Recommendations?

dtougas · 10-10-2008, 07:49 PM

Hello,

I am ready to take the plunge and get a straight razor. I have been using disposable razors for far too long and I can't stand throwing all that plastic in the trash. I have relatively fine hair, sensitive skin, and tend to get ingrown hairs (the more "high-tech" the razor, the worse it seems to get).

I am not looking for a cheap starter kit that I will want to upgrade in 6 months. I also don't want any kind of expensive collectors item. I want a good, reliable, solid setup that is tried and true and will serve me well for many years. With that in mind, what would you recommend for a razor, strop, and hones? (I do plan on purchasing Lynn's DVD as well)

Thanks for your help!

dward · 10-10-2008, 10:23 PM

Check the classifieds for equipment. You will get a good razor at a reasonable cost. Most all are truly shave ready. There are many other items that you can get there. At a minimum you will need a strop, a brush and shave soap/cream. You should also begin to look at a strop to use for polsihing with CrO or diamond paste. And some honing stones. If you want to get honing stones, I still recommend you get a shave ready razor and maybe one or two cheap razors online or at an antique place to practice your honing skills. that way you will have something to compare your edge against.

thebigspendur · 10-11-2008, 12:10 AM

In your case I would tell you to get a 6/8s TI new and from that vantage point once you get comfortable with that you can experiment with vintage razors of different sizes and grinds. The only caveat is if you tend to be clumsy and feel there is a significant chance of damaging the razor as you learn then go with a quality vintage from one of the guys here.

As far as the other stuff goes, pick up a strop from Tony Miller and I would get a Norton 4K/8K combo hone and either a 12K hone for touchups or a pasted strop with CrO.

dtougas · 10-11-2008, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

In your case I would tell you to get a 6/8s TI new and from that vantage point once you get comfortable with that you can experiment with vintage razors of different sizes and grinds.

Ok, that is sounding reasonable. What does the "s" on 6/8s mean? Just out of curiosity, what does the difference in different blade widths mean with regards to the type of shave you get?

jnich67 · 10-11-2008, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtougas

Ok, that is sounding reasonable. What does the "s" on 6/8s mean? Just out of curiosity, what does the difference in different blade widths mean with regards to the type of shave you get?

I would assume the "s" doesn't mean anything other than plural or a typo. I don't think you'll go wrong with TBS's advice.

I don't think you can say different widths mean you get a different shave. It’s more about how they feel in your hand and on your face. 6/8 and 5/8 are pretty "standard" sizes. The 6/8, generally, have a little more heft and the 5/8, generally, could be said to be a tad more maneuverable. It’s a personal thing, none are "better" than the others. Eventually, you may want to try a few different widths and grinds.

Congrats on taking the plunge.

Jordan

joke1176 · 10-11-2008, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtougas

Ok, that is sounding reasonable. What does the "s" on 6/8s mean? Just out of curiosity, what does the difference in different blade widths mean with regards to the type of shave you get?

I think he means six eighths, as in 3/4 of an inch blade width.

gugi · 10-11-2008, 02:56 AM

As far as upgrading a razor goes, I think the usual reasons people do it are cosmetic, not functional. Most razors even the ones with atrocious hone wear should be perfectly functional for many years.
Of course, thebigspendur has a whole lot more experience than me, esp. with nice razors, so there may be something about TI making them a very good choice for your beard/skin condition. They tend to be expensive, so I have only had two or three. Very nice shavers when honed right, most complaints have been about the fit and finish (badly matched/pinned scales).
I wouldn't hesitate to get a nice razor off the Classifieds, if only for the reason that the seller will have better pics of the actual razor that you're getting and that'll decrease the chance of sending a problematic razor back to the vendor. If I were you I'd check with C Utz - he seems to have few TI and I believe he mentioned recently that he may be looking to sell some.

dtougas · 10-11-2008, 03:11 AM

In terms of a strop, what would be better for me, the four sided paddle strop, or the kind you hang?

jnich67 · 10-11-2008, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtougas

In terms of a strop, what would be better for me, the four sided paddle strop, or the kind you hang?

I couldn't imagine using the paddle for everyday stropping - but that's just me. Most of us use a hanger for that. Tony may be away due to family obligations for a bit. Vintagebladesllc.com was carrying TM strops last time I looked. Be careful, we all seem to nick our first strops for some reason. Have fun with it all.

Jordan

gugi · 10-11-2008, 04:33 AM

I agree with Jordan - it seems that most prefer hanging strop, although we have members who use paddles for everyday stropping. I'd say go with a hanging one.

joke1176 · 10-11-2008, 12:52 PM

I dunno: If you had a paddle as long as a hanging strop, it would be just as fast and easy to use. You would have to make it yourself though, I don't think anybody sells anything like that.

netsurfr · 10-11-2008, 01:54 PM

As a good starter set, I would check out Kenrup (one of the vendors on the site). He has some nice Wapi's and Double Arrows and also has an available strop at a very reasonable price. If I were starting out, I think I would go with the Wapi razor that he sells.