What Straight Razor for a beginner?

[CryptoDave]

I've decided to go for it and do Straight Razor Shaving. I've been shaving with a DE safety razor OC for about 3 months.

What razor, strop and hone would you recommend for a beginner? I definitely want to invest in something of high quality that I can grow into.

The razors that I've been looking at are (for no particular reason other than they are round edged): no particular order of preference
1.Hart 6/8 Satin Finish Round Point
2. Thiers-Issard Forged Flatback Red Stamina 6/8
3. Thiers-Issard Super Gnome White 5/8
4. Dovo Genuine Buffalo Horn 5/8

Strops:
1. American Made
2. Thiers-Issard

What do you reccommend and think of the above?

I also know I'll need Strop Paste?

my plan is start slow, use the Straight Razor and see how far I can comfortably go. If I hit some hard areas that I'm just not comfortable with, with Straight; then I will revert to the OC safety razor. But I know it will take time and perserverance.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[chuckr9]

The four razors you list are all excellent - suitable for an "expert". My suggestion is to start a little lower in price - check out whipped dog's site for a beginner razor (and perhaps a strop). Getting a razor that is "shave ready" is important, and the ones you list (assuming they are new) may not come properly prepared for a first shave.

 

[smalltank]

you shouldnt need to spend hundreds on a good straight razor...$50-$75 and a 5/8 or 6/8 width would work fine for many..http://www.starshaving.com/ has a good 3" wide strop that many have said works fine...also consider getting a 2nd razor when your first is being rehoned professionally..also should cost about that much...^...

 

[CryptoDave]

The four razors you list are all excellent - suitable for an "expert". My suggestion is to start a little lower in price - check out whipped dog's site for a beginner razor (and perhaps a strop). Getting a razor that is "shave ready" is important, and the ones you list (assuming they are new) may not come properly prepared for a first shave.

What makes them not suitable for a beginner other than possibly the cost, assuming that they are shave ready?

Dave

 

[chuckr9]

What makes them not suitable for a beginner other than possibly the cost, assuming that they are shave ready?

Dave

Sorry, did not mean to imply there was anything wrong With the razors - the Hart Steel 6/8 is my favorite razor (I have four!, and six TI's).


My suggestion for a cheaper razor, that has been properly prepared, to start with is because not all new (Dovo, and TI in particular) do not come shave ready from the manufacturer.


Reading in the Forum is a great way to get more information.

 

[CryptoDave]

Thanks, makes sense.

Dave

 

[gegarrenton]

I agree with those suggestions. Certainly no need to drop a lot of coin to get a good razor. The whipped dog one's are great because you know you are getting a shave ready edge, and if you decide it's not for you, you aren't out a lot of money. One thing I would suggest, depending on how much you want to spend, is to get two more affordable razors, as you will dull them while learning, from both stropping and shaving.

 

[global_dev]

Good suggestions. If you don't end up wanting a WD, I'd go with the super gnome. And super inexpensive strop like a start shaving.

 

[lukam]

I would get the Dovo "best quality" 6/8 half hollow from Superior shave, it comes shave ready and it's a bargain! Best of all it leaves you with two options: if you found yourself liking the straight razor shaving just get it rescaled and you have a half custom beautiful razor, if you don't like it you can easily resell it for almost the same price. Other razors you mentioned are also great! And one more thing: if you like the spike point Harts (i do) or any other brand just get the point muted by the person who hones it, no biggie.

 

[life2short1971]

Of what you picked I would go with the TI for starters. If you have a light beard the 5/8 is fine but if its on the thicker coarser side I would start with a 6/8. I have had many razors and TI are among the best shavers new. Do not expect it to come shave ready unless you are buying it from a vedor that says specifically they have honed the blade beyond how it comes from the factory for you.

 

[Dacol]

I don't have any experience with the Hart razor but any Thiers-Issard or Dovo in 5/8 or 6/8 would do the job when shave ready, my personal choice would be a Thier-Issard! I just love their look and feel and build quality, it's my favorite.

 

[Snuff-Belgium]

Cheaper still, try to find a good soul in your area that is willing to lend you a straight or two to use, that way you can find out if it's your thing and pick up some pointers at the same time. If you decide you don't want to pursue it any further you can give the good soul some compensation (money or otherwise) for trying to help you out.

 

[Doc226]

The brand, grind, size does not matter as much as making sure it is truly, without a doubt, 100% shave ready. The rest is just personal taste.

For the most past any razor with quality steel will deliver a great shave as long as its honed properly

 

[gegarrenton]

The brand, grind, size does not matter as much as making sure it is truly, without a doubt, 100% shave ready. The rest is just personal taste.

For the most past any razor with quality steel will deliver a great shave as long as its honed properly

I concur.

 

[gruntedshaves]

The brand, grind, size does not matter as much as making sure it is truly, without a doubt, 100% shave ready. The rest is just personal taste.

For the most past any razor with quality steel will deliver a great shave as long as its honed properly

+123476543