I've been looking for a while, looking for the perfect first straight razor. I've turned up nothing. Maybe you fellas can help? I want something in either 7/8 or 8/8 wedge, spanish point. I would prefer natural material for the scales (horn, wood, bone, etc). Help me start a new AD!
I applaud your enthusiasm :1respect I couldn't envision a huge wedge as my first razor; that's a lotta steel to be slinging around I'll keep my eyes open.
Hey Bro, it is your shave, so have it your way, but I have to ask a couple of questions for my own education: Why a wedge? Why a spike point? Why 7/8 or 8/8? Why natural materials for the scales? I am sure that these are your preferences, and I have no preferences at this time, so I am just wondering what brought you to the conclusion that you want the attributes that you want. Thanks in advance.
My dense, course beard tends to lead to a lot of skipping, ergo the desire for a big, thick, heavy blade. And something about a singing blade makes me uncomfortable... I could settle for half or quarter hollow. I do keep pretty fine sideburns and a goatee, so I want something that is going to allow for a lot of precision. As for natural materials, I guess what I mean to say is that I have an aversion to plastic. Plastic... I just don't like it. For lack of a better word, it seems cheap to me. The same rule applies to brushes for me.
Thank You for the insight. Plastic, while it may seem cheap is made from oil, which is anything but cheap these days! I am still on my quest for a great straight. I am sure I will find it in week or two. Give or take a week or so.
trying to find an older straight to meet what you are looking for is getting harder and harder, they can be found occasionally but the big wedge choppers do command a premium an alternative may be to check out Butch's work http://www.classicshaving.com/harner.html there is (was) few wedges and a few 1/4 grinds as well as the sizes and scale material you are looking for, they are great blades there are also a couple custom makers but that is even more money but you will never find the "perfect" straight there is always 1 more or 1 better, I tried and after buying way too many over the years I quit looking and am happy with what I got...for now
The Invisible Edge have the type of razors you're looking for. Either new or restored vintage. I bought a similar razor to what you describe (although with dreadnought point) from them and it was made about 1880. I do caution you though this is a razor that requires some experience. I would try a 6/8 half grind first with a round point or, for the precision work a square point. Good luck!
My quest is temporarily on hold. I just racked up $390 in landscape modeling supplies to complete a landscape architecture project. Stupid art classes. No straight razor for a while, I guess.
Hi aberneth, I dont have a heavy beard but I am interested to know if a wedge really is better for a heavy beard? I never figured a higher mass razor and kinetic energy would come into shaving. Would a hollow grind just not be upto the job? I have a wedge laying around which I havent honned yet because it has a dent in the edge and will take some time to hone out. Fancy it now though just to see how a wedge shaves. I'll take a picture in day light. If you like it you can have it for free, just use it Ps, just looked at the razor and its not very much to hone out at all.
The thinking behind the higher mass is not that it needs momentum in the direction of the stroke, but that it needs momentum perpendicular to the face to help avoid skipping. Now, which one of you wants to front me the cash to buy this razor? EDIT: Wow. Uh... I totally didn't notice that you offered to send me a straight razor... Maybe I was in denial? Anyhow, I'm going to take you up on that offer, on the stipulation that you let me reimburse you for shipping. I am humbled by your grace and generosity.
Wow. Uh... I totally didn't notice that you offered to send me a straight razor... Maybe I was in denial at the extraordinary offer? Selective sight? Anyhow, I'm going to take you up on that offer, on the stipulation that you let me reimburse you for shipping. I am humbled by your grace and generosity.
aberneth, Since you will now be on the receiving end of a Pay it Forward, just remember to do the same at some point in the future. Some of the best people on this board! :happy108
