Hey Guys, I've been wanting to do the "str8t razor shave",and after reading some threads on this forum Im finally convinced about my decision. But I dont know what razor should I buy???? I've heard that the "FILARMONICA 14" has really good reviews, but are a little pricey:$200 bucks to be exact. I have a friend that is in EUROPE for vacation right now and have asked him to look for this str8t razor for me but he is still on the look out. (Thought it might be cheaper getting one in Europe since I've read that they are made there). Any Ideas where I can find some of these razors In ITALY????? Or maybe another str8t razor that is awsome for a newbie??? Your replies would be greatly apriciated.
Welcome to TSD! I'd recommend following the advice I received repeatedly when I was looking at straights: buy a shave ready razor from a forum member. You can post want to buy in the classifieds here. If that doesn't work, Straight Razor Place always has several for sale, some from members in Europe.
I have no idea about the answers to your questions but: Welcome to the Den! From a fellow Houston-area member.
Welcome to the den! First off about purchasing in Europe, it can be a hassle especially when there is Value Added Tax. Also, bringing back is a problem because it MUST be in checked luggage. In addition, I'm not so sure that purchasing in Europe will save you any money at all. Now, my opinion on buying a $200 razor for your first purchase. I don't recommend it. I would recommend spending less and investing in a quality strop. Or, if your strop cost is covered then take the $200 and buy two razors of different sizes. For example: a 5/8 full hollow and a 6/8 quarter grind. This serves two purposes: 1. It gives you exposure to two different razors to which you will learn more quickly your preference on razor types and sizes. 2. You have a backup should you accidentally blunt the edge while stropping or damage the edge by accidentally hitting the faucet with the blade or dropping it in the sink and having the edge slam against the drain riser (please don't ask me how I know this) :ashamed001 My $.02 Welcome fellow Houstonian!
Thanks to all of you all for the help and advice. So.....What razors do y'all recomend for a newbie????
Welcome to The Shave Den! A great community of guys and gals that enjoy wet shaving, I hope you enjoy your stay!
Welcome to the Den! For a beginner's razor, I would HIGHLY recommend buying a vintage/used razor off of a member. They are sure to be cheaper, and if you make sure that the member knows what they're doing they will be ready to use out of the box, as it were...new razors rarely are, unless you pay extra. There are a ton of sizes, shapes, makers and designs, so that's all a matter of personal taste. A good all-around set of recommendations, though are to get a Round point 5/8-6/8 razor. Round point because it reduces the chances of adding any extra nicks off of a spike/square point, and 5/8-6/8 are the standard sizes. Blade width is measured in eighths of an inch, meaning 4/8 is half an inch wide, 8/8 is an inch wide. You sometimes also see sixteenths, like 13/16. Good luck, and keep an eye out, something that catches your fancy is sure to be along soon. Enjoy!
Welcome to TSD. I am also in the Houston area. Let me know if you find any stores around here with products.
+1 on what JimR said. Also, KenRup razors has a nice starter set: a nice Gold Dollar razor that is shave ready (I own two Gold Dollars and are a great shave) and a beginners strop. Ken is a great vendor who also has brushes and from time to time some nice vintage blades. Vintage Blades, Classic Shaving, and Straight Shaving Design all are excellent web based vendors offering a plethora of products. As far as new straights, you can't go wrong with Dovo, Thiers Issard, Boker, Revisor, or Gold Dollar. The base model of the Dovo seems to be the most popular "starter" razor. As far as new razors, I have a TI and two Gold Dollars. I tend to prefer Vintage having two Bokers, a Clauss, a King, a Wilkinson, and a Palmer. Often times, one can purchase a vintage shave ready from a member in the classifieds that is as good if not better than today current new offerings. Hope that gives you some insight. My fear is that the discovery of so many choices will give you "data overload". Fear not, it just gets better from here!
