I would really like to try using a straight razor. I am wondering what type of equipment I should buy that is not too expensive in case it doesn't work out for me?
Check out whippeddog.com you can get a shave ready straight for 33 bucks shipping included. Larry is a pleasure to deal with. You can also get basic stropping supplies there. Ken Rup also makes an excellent begginners strop for 20 dollars shipped. Other than free I don't think that you can get it for much cheaper than that.
I did the same thing... +1 for the Parker shavette. That's what I have, though I've been told they're somewhat different from a regular str8. But...you could get one for cheap and see if you like the motion/experience and then move up to one of the above razors/kits and then maybe onto a more expensive one.
Hi Cromedome, I wanted to straight razor shave because I liked the thought I would be able to keep the same razor all my life. Probably why I like fountain pens and other things with solid old technology. I use a couple of old WW2 paraffin pressure lamps when I go fishing for instance. My point is, if you are going to buy a straight and what you need to run it your going to be keeping that stuff for a long time. For me, if I'm going to be owning something all my life I want it to be as good as I can manage. I was lucky when I brought my straight that I got a TI is how I feel. A nice gentleman on this site opened the way to the strop I brought later and I love using that. Like 50 passes on the canvas and anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes on the leather :happy102 I enjoy stropping that much. Lets my mind meditate when I strop. So for full enjoyment/satisfaction, if your sure your committed, buy the gear you really want. Not make do stuff. Thats how it was and is for me anyway.
:sihns011:sihns011:sihns011:sihns011:sihns011:sihns011:sihns011:sihns011 That's how I feel too. Don't have a straight yet either. And I know there is a lot of advice against getting an expensive razor to start. But if you start with an inferior razor wont you get an inferior shave eperience?? I say you should start with at least a good brand, DOVO, BOKER, FILARMONICA. I know there are others out there too. But so far my research has come up with these three as MY first go to brands. Yes I am new. And no I don't have any experience with a straight yet. But I would rather wait and spend the $80-$100 bucks on a good brand used razor than spend 1/2 that on a sub par razor. Look in the classifieds here. Good deals can be had. Of course if you think you might screw up your first one, maybe a cheaper learning razor would be good. Find an antique store and get a cheapo to practice stropping on might be a good idea. Just my .02 what do I know?
Same difference I was using a shavette for the past few years now(maybe 5?) and only been using a straight the past couple of months. I find that they shave pretty much the same. Only difference I found was that the straights were heavier so I had more control with the blade.
You can get a good shaver off the classifieds here or srp without breaking a bank. Just because a razor doesnt cost $200, does not mean it is not quality. I would personally look for something vintage being sold as shave ready by a reputable member.
Here is an example of a good vintage shave ready straight razor for < $40. http://straightrazorplace.com/classifieds/showproduct.php/product/6849
Ya know, a few days ago I would've said to buy a shavette. But now that I have, I realize the folly: it is just a gateway drug to real straights. Then you've spent twice as much! Or more. Cause I practically guarantee you will like it. And you will have to get a nice new one from whippeddog.com. (no affiliation)
