buddy recommended this to me, but I have read so many mixed reviews that I don't know what to think. I don't want to start too ambitious, maybe use this as a "practice tool," but I also don't want to hinder myself by using an inferior product.

No. Shavettes are generally less forgiving than real straights. Just

2. Used, really? I am a little nervous about shaving with something that another man has shaved with - blood and sweat and all that jazz. Should I just get over it?

Blades can be sterilized pretty easily. There is some info in the wiki on doing this.

3. Buying new. On Straight Razor Designs, The Finest In Gentlemens Shaving And Grooming Needs there are some sweet deals (from what I can tell.) All I think I would need is a razor and strop, and there are some kits well within my price range (I already use soap, brush and mug with my Bic.)

SRD is one of the best places to get a new razor, you can't go wrong.

3a. I wouldn't need to buy a stone yet since my razor will be shave ready and I can send it to a professional a few times a year, right?

Correct. SRD (last time I checked) also included one free honing with each new razor, so you can put off learning to hone for quite some time.

Originally Posted by Zts2004

So, I think that I am gonna go with this one instead of getting a new one right away. What do ya think?

5/8 Jos. Allen & Sons 'NON-XLL' Barber's Notch - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Also, I will need a strop, any suggestions?

That looks like a good start to me. Just one slight word of caution: this razor is a 1/4 hollow, which some people don't like. I tend to prefer the heavier grinds myself, but you'll never know until you try.

Check out ruprazor or whipped dog for a starter strop, I've never used either, but have heard good things.

Just lay off the moloko plus synthamesc before you shave, and you should be good to go.

Originally Posted by Zts2004

So, I think that I am gonna go with this one instead of getting a new one right away. What do ya think?

5/8 Jos. Allen & Sons 'NON-XLL' Barber's Notch - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Also, I will need a strop, any suggestions?

The razor looks decent, but I don't see it mentioned that it is shave ready. It probably is, but just not mentioned. You should contact the seller just to make sure it is.

As for strops, I'm partial to ruprazor myself. If you want to spend more, the modular strop from SRD are nice in that you can change the leather pretty easily.

If you want to save some money on your first straight, I'd also like to mention a few other vendors that you can get good, shave ready razors for low price.
Whipped Dog
Restored Razor (look under the budget section).
Holli4pirating

A note about whipped dog. He does not restore them the way most used razors will be, but simply gives them a basic cleaning and hones them up nicely. This is what allows him to charge such cheep prices. They don't look the nicest, but they will get you good shaves without breaking the bank. He also has a nice deal where you can trade any razor bought by him for a different one at the price of a honing. This is a great way to experiment with different sizes and grinds.

I agree with Mark, Larry at Whipped Dog is awesome to deal with, no hassle return policy. Great products, the razor deal for a price of a honing, you cant go wrong. PLus for 30-50 dollars if you like it, then u have a vintage razor for dirt cheap, and his razors are usually in really nice condition so restores wont cost an arm and a leg. I order a decent amout of stuff from him. Great deal on a starter strop too. 19$ for a strop with a balsa piece with two types of oxides. great deal. Excellent start for a beginner. That's what i did, and i still go there.

I started with my Great Uncles Genco (He died in 1975). I sent it out to be Professionally Honed and made Shave Ready.(I have no paranoia about someone long dead and gone 'Giving me something!'!).If you don't have access to a barbers disinfectant, then you could just dip the blade in boiling water for a few moments if you are really that worried.

Since then I have purchased a few used Shave Ready Razors from the classified's; All of the razors have performed well! However,some better than others!

If you are indeed 'Hesitate' about purchasing and using an actual 'Straight Razor' due to 'Costs' I highly recommend that you purchase a Razor that is Shave Ready in the $30-$50 range from this site and give it a try(Many include Shipping in the Purchase Price!) ! They may not be pretty or fancy but thy will get the job done! You shouldn't need a strop right off the bat! Just gently remove the oil from the blade and shave! (A strop is essential to using a straight razor daily!)

If you have any questions: Give me a PM! (Personal Message)

Good luck in your Quest!

Since my last post I have contacted some sellers and have been bombarded with messages. I never new the world of pre-owned razors had so much to offer!

I hope I can make a decision soon... I almost cried using my Mach3 this morning...

Originally Posted by Zts2004

Since my last post I have contacted some sellers and have been bombarded with messages. I never new the world of pre-owned razors had so much to offer!

I hope I can make a decision soon... I almost cried using my Mach3 this morning...

There's no crying in shaving!