I'm new to DE shaving, started Thursday, but I've been wanting to try a straight razor since a DE is so close. The only problem, is all the SRs I have found are well over $100. Is there a SR that would be a good shaver at a more moderate cost? Also, I'm looking for a new one, little skitzy about vintage SR, due to the honing/stropping failures I have found in my research. Any hints, tips, or tricks you could teach me?
http://whippeddog.com/products/find/straight-razors-1 Anyways I imagine SEs are much more like a Straight razor than a DE due to the angle and blade rigidity.
For sub $100 and a quality blade, your best bet is a whipped dog deal, or if more of the Damn Fine Shaver series pops up on http://www.gemstarcustoms.com They are used, but they're cleaned, professionally honed and will work for an economical entry point. Also keep in mind even with the greater than $100 straight razors, unless you buy them from certain vendors, they only come "factory shave ready" which is a misnomer as VERY few factor edges are good enough to shave with.
I've heard nothing but good about Whipped Dog and GemStar Customs, the two mentioned above. I've never dealt with Larry at Whipped Dog, but Glen (aka gssixgun here at TSD) at GemStar has done all my razor honing, to include a custom restore, that I am very happy with.
Either whippeddog or the b/s/t forums. You can get an excellent razor for about $50-$60 easily, even less depending on aesthetics.
