hi guys i am sure this thread probably is already on here a thousand times, but i am just wondering what straight razor should i buy for a first timer
best straight razor to buy for first time user
- Thread starter narativesoul
- Start date
it really depends mostly on what's important to you.
brand name, brand new, looks, these are the usual factors that add most to the price tag.
from a functional point of view, 5/8-6/8 hollow ground razor which is honed and approved by somebody with experience is the best that i can recommend.
brand name, brand new, looks, these are the usual factors that add most to the price tag.
from a functional point of view, 5/8-6/8 hollow ground razor which is honed and approved by somebody with experience is the best that i can recommend.
I have a this week up for sale only a few left if your interested. All 5/8 and shave ready.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=96355
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=96350
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=96359
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=96355
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=96350
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=96359
ambrose's straights are qualitiy wise very recommended. They aren't to small (less than 5/8") nor too fancy. Judging from the pictures they do last a lifetime like all good straights should, with proper care of course. Shave-readyness is a must, too. You don't want to pay for hones yet, do you?
Nothing to add other than check the BST (classifieds) here or at SRP. Most people know what shave ready means or at least have a good idea. Otherwise, there are a few people who sell restored straights for good prices.
I would be on those if I didn't buy 4 straights this week... I'm sure they won't be as nice as Ambrose...
I agree with what everyone else has written. But to add my 2 cents, I always keep a sharp Wapi in my arsenal; every time a friend of mine expresses interest in trying out straight razors, I usually strop the Wapi for them, give them a quick mini-tutorial on face prep and shaving, and let them have a go. I've had pretty good results so far, convert-wise.
- M.
- M.
I started using a straight a month ago. Already have 5, and another on order. (3 of them from folks that posted on this thread.) Just didn't like the first one. It felt like scraping a credit card across my face. The second didn't feel all that much better, but it was a good bit easier to use. I'll probably go through a few more before I find what I really want. They all shave just fine--at least they do now that I have a little practise. I just had to try a few to figure out what I like. Here's a list of the blade types in the order I got them:
extra hollow singing -- too thin
full hollow -- think I need a wedge
feather de -- no need to strop
smiley -- I was rotating the blade, so this made sense
smiling wedge -- thought a heavier blade would be easier to use
another semi smiling wedge -- not arrived yet
Next will probably be a smiling near-wedge with a french point to get into those tight spaces. I like the smiles because it's easier for me to use less of the blade, and that's harder with a flat blade. Might just be my lack of technique.
By the way, I'm keeping them all because I find the thinner ones cut closer, but I can't yet maneuver them properly and end up with a very spotty shave. I'll probably go back to the first one eventually.
I guess the point is it's really hard for anyone to recommend the perfect straight razor for you. It's kind of personal. You just need to get used to them and try a few to see how they work. Any type should work, but some are more fun and better suited than others. But don't get hung up on it--technique is more important.
extra hollow singing -- too thin
full hollow -- think I need a wedge
feather de -- no need to strop
smiley -- I was rotating the blade, so this made sense
smiling wedge -- thought a heavier blade would be easier to use
another semi smiling wedge -- not arrived yet
Next will probably be a smiling near-wedge with a french point to get into those tight spaces. I like the smiles because it's easier for me to use less of the blade, and that's harder with a flat blade. Might just be my lack of technique.
By the way, I'm keeping them all because I find the thinner ones cut closer, but I can't yet maneuver them properly and end up with a very spotty shave. I'll probably go back to the first one eventually.
I guess the point is it's really hard for anyone to recommend the perfect straight razor for you. It's kind of personal. You just need to get used to them and try a few to see how they work. Any type should work, but some are more fun and better suited than others. But don't get hung up on it--technique is more important.
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The razor that fits most men is the 5/8" full hollow ground razor,
Preferably with gimps (grips in the metal) on both the top and bottom of the handle. The gimps, make the razor easier to hold, especially when stropping the blade. The end of the blade should look like a butter knife because this is the safest blade with which to start. Again it is preferable that the blade has a full mirror finish because this makes for easier cleaning of the blade. Soap slides of a mirror finish better than a non mirror finish.
The razor must be shave ready.
As for the handle, wood looks pretty but unless it is well protected, water will eventually warp it. So look for a material which is water proof or resistant.
Sorry I can not make the reply more simple. But many many razors come with these features as standard.
Preferably with gimps (grips in the metal) on both the top and bottom of the handle. The gimps, make the razor easier to hold, especially when stropping the blade. The end of the blade should look like a butter knife because this is the safest blade with which to start. Again it is preferable that the blade has a full mirror finish because this makes for easier cleaning of the blade. Soap slides of a mirror finish better than a non mirror finish.
The razor must be shave ready.
As for the handle, wood looks pretty but unless it is well protected, water will eventually warp it. So look for a material which is water proof or resistant.
Sorry I can not make the reply more simple. But many many razors come with these features as standard.
I started straight shaving only a month ago, and I bought a wapi from erictski, had it honed and
I'm now on my 6th shave and I'm getting on well with it, just watch ya chin and upper lip.
Anyways everyone to there own, but they all advised the wapi so that's what I bought. I wanna
Try a wedge next lol, more blood and guts
Colin
I'm now on my 6th shave and I'm getting on well with it, just watch ya chin and upper lip.
Anyways everyone to there own, but they all advised the wapi so that's what I bought. I wanna
Try a wedge next lol, more blood and guts
Colin
Im Starting with a Filarmonica Barbas Duras 14 8/8 roud point (beautiful) and in a couple of days im gona alternate with a Medallon Taurino 13 6/8 square point (also a rare beauty)..Im starting "big" with Filarmonica..+ a NOVODUR 14 and Doble Temple! I have 3 Dubl Ducks (Lifetime; Wonderedge; Goldedge) all in very good conditions (like new), a cornetta 5/8 "6000", a Friodur 7/8 Spanish point..waiting for there turn - i'm having luck in finding good deals
! But for now Fillys rules!!! ..im new at this so.. im not risk doing on the neck
..but with time im gona get there
Filarmonica Barbas Duras its king in this lands
!
! But for now Fillys rules!!! ..im new at this so.. im not risk doing on the neck..but with time im gona get thereFilarmonica Barbas Duras its king in this lands
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