New and looking for help!

[Danielbz]

Hey guys,

I'm new here, and I was wondering if I could get some help purchasing a straight razor. I owned a dovo razor,

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

but now it's time for an upgrade. I'm still definitely a newbie, and I would call my level - able to make one pass on my face without cutting myself. I'm a college student, so I don't have a huge budget, but I would appreciate any help I can get on buying a new blade! I also don't really know what is best for me, so really, any help I can get is appreciated.

 

[The Don]

Welcome! Congrats on making the jump into straights. I would say your best bet is to try Whipped Dog for a sight unseen deal. The razor won't be pretty, but Larry puts a great edge on a blade. You'll also need a strop for in between uses, which can also be purchased through WD. If you want to hone the blade yourself, you'll need to look into a way to maintain your edge. The honing section has a ton of info on fims, coticules, Jnats, etc. Another option is to send it out for honing professionally.

As far as knowing what's best for you, I think the main focus in the short term should be ensuring the blade is sharp enough to shave with. As you start perfecting your form, you can start to experiment with different widths and grinds.

Best of luck!!

 

[Danielbz]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'm actually considering the WD deal, but if possible I'd like to get an equal razor that's slightly prettier. It's not a huge deal, but I don't think I'll be buying razors any time soon after I get the next one, unless I trade it to try out something new.

I was actually thinking of getting this razor, if I can negotiate it for a slightly lower price:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300714761501

 

[global_dev]

that Harrison looks nice, i have a similar branded razor, but different shape/grind/size.. i like it ALOT! just remember you got to put an edge on that straight. it won't likely be shave ready as far as i read (or didn't see stated when i read, but i wouldn't believe it anyway based on the pics).

 

[Danielbz]

Awesome. Thank you for the feedback on the blade. I think I'll take it. I also think it won't be shave ready, but I don't know if buying a strop will be enough. What would be the best course of action? Should I send it somewhere to be honed? Also, I'm thinking of buying a super cheap strop from ebay like:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canvas-Leat...370?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a21e2cdc2

 

[Soldierdan]

I would go with a WD Poorman cosmetically flawed. I just got mine in the mail and it looks great to me. and at $17I won't feel bad taking a nick out of it.

 

[Lmarkow]

Best course of action is to make sure your razor is shave ready. Just stropping likely won't be enough. If a Whippeddog doesn't do it for you, next best bet is a razor from one of the members here on B/S/T or the Hobbyist/Vendor sub forums. Or sending the razor to one of the members who hone for those of us who don't is another option. IMO

 

[Danielbz]

Cool, thanks. I posted in the honing forum because I think sending it out would be best for the first hone. I'm still looking to get another straight razor- and I was wondering if I could get a quick opinion on this blade:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Simmons-Har...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

[drmatt357]

Instead of getting a used razor, what about a new one? No need to spend $100-$200 on big names. Otto76 made me a BEAUTIFUL razor starting with a Gold Dollar, added grind work to the shank, pretty scales AND a pro-hone that shaves like a son-of-a-gun! I bought all the ebay "specials" now all sit in a drawer because the GD razors flat out work. I've been shaving and honing for years, not just a newbie claim. $45 to my Door. These things RULE!