For some reason, I got up this morning, and said to myself, "self, I bet you could do pretty good with a Straight Razor." So I guess I have the bug now. Can those that have used Straights give some advice as it relates to buying a Straight. Filarmonica? Dovo? What are the good brands, and where can I get them. I would like to keep this under the radar and not too terribly expensive. As always, your thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated.
Thinking about a Straight Now...
- Thread starter Blondie
- Start date
The brands like the ones you mention will be more expensive than the brands that you haven't heard of, even if the later are of higher quality.
New Dovo is best to buy from straightrazordesigns, filarmonica you only have ebay or the B/S/T.
A 5/8-6/8 hollow ground razor is standard. Vintage razors could be much better than the current production, but most often won't look as shiny, and if they do will probably cost you the same or more as a new one.
You should expect few months of a learning period, if you are fine with that give it a try.
New Dovo is best to buy from straightrazordesigns, filarmonica you only have ebay or the B/S/T.
A 5/8-6/8 hollow ground razor is standard. Vintage razors could be much better than the current production, but most often won't look as shiny, and if they do will probably cost you the same or more as a new one.
You should expect few months of a learning period, if you are fine with that give it a try.
gugi has the rights of it - go vintage.
the value is out of this world, compared to new razors. I wouldnt buy a new one (customs, of course, are excepted)
the value is out of this world, compared to new razors. I wouldnt buy a new one (customs, of course, are excepted)
+1 on vintage
A German blade or English blade vintage is a sure value. If you can find one shave ready on BST it might be easier. Don't forget the strop.
If you get one on ebay, 99.9999% chances are that you will need to have it honed before you can do anything.
A German blade or English blade vintage is a sure value. If you can find one shave ready on BST it might be easier. Don't forget the strop.
If you get one on ebay, 99.9999% chances are that you will need to have it honed before you can do anything.
- Thread starter
- #5
So in the vintage camp, what are some brands to look for? I know of an antique store that has a bunch of them, and if y'all would be so kind as to give me some ideas, I can probably find one relatively easily. Also, what am I looking for as far as things to stay from? Is there anything that can't be fixed, rust, chips, etc... Again, thanks for any help you can offer.
i'd say your best option is to buy something that is already good to shave from a reputable seller whom you trust that they know their stuff and will not sell you junk.
as far as antique store/ebay stay away from chips, honewear, frowning edges and rust. when you consider what it will cost you, add the cost of honing, which seems to be somewhere on the order of $20-$30 including shipping back and forth.
there are thousands of brands some with a hefty pricetag. the condition is usually more important than the brand.
as far as antique store/ebay stay away from chips, honewear, frowning edges and rust. when you consider what it will cost you, add the cost of honing, which seems to be somewhere on the order of $20-$30 including shipping back and forth.
there are thousands of brands some with a hefty pricetag. the condition is usually more important than the brand.
If the razor says "Solingen", or "Sheffield" on the the tang, and it is shiny and bright without chips in the edge, and the shape appeals to you, then go buy it.
Rust chips, etc can all be fixed with enough time, effort, money......I don't think you want to take that on as part of your first forray into straights though.
I had very good luck with my first straight from http://ruprazor.com/store/index.php.
There is only one other thing you will absolutely require (assuming you are already set for brush and soap) and that is a strop. ruprazor has a very good beginners strop that comes pasted on the reverse side for the occasional touch up.
Other strop possibility -- go for the gold with a Tony Miller but be sure to get the optional practice strop so you don't mess up an expensive strop. I actually wouldn't do it that way as you are likely to get over confident and ruin the good strop anyway!
There is only one other thing you will absolutely require (assuming you are already set for brush and soap) and that is a strop. ruprazor has a very good beginners strop that comes pasted on the reverse side for the occasional touch up.
Other strop possibility -- go for the gold with a Tony Miller but be sure to get the optional practice strop so you don't mess up an expensive strop. I actually wouldn't do it that way as you are likely to get over confident and ruin the good strop anyway!
I agree with what most have said about purchasing a straight - go for a vintage shave ready blade. It does not have to be a looker as far as it has smooth sharp SHAVE READY edge
You can find one in the BST for less than $100.
Do some reading before jumping in. Expect a learning curve.
You can find one in the BST for less than $100.
Do some reading before jumping in. Expect a learning curve.
God help me, I'm reading this thread and lurking on the straights board. The challenge and the self-sufficiency and historical angles really pull me in.
I like ruprazor.com, too,
Anyone have any experience with theperfectedge.com?
Anyone have any experience with theperfectedge.com?
I have a starter straight coming from them, hopefully soon. Once I get it, I'll let you know.
I have a starter straight coming from them, hopefully soon. Once I get it, I'll let you know.
Thanks. They looked pretty good to me, not that I am interested in a beginner set up for myself. But it is a question that comes up all the time. And they ought to be able to put a shave ready edge on a razor given what their real specialty seems to be. Howard seems like a good guy and as I undestand it he has been on the scene for a long time.
Howard at The Perfect Edge is awesome to deal with. I have bought stones (coticule, Shapton, DMT) from him several times.
s.
Yeah, the honing stuff he carries pretty much makes the heart race, doesn't it?
L
Lo'Tek
I think it would be helpful to know your price ceiling as well.
But you're doing one thing right for sure - if you keep thinking about it, you'll soon be posting a photo of your Str8.
"Then your journey to the DARK SIDE will be complete."
But you're doing one thing right for sure - if you keep thinking about it, you'll soon be posting a photo of your Str8.
"Then your journey to the DARK SIDE will be complete."
I would like to learn how to use a straight but can only devote 2-3 days a week until my technique improves. I like to take things real slow until I get the hang of things, did the same with DE. Is this a good beginner straight? Gold Dollar Razor and Filly Strop
<Is this a good beginner straight? >
To me, yes, absolutely. I started with a DA/GD that I honed myself and I still use it in rotation. Ken R does a great job and you are much better off having him hone it. I like the DA/GDs a lot. Good size and weight. Round point is good to start, I think. Good quality, as far as I am concerned. Certainly takes and holds an edge about as well as anything I own. The scales are kind of crappy, but that does not affect performance of the razor and I would rather have them than heavy stainless steel.
When folks talk about some of the blades not being straight, it is not the part of the blade that does the shaving as far as I know, but the tang being a little crooked from the main part of the blade. Another insignificant item as I understand it. Anyway, I assume that Ken R fixes that if there is a problem with a particular razor. Mine is perfectly straight. Some very expensive razors have a reputation for being warped themselves.
Any other suggestions for a starter straight? My budget is between $60-100 for razor and strop.
What are your thoughts on the Dovo ""Best Quality" 5/8" Carbon Steel Straight from Vintage Blades?
What are your thoughts on the Dovo ""Best Quality" 5/8" Carbon Steel Straight from Vintage Blades?
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