[Casulo]

I'm sure there has been a million threads about this, but I am at a loss as to where to buy my razor. Hailing from the UK i've found approximately, three sites dedicated to straight razors.

So a quick question, can anyone recommend a good British shaving website/supplier to buy from, or shall I skulk to the classifieds ?

NB. This is my first razor.

[Chimensch]

Steve Dempster of the Invisible Edge is a member here (blueprinciple). He is in the UK and I have purchased several razors, a coticule and a custom 7-day set from him. I recommend him very highly.

You could also purchase from the classifieds but, with most members being in the US, there are more customs and delivery problems.

[Casulo]

I did come across him but I skimmed over his page, maybe I shouldn't do that. Thank you, I will have another look at his page, would it be possible to contact him on here as to what razor to buy for a first time shaver

[ben.mid]

Hello & welcome to the site!
Steve's probably the best place to buy new in the UK.
Firstly, he actually has a knowledge of straights, whereas a lot of the other sources just sell.
Secondly, it'll be shave ready, & not merely factory sharp. Most places will sell factory sharp as shave ready, simply because they know no better.
Thirdly, he's a member here, with a good reputation.

Don't rule out the classifieds. If you do buy theres, & it has to be sent from overseas, it's worth asking them to write "REPAIRED ITEM" on the customs declaration. Of course, i would never condone that, but it's worth knowing.

[Casulo]

Knowing the state of sharps in Britain, I doubt it would get through customs without suits coming to investigate me

Aha, I found how to buy razors from his site, I'm going to be browsing for a while now and deliberating. Thank you both for the recommendation, definitely helped.

[Casulo]

One last question for now, what is the "Henckel scale", is that how thick the blade is or... I have me eye on four razors, 3 round one square. Henckel scales of 5,5,8,10. What would be best for a first time user who shaves every other day ?

[ben.mid]

Henckels scale is a chart showing grinds. There's not much to worry about there. If you contact Steve he'll make sure you get what's right for you.
You'll probably be best with a 5/8 or 6/8 blade. This is the measurement in 8ths of an inch from spine to edge. Rounds are less likely to nick you, but i find them less aesthetically pleasing than the other points.
You should have no problems with customs, but "shaving supplies" is less likely to attract attention than "straight razor"!

[Casulo]

I'd have to agree with you there, I might go on a rampage and

I've dropped him an e-mail so i'll wait until he gets back to me. I think i'm going to settle on a 5/8, though the 3/8 square edge is tempting I think it might be a bad idea.

Does a higher x/8 mean it is easier to shave ? With the added weight.

[ben.mid]

Smaller blades are more manoueverable but far harder to strop as they can be awkward to keep flat. Larger blades are more awkward to use, but easier to keep flat while stropping.
5/8 or 6/8 are a great compromise between the two, giving the best of both.
I feel that the weight is less important than the balance. Correct scale to blade balance allows easier use.

[blueprinciple]

Yep and if my head swells any more I'll be stuck in this room for good..................! Thanks for the kind words though!

Originally Posted by ben.mid

Hello & welcome to the site!
Steve's probably the best place to buy new in the UK.
Firstly, he actually has a knowledge of straights, whereas a lot of the other sources just sell.
Secondly, it'll be shave ready, & not merely factory sharp. Most places will sell factory sharp as shave ready, simply because they know no better.
Thirdly, he's a member here, with a good reputation.

Don't rule out the classifieds. If you do buy theres, & it has to be sent from overseas, it's worth asking them to write "REPAIRED ITEM" on the customs declaration. Of course, i would never condone that, but it's worth knowing.