Looking to buy straight razor. Need help and suggestions.

[pyronut]

Hello to all,

I have been wet shaving for a little over two years. I have used both the Feather Artist DX series and Jatai Feather Artist Club SS series straight razors with disposable blades over the past couple of years. But I am ready to buy a straight razor with a fixed blade. My budget is between $250.00 - $500.00 and I am leaning toward a Thiers Issard straight, but I am open to any and all suggestions. Please give me some razors I need to be looking at and why? Any all and help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time.

 

[ridnovir]

Thiers Issard makes excellent razors and their new steel holds a keen edge for a long time I would not hesitate to get one

 

[jpcwon]

Thiers Issard makes excellent razors and their new steel holds a keen edge for a long time I would not hesitate to get one

+1...

There are some very nice TI's that would fit nicely into your price range. I recently bought a TI Eagle 7/8" that I absolutely love, and it ran me just under $300 USD....Here's a similar one... http://www.1barber.be/en/straight-razors/ti/sgbddiam78188cba-thiers-issard-7/8-aigle.html

Or you could check out Revisor...They make some excellent razors too... http://www.revisor-solingen.de/html/rasiermesser.html

 

[pyronut]

+1...

There are some very nice TI's that would fit nicely into your price range. I recently bought a TI Eagle 7/8" that I absolutely love, and it ran me just under $300 USD....Here's a similar one... http://www.1barber.be/en/straight-razors/ti/sgbddiam78188cba-thiers-issard-7/8-aigle.html

Or you could check out Revisor...They make some excellent razors too... http://www.revisor-solingen.de/html/rasiermesser.html

Gentlemen thanks for the quick replies. That is a beautiful looking TI. I am looking at the 7/8", so those are some great choices there.

 

[tomjr]

4 that price range u could have a lot of shave ready razors of many makers to play with. variety is the spice of life. just my 2 cents. i been straight shaving for about 8 years now. could never use just one. i favor vintage blades myself. tom

 

[Fuzzy Chops]

Or you could check out Revisor...They make some excellent razors too... http://www.revisor-solingen.de/html/rasiermesser.html

I would second JP's suggestion, Revisor razors are a great value.

TI razors can be had with plastic scales for under $200, the nice scales will double the price but the blade is the same.
At the $500 range, custom razors are a better value, in my opinion:
http://www.brianbrownrazors.com/index.html
http://customstraightrazors.com/wordpress/hurricane-irene-3/

 

[gonzo4str8rzrs]

Try a few vintage blades first, you may enjoy the experience and get hooked. It's called RAD.

Enjoy

 

[Steve56]

I'd try a variety cheaper razors first because what your face likes may be different than what your head likes. Not a custom because if you're just beginning, you don't know what features you prefer like toe and heel shape, blade width and grind, etc.

in my few months back to straights, I've found some razors shave better than others, but it does not appear to be related to steel, blade shape, etc. I believe it is more ergonomics, how the razor fits my particular hand and face. The tang width and length seem to have a lot to do with it for me for example, I like a broader tang not a narrow one, but you could prefer the opposite. Ideally you'd have a good idea of what makes a razor good for you before you put a lot of money into a custom or a high dollar razor. The one more expensive new razor I have is not my favorite shaver.

Try a lot of less expensive razors of different shapes and sizes first. Try razors that aren't worn excessively and are known decent brands and it's hard to go wrong. BTW, I'm considering a custom too, I believe they can be a better value but I'm not at this point sure what to ask for!

Cheers, Steve

 

[gonzo4str8rzrs]

I'd try a variety cheaper razors first because what your face likes may be different than what your head likes. Not a custom because if you're just beginning, you don't know what features you prefer like toe and heel shape, blade width and grind, etc.

in my few months back to straights, I've found some razors shave better than others, but it does not appear to be related to steel, blade shape, etc. I believe it is more ergonomics, how the razor fits my particular hand and face. The tang width and length seem to have a lot to do with it for me for example, I like a broader tang not a narrow one, but you could prefer the opposite. Ideally you'd have a good idea of what makes a razor good for you before you put a lot of money into a custom or a high dollar razor. The one more expensive new razor I have is not my favorite shaver.

Try a lot of less expensive razors of different shapes and sizes first. Try razors that aren't worn excessively and are known decent brands and it's hard to go wrong. BTW, I'm considering a custom too, I believe they can be a better value but I'm not at this point sure what to ask for!

Cheers, Steve

Great suggestions Steve, well said

 

[totorlekiller]

TI are great razors but let's not forget that they boast on every blade they make that they received a silver medal. Le grelot, fontenille and vedel got golds.
I have a few Le grelot and can attest that their reputation is well deserved. They shave as well as my filarmonica.
my fontenille is awaiting restoration. I tried it once before disassembling and it felt even better (I love the wedge feeling).
As for Vedel I have located one in pristine conditions but it is awaiting my next mule (with another large batch of Le Grelot).

 

[jpcwon]

I have a few Le grelot and can attest that their reputation is well deserved. They shave as well as my filarmonica.

Agreed. I recently got a hold of a TI Le Grelot and it's a superb shaver. I buy & sell a lot of razors, but this one is definitely one i will cherish for life....