I am looking to purchase a straight razor for my father as a gift. Neither he or I

[J.A.C.]

have any experience with striaght razors so I could use some recommendations on which razors would make a great gift and also deliver a superlative shave.

After lurking around the forum for a while I am leaning toward a Thiers-Issard with a hollow point. I know there is much more to a razor than than brand name and blade point, but I have more research to do before I can make an informed decision on the other aspects of the unit.


This is where the advice of expert users would help me out greatly. What is the best razor I can purchase for around 350 dollars? Obviously I would like to spend less than 350 if possible, but I would be willing to pay more if the razor is a dream come true. Thanks for your help -- The new guy

 

[Wid]

Are you against going with a vintage razor?

 

[J.A.C.]

I don't know enough about the subject yet to differentiate a vintage razor from any other. I am just beginning my journey into the tradition of shaving with a SR. I could use any good advice.

 

[Wid]

You can get a very nice vintage from the BST forum. The price of $350 is a lot of money on something you might not like. Then you also need a strop and learn to use it. To start take a look at what Larry has to offer. http://www.whippeddog.com/

 

[cpcohen1945]

Don't think that a $350 razor shaves "twice as well" as a $175 razor, or "four times better" than an $80 razor.

The quality of the shave depends a lot on who honed the blade, and even more on who's _holding_ the blade. The skill (which includes stropping) takes a while to develop.

If neither of you knows what you're getting into, I'd second the idea of getting a kit from Larry at www.whippeddog.com .

You'll get what you need -- a usable, _sharp_ vintage razor, a strop (the PMSK is fine), a little badger brush, and some soap.

If your dad likes straight razor shaving, he'll know it pretty quickly. That's the time to look at replacing/upgrading the razor, _if_ he wants to.

If he doesn't like it -- it's not for everyone -- there won't be a lot of damage to the wallet.

. Charles

PS -- If you're set on a TI razor, I'd suggest one with a round point, 5/8"-6/8" width, and 1/4-hollow to full-hollow grind. That's a lot of alternatives! I'd also suggest buying it from somebody who sells it "shave-ready" -- with a hand-honing job included. Even from TI, I wouldn't trust the factory honing.

 

[johnmrson]

Because it's a gift, I think that you're better off going with a new razor. Something like the Dovo Carre Grenadille would be a good buy. You should be able to find one for around $170

 

[Ozgun]

I dont think you need a 350 dollar razor to be a "nice gift". Though I think it must be a new one.

If you want to give him something showy it may be a dovo pearlex 5/8

But a boker edelweiss or king cutter would be a better gift. I wouldnt search a more expensive razor. No need.

But if you really want to spend your money a boxwood handled spartacus is awesome:



http://www.thiers-issard.co.uk/page33.html

 

[michiganlover]

I am surprised no one has asked yet, but has your father actually expressed an interest in straight razor shaving?

Learning to shave with a straight is a serious time commitment, and you need to be willing to endure not so great quality shaves while you lean. You also have to endure some blood loss as you learn.

Honestly, if he hasn't specifically asked for a straight razor, the gift will be a total waste of money.

 

[ShavingSrgn]

I've been using a straight razor exclusively for about the last year. All of the suggestions made so far are great. I personally LOVE vintage razors. A big part of wet shaving for me is the "nostalgia" of the routine. This morning I used a 200 year old wedge -- while shaving I thought of all the history that razor has seen. I would HIGHLY recommend a vintage restore from Max Sprecher --

http://www.madaspenhome.com/straightrazors/straight_razors_shaving_honing_sharpening.html.

I have no affiliation with Max other than being a very satisfied customer. I have one of his customs and 10 of his restored vintage razors. You can get one for less than your $350 budget, and to me, it would mean so much more than some modern, mass produced razor. Just my opinion. As always, YMMV. Good luck.

 

[ouch]

You can get a very nice vintage from the BST forum. The price of $350 is a lot of money on something you might not like. Then you also need a strop and learn to use it. To start take a look at what Larry has to offer. http://www.whippeddog.com/

If a man is looking to spend a good deal of money on a gift for someone he loves, I can't imagine that he'd think a barely cleaned, looks-be-damned, entry level blade would fit the bill, irrespective of its ability to provide a good shave.

 

[chuckr9]

A new HART Steel razor might be a good choice (they come reliable shave ready from the factory) and go for $250 to $280 including shipping. They come in a very nice box (for a gift).

 

[Doc226]

For a gift I would go new.

Check out The Superior Shave, great selection, comes shave ready, can spend as little or as much as you like

Hart is another great recommendation.

Nothing wrong with the TI's either.

Find something that you thing they will like visually and then go for it

Very nice gift.

 

[ouch]

..

 

[Wid]

If a man is looking to spend a good deal of money on a gift for someone he loves, I can't imagine that he'd think a barely cleaned, looks-be-damned, entry level blade would fit the bill, irrespective of its ability to provide a good shave.

Point taken. If we want to spend that kind of money then an upper level Dovo, Revisor or Wacker would do. I found a Hart to be a bit of a bulky blade. My point wasn't to insult Pops with a "barely cleaned, looks-be-damned, entry level blade" but to not spend so much on something he has no idea if it's going to work out.

 

[michiganlover]

but to not spend so much on something he has no idea if it's going to work out.

Also, if he knew the cost of the razor, he might feel guilty for not taking the time to learn how to use it. Making someone feel guilty is definitely not my desire when I give someone a gift.

 

[Nxspam]

J.A.C

I just bought a new german Dovo from the famous Solingen city of straight razors. It cost about $120 and it's gorgeous. Laser etched blade gold text and a sterling silver "Dovo" inlay in the tortoise shell handle (scales) - but the expense does not stop with the blade.

New blades are generally not shave ready (as I've learned here). They're very sharp - not to be fooled with - but shave ready is on different level of sharpness. And that's part of the fun of it all. The blade will need to be honed on suitable equipment, or sent away to a pro. You'll also need a strop for daily shaving prep, then there's soaps, balms, pre-shave oils, brushes, bowls, alum blocks, strop pastes and god knows what else!

But like I said, it's great fun, and when you point your dad over to this forum, he'll have a lot of new online buddies to get to know.

Take a look at the pictures in my profile gallery. You can see the dovo there.

 

[Rekonball]

There is a lot out there here are some starters.
http://www.shavingshop.com/index.php?maincat=8
http://www.revisor-solingen.de/index.html

 

[sychodelix]

Wow. Those Ralf Aust razors are very reasonable. And Wackers are only a little more.

 

[professorchaos]

Also, if he knew the cost of the razor, he might feel guilty for not taking the time to learn how to use it. Making someone feel guilty is definitely not my desire when I give someone a gift.

That works both ways.

 

[Marco]

For a gift I would go new.

Check out The Superior Shave, great selection, comes shave ready, can spend as little or as much as you like

Hart is another great recommendation.

Nothing wrong with the TI's either.

Find something that you thing they will like visually and then go for it

Very nice gift.

Getting a Hart as a gift for myself, soon or later (fingers crossed on sooner...).