First Straight Razor

[skirmish1066]

Hello All,

I have recently decided I would like to make the jump and start using a straight razor, I have done a fair amount of homework on the subject and I feel it is most definately for me. Can anybody recommend a good razor for me, although I am a newbie this will be a keep sake for my birthday, and therefore would like something a little special, to look after and enjoy even when I have become more experienced. I have been looking at the TI's with 5/8 blades and a round point. Also can anybody tell me the difference between a 1/2 and full hollow blade?

Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated,

Cheers

 

[wquiles]

I went the Feather AC route to try str8 razors (causing me to sell all of my DE's!), but many recommend a Whipped Dog shave ready razor as a great way to get started:
http://www.whippeddog.com/products/find/straight-razors-1

Once you practice with this one, you can then decide if you want to stick to shaving with a str8 razor and get something more of a premium razor, or if you don't want to continue shaving with a str8 razor.

 

[jpcwon]

+1 on Whippeddog....You can get a "sight unseen" shave-ready straight for $25 I think? Well worth the price of admission into the world of straight shaving IMO...

Then, if you like it, you could do what I did & get something like a Dovo Best Quality. It's not overly expensive ($80ish) and will get you into something really nice without having to shell out hundreds...

Remember, you also need a strop, brush & soaps, so you'll want to factor that in as well....I think Whippeddog is a great place to start, though...

 

[global_dev]

While the whipped dog is a great entry, I don't think its for everyone .. the TI will be very nice and the difference between full and half hollow is how far the grind goes up the blade. The full hollow will flex more and perhaps be a bit more jumpy. But an edge is an edge so they will both get equally sharp...

There is no better razor really, as it depends on preferences. Many other things about straights play in too, like shank size, jumps, heel type with stabilizer or shoulder point. Not least are scales. Too light or heavy can change the balance. And not everyone likes same balance.

I really liked my ti in 135 1/4 hollow shaved great horn scales, but it was not my first razor. It was my 7th or so after a bunch of ebay and bst buys. It would be hard to appreciate the TI without the previous experiences.

 

[skirmish1066]

Thanks for all the advice gents!

I used to be a Barber and have used disposable straights like the shavette etc in the past to tidy up necklines. Part of the reason I want to start using a straight razor is to enjoy maintaining it and having it for many years hence why I don't want a 'feather' or 'shavette'.

Does anyone have an opinion of the 'Special Coiffeur' by TI? It seems reasonable in price etc plus going off global_dev's advice the 1/2 hollow might make it less jumpy?!

Cheers

 

[global_dev]

That's a nice blade. Pretty straight forward. Nothing too fancy but solid all around. I like it

 

[Brianskeet]

For a "special" razor and a keepsake you will love and come back to again and again I would look no farther that Hart Steel! Exceptional quality and American made by American hands right here in America!! I have three of them! One would last more than a lifetime, but SRAD and I are no strangers. Everyone has a different take on how hollow they like their grind. I am a 1/4 hollow guy. Find it is very forgiving of small angle changes while shaving. Love them all, but 1/4 hollow is my favorite. Welcome to the fold and I wish you many many perfect shaves!

My three Hart razors.

 

[Obiwan]

The TI you mention is a nice blade. If you're looking new, Dovo and boker have many options worth a look also. What's you're budget?

Also, BST has some great deals from time to time. I've bought many a blades from trusted members and always been pleased.

 

[skirmish1066]

I can't thank you guys enough for all the advice so far!

my budget is prob about £200 max but I'd ideally like to get the other essentials with that, I already have a brush.
I had a look into Dovo and Boker but I just didn't think they were as unique as the TI's?!

 

[Kentos]

You are in trouble asking for advice from these Gents! Next thing you know your wallet it empty and there are 10 straights hiding in your underwear drawer .

 

[B. Diddly]

my first straight was a 4/8 from whipped dog shortly followed by a new Dovo 6/8 best quality. I'm still learning and like them both for different reasons.

 

[gooser]

ive only ben at it a few months but my opinion and what i did was i set a limit , then desided what razor was the most appealing to me ( all 5/8 i was looking at ) my thought process was that if i was gonna spent 80-90 on a razor of quality i should just spend the extra few bucks and get what i want .. i always liked straight razors for there coolness factor so if i didnt enjoy using it i could make back most of what i spent or just keep it around ... i think the chances are if you dont get the one that really catches your ey you are gonna wish you did and prob go buy it later anyway !!
least thats how i went about doing it ... lol.. my omly prob is im still buying the ONE i want ..

 

[wquiles]

I have only been shaving with a non-traditional str8 (Feather DX), but when I look at the challenge of picking a traditional str8, I get very confused with the sizes, tips, grinds, etc. - nearly too many variables. Some of the variables are easier to select (like point style), but things like picking 5/8, 6/8, 7/8 - how do you pick? Then the grinds - without trying a 1/4 vs a full hollow (and others), how would you know you would like one or the other?

Given the many choices, it feels to me it would be extremely subjective and almost luck of the draw that a newbie could pick up a razor that will feel good. Unless one assumes that you will buy a razor, then sell it, try another one, etc.

How do most experienced str8 shavers end up with the razor they like?

 

[wherndon]

+1 what Kent said. Been there, still there.
If it is a special occasion, and you have the money, go for the TI. they are very well regarded.
IMHO
regards,
Bil

 

[mrchilli]

I'd personally (and did) go for the Whippeddog option. Larry really knows his stuff you KNOW it'll be shave-ready when it arrives. Also, if you don't get on with it you haven't spent a fortune to find that out. Whatever you get, your FIRST straight will be 'special'....

Just my humble opinion...

 

[mistercitizen]

I ordered a Boker Edelweiss from The Superior Shave yesterday. It'll be my first straight razor. I felt that it was a reasonable amount to spend ($140 shipped) for a first one, yet I really like the looks of it and to me it looks a little nicer than some others for around $50 less. I'm pretty excited.

Ben

 

[skirmish1066]

Once again thank you for all of your input, after much deliberation I have decided to choose the special coiffeur by TI. It fits the brief and I like how it's classy and not too in your face. I can't wait to get stuck in (not literally) and begin on what appears to be a life long journey to find the perfect razor for the ultimate shaving experience!

Thanks again