Curious about straights, but don’t want to commit before I know whether that’s for me. I realize that it’s a whole different world and requires accumulating a lot of knowledge and skill and accessories. So, is there a reasonably inexpensive, shave ready razor that I could try & see if I even want to go there ? I do have a Durham Duplex but the blade is not good and I don’t think it’s really going to give me anything close to the real straight razor experience. And shavettes seem like a different thing altogether. So, what would you recommend?
Unfortunately even most good brand name razors are not shave ready right out of the box. I'd check antique stores, then send it out to @gssixgun to get it shave ready. He's the only guy I've used for my straight razors. Many folks here can vouch for him and his services being excellent.
Thanks. I’m a bit concerned about not having enough knowledge to see whether there’s something wrong with a used straight. Which is why I am hesitant to use the eBay / antique store route.
Take a read through this https://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/what-straight-razor-did-you-use-today.35281/ That will give you an idea of good brand names. Look for: A straight edge, no curve (aka smile or frown) No chips or cracks Other than that, Glen can fix you up, even new scales if needed.
I was interested in trying a straight edge years ago. I ended up buying a Gold Dollar that was honed and sharpened to shave ready condition by the seller. I used it for 2, maybe 3, shaves. Nothing wrong with the razor. I just didn’t have the time or patience needed to work on my technique. But I think the razor was decent enough for trying straight edges and have been thinking about trying again now that I have more time. I found the Gold Dollar being discussed and recommended on a shaving forum (don’t recall which one) and he had his razors listed on eBay. His was one of the only ones that were truly made shave ready.
You will need to buy a proper strop first, then purchase a vintage straight razor. Look on ebay, ask someone knowledgeable on this forum, to access it before buying it. When you get it, send it out to have it honed. @gssixgun is one, and there are others here that can do a great job in putting a proper edge on it.
Hey I have a razor that I'd be willing to give to you , if your interested it's nothing fancy a azuma from Japan. It should be more than good enough to get you going , it will take a laser edge I promise you that. Pm me
I agree you will need a strop first. Secondly contact @gssixgun at Gemstar razors he will lead you to a good razor to get you started, he may even have one to sell you inexpensively. The biggest recommendation I will make is look for one with a rounded point. I have been dealing with him for better than ten years and have bought several razors from him. I can vouch for him and know he will not steer you wrong!
