Thread: WTB Beginner Straight Razor

I'm looking to enter into the world of straight razors. I'm looking for a good starter razor that has been properly honed and sharpened that would be shave ready upon arrival. I was thinking a razor in the 5/8 or 6/8 size, but I'm open to suggestions. Thanks for helping me in my search.

Search for "Wapi" really a great starter razor. a couple guys here sell them shave ready!! aprox $40-50 bucks. great starter.

I'm curious as to what makes a Wapi such a good starter razor. Input anyone?

Wapi's are relatively inexpensive, but they are still very good quality blades. They are about a quarter hollow, if I remember correctly, and in my opinion, having a little weight to the blade helps when you are just starting out.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

'..a little weight to the blade helps when you are just starting out.'

with lighter full hollow blades it takes a bit of momentum to get it moving thru the stubble which when i started i found difficult. the heavier grind has more weight and is easier to initially get going.

cheers,
ryan


btw- welcome into the waters of straight shaving!

I agree, heavier blades provide a bit of momentum which can make it easier when you start, but I personally think this is not better. I mean if your goal is to get a passable shave, why not stick with cartridge. When somebody starts their goal shouldn't be instant gratification (they won't get that anyways) - rather it should be developing proper technique. And I think the best way to do this is with a light blade which provides more feedback.
Of course, all of us have different approach to learning, so what works best for most people may not work as well for you. And certainly a wapi is still a 5/8 razor, so it won't be a 1" monster. If you don't mind the heavier scales get a properly honed one and start learning. If the imbalance is too much - replace the scales with something lighter and repeat.

Yea, I probably should have mentioned that while you will likely get better results sooner with a heavier blade, your technique will likely improve faster with a lighter blade because they require a more careful stroke.

Personally I started with 5/8 full hollows, but since then I have experimented with different grinds and sizes and I have found I prefer something a little larger.

Originally Posted by gugi

I agree, heavier blades provide a bit of momentum which can make it easier when you start, but I personally think this is not better. I mean if your goal is to get a passable shave, why not stick with cartridge. When somebody starts their goal shouldn't be instant gratification (they won't get that anyways) - rather it should be developing proper technique. And I think the best way to do this is with a light blade which provides more feedback.
Of course, all of us have different approach to learning, so what works best for most people may not work as well for you. And certainly a wapi is still a 5/8 razor, so it won't be a 1" monster. If you don't mind the heavier scales get a properly honed one and start learning. If the imbalance is too much - replace the scales with something lighter and repeat.

This is a very good explanation of how to start out, so well done gugi, you put that extremely well, although i havent much to add than to agree with what you have said, i do certainly think that for a newbie a wapi is the way to go.
Good luck and i hope it sticks with you, we all have the bug here to varying degrees.

regards,simon