My first straight razor

[djw19]

I am thinking of buying my first straight razor. I've been using safety razors for close to two years and looking to take on this new challenge. I have many questions and seeking answers/advice.

What is considered a good starter razor that is affordable?

What is the learning curve like?

Are strops and hones both needed to achieve a good shave?

What do you think of this set as a starter set? http://www.nashvilleknifeshop.com/bafipistrash.html

Thanks for all of your input!

 

[cityjim]

I am thinking of buying my first straight razor. I've been using safety razors for close to two years and looking to take on this new challenge. I have many questions and seeking answers/advice.

What is considered a good starter razor that is affordable?

What is the learning curve like?

Are strops and hones both needed to achieve a good shave?

What do you think of this set as a starter set? http://www.nashvilleknifeshop.com/bafipistrash.html

Thanks for all of your input!

Here is what you are seeking .

http://ruprazor.com/store/index.php...category_id=6&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=32

Learning curve is about 1-2 weeks . Really nothing to it if you've shaved with a blade before .

Strops and hones are needed to keep a sharp edge .


cityjim

 

[rickboone1]

I am thinking of buying my first straight razor. I've been using safety razors for close to two years and looking to take on this new challenge. I have many questions and seeking answers/advice.

What is considered a good starter razor that is affordable?

What is the learning curve like?

Are strops and hones both needed to achieve a good shave?

What do you think of this set as a starter set? http://www.nashvilleknifeshop.com/bafipistrash.html

Thanks for all of your input!

I don't know what you call affordable. I found a vintage for around $20ish and had it honed. I've seen some on BST for $20 lately. So, $20-30, but then you'll figure another $20 to get it honed properly. .

Yes, strops and hones are needed to acheieve a good shave. BUT, YOU don't need to have a hone. I don't suggest it. Unless you already know how to do so, or you have some crap straights you'll be practicing how to hone with. Send it out to a honemeister. There's lots of good ones here. And, they all live on the same block in a little town in Arizona. It's a prison work camp that has people honing. Or something.

I don't know anything about what you've posted. I mean, not an awfully bad price, no. Provided that's a quality strop and razor. BUT....do you need a brush and soap? I'm guessing you already have those. So, let's save some money there...the RR link the other posted here is a great deal. If you want brand new, I'd go with that.

 

[Luc]

A shave ready straight on BST would be good in any cases, a 5/8 or 6/8. You will need a strop but you don't need a hone. You can have it honed when required.

For the learning curve, mmm, yes, it takes a bit of time, pratice and everything, in my case, I'm still learning and haven't achieved a BBS yet. I'm taking it slow and think that I'm almost there.

 

[rickboone1]

Luc made some good points I failed to mention.

When I mentioned buying vintage, I was speaking of finding in say an antique store, etc. I really don't suggest this as you will need to have it sent out for honing and you probably don't know what to look for. I know I didn't.

So, yes, when you do buy from the BST, look for words and ask....is it SHAVE ready?

Also, even with a brand new one, make sure they send it to you as shave ready.

This means it has been honed and sharpened and is ready to shave with.

All that is left to do is strop it.

Stropping, depending on who you talk to, is done before and/or after each shave. Unless you work at AOS, then you strop after each pass.

But, yes...shave ready, those words are your friend. This is why this community rocks. Thanks, Luc! You provided the OP with some vital information that totally slipped my mind.

 

[leighton]

Its not a good deal and you'd probably have to have it rehoned by someone who knows what they're doing. I'm just guessing on this one, really have no idea, but its not unlikely.

 

[gugi]

What do you think of this set as a starter set? http://www.nashvilleknifeshop.com/bafipistrash.html

This one is better, as the razor will come honed, and I think they may be still including a free certificate for future honing:

http://straightrazordesigns.com/ind...ath=78&zenid=5e0c76834a3b1f72d8e996a2224cff72

 

[Yorkie]

You don't need a lot of money to get started.
I bought an old straight razor at an antique shop years ago for a few quid just as a curio, I recently cleaned it up and put an edge on it. Luckily I already have some razor stones as my dad is an engineer.
All I use now to strop it is an old smooth leather belt which I put a bit of toothpaste on. Believe it or not it sort of works in a Heath Robinson sort of way.
Also the more I strop it the better it gets, I'm now getting pretty smooth shaves even after my third attempt - though I still take my time and <touches wood> haven't cut myself yet considering mine is a square point.

 

[djw19]

I appreciate all the replies. I went ahead and ordered the entry level ruprazor with strop. I am looking forward to this!

 

[duotone]

I appreciate all the replies. I went ahead and ordered the entry level ruprazor with strop. I am looking forward to this!

Looks like you went the same way as Mantic, just reading his late October post here --> http://straightrazorplace.com/forums/newbies-corner/43738-mantic-goes-straight.html

For that price and new it looks like an appealing starter set-up. Although I read Joel ( http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=28470 ) saying to stay away from the Double Arrow brand, although that was 2 years ago, maybe things have changed now?

Let us know how the gear is & how you get on!