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Posted: 6/27/2011 6:41:02 AM EDT
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Not sure if this is the correct place for this post, but I figured you guys would be able to help. If not, let me know where it would be better posted and I'll move it.
I am looking into getting a straight razor for shaving (duh) and wanted to hear what people suggested. I see prices all over the place (high & low), and I was hoping some of you guys would be able to suggest a good place to start, or possible some sites that have good info on this. Thanks |
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The Victronox store in the Westfarms mall sells them. If you want to see some in person before ordering. Thanks, I never thought of that. My brother says there is some store that is like all barber-shop stuff, that has a huge selection of the razors, brushes, stones, storps etc. I'm gonna see if he wants to take a run there sometime with me. |
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I wouldn't buy a new razor if your not sure.
check out www.badgerandblade.com or www.straightrazorplace.com they have sale sections, you can get a shave ready fazor in the $40-$50 range. I'de much rather buy a razor from someone whoe knows how to hone than buy a brand new one and hope it's up to snuff, espectially since the new ones are normally all over $100. |
| Look on "YouTube". There are lots of videos on how to do it and what to use. My buddy at work does it and in listening to him talk, I don't wanna invest that much time into shaving. That, and his constant battle to keep the edge keen enough to shave with. Look in your local area and see if there a barber shop that does it. Most have stopped due to the fact that no one knows how to do it and the liability of cutting someone and the AIDS scare. Hell, any barber used to trim around your ears and back of your neck with a razor....try to find one anymore. |
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I wouldn't buy a new razor if your not sure. check out www.badgerandblade.com or www.straightrazorplace.com they have sale sections, you can get a shave ready fazor in the $40-$50 range. I'de much rather buy a razor from someone whoe knows how to hone than buy a brand new one and hope it's up to snuff, espectially since the new ones are normally all over $100. This is why my old barber suggested one of the straight razor designs that takes single edge replacement blades. He said the learning curve for a straight razor is steep even before you start adding in the necessity of knowing exactly how to properly sharpen the blade... here is an example of a straight razor that takes cartridge blades. Basically the 'blade' part separates into two halves, you insert the single edge (you can buy single edge blades, or break some double edged blades into 2 pieces to get the 'single edge') and clamp it back together. If you choose this route, buy good blades! The $1 safety razor blades at your grocery store are very hit and miss on their edges. Every time I change my blade on my safety razor it's a game of Russian Roulette... Even my wife has finally had enough and told me just this week to look online and spend some money on some quality blades - my last shave looked like I lost a fight with a tomcat. The problem (In my experiences) isn't that the blade isn't sharp enough - it slices right through my face and I don't feel a thing (for a little bit anyway). The issue is the edge angle isn't consistent on the cheap blades. In other words it changes the angle, which aside from having a very sharp edge - is everything when shaving... GL - be sure to do your family photos BEFORE you start this venture 
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Quoted:
Look on "YouTube". There are lots of videos on how to do it and what to use. My buddy at work does it and in listening to him talk, I don't wanna invest that much time into shaving. That, and his constant battle to keep the edge keen enough to shave with. Look in your local area and see if there a barber shop that does it. Most have stopped due to the fact that no one knows how to do it and the liability of cutting someone and the AIDS scare. Hell, any barber used to trim around your ears and back of your neck with a razor....try to find one anymore. I go to an upscale salon for my haircuts (go ahead, call me girly, but I like my eye-candy when I get my haircut by a cute little Asian girl  ). They edge up the back of your neck with a straight razor that takes the replaceable blades. I thought about going that route, but then I'm still in the same boat as I am now, buying replacement cartridges for the razor.
I don't mind going a little at a time and figuring it out. I pick up things rather quickly, and I still have a few cartridges left of my current razor, so I can take my time learning, I'm not in a huge rush to learn. |
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Quoted:
Look on "YouTube". There are lots of videos on how to do it and what to use. My buddy at work does it and in listening to him talk, I don't wanna invest that much time into shaving. That, and his constant battle to keep the edge keen enough to shave with. Look in your local area and see if there a barber shop that does it. Most have stopped due to the fact that no one knows how to do it and the liability of cutting someone and the AIDS scare. Hell, any barber used to trim around your ears and back of your neck with a razor....try to find one anymore. I go to an upscale salon for my haircuts (go ahead, call me girly, but I like my eye-candy when I get my haircut by a cute little Asian girl ). They edge up the back of your neck with a straight razor that takes the replaceable blades. I thought about going that route, but then I'm still in the same boat as I am now, buying replacement cartridges for the razor.
I don't mind going a little at a time and figuring it out. I pick up things rather quickly, and I still have a few cartridges left of my current razor, so I can take my time learning, I'm not in a huge rush to learn. I got a beat ass old barber shop that I've been going to all my life and they shave the neck. Anyways, I got a straight razor for xmas one year and was unaware of the maintenance. First, my blade came sharp but not honed (there is a difference) as most factories realize owners like to put their own edge on the blades. I don't know how to do that. Also, the gear required is quite extensive. Strops, pastes, lotions, brushes, etc. Be prepared for a new look to your bathroom. So, mine sits in my cabinet until I have the time and motivation to get a stone and learn how to hone it. |
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The Victronox store in the Westfarms mall sells them. If you want to see some in person before ordering. I just checked out there website, and they sell straight razors made by a German company called "Dovo". I have read very good things about this company. I think I will head up there sometime and check out their stuff. USMC_1983-89, I take it you served in the Marines, based on your ARFCOM Name. If so, thank you for your service. |
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Quoted: Look on "YouTube". There are lots of videos on how to do it and what to use. My buddy at work does it and in listening to him talk, I don't wanna invest that much time into shaving. That, and his constant battle to keep the edge keen enough to shave with. Look in your local area and see if there a barber shop that does it. Most have stopped due to the fact that no one knows how to do it and the liability of cutting someone and the AIDS scare. Hell, any barber used to trim around your ears and back of your neck with a razor....try to find one anymore. Shit I've never been to a place locally that doesn't shave your neck with a straight razor (well, a disposable blade straight razor). |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
The Victronox store in the Westfarms mall sells them. If you want to see some in person before ordering. I just checked out there website, and they sell straight razors made by a German company called "Dovo". I have read very good things about this company. I think I will head up there sometime and check out their stuff. USMC_1983-89, I take it you served in the Marines, based on your ARFCOM Name. If so, thank you for your service. Dovo is a good entry level straight razor. It is the brand of the razor I use. Check out Classic Shaving for some decent starter gear. |
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There is an excellent selection here at Knifecenter.com for Dovo, Boker and Thiers-Issard straight razors and strops, brushes, soaps, hones, DE razors, lotions and scissors. All good stuff.
www.shoeboxshaveshop.com is also an excellent supplier. I have to add that all my straight and DE razors I bought as antiques on eBay or at flea markets unless they were given to me. Some of them: 
After shaving with a straight razor for nearly 20 years and using various hones and leather stropes, I have started to use a balsa wood/diamond paste strope and find that it gives a better and more consistent edge with less work if I use it once a week. The rest of the week I just use a leather strope for less than a half a minute to maintain a good edge. I made the balsa strope with a 3"x18" piece of 3/8" balsa and some 0.5 diamond paste one side and 0.25 on the other side. It's extremely easy to use although a hone will eventually be needed. The Straight Razor Place is an excellent resource or this. |
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