new razor [ sweeney todd movie blade]

if...

it doesn't say Solingen on it,
i'm not gettin it anywhere near my face.

I have half a dozen razors i picked up on the fleamarket.
All of them are good enugh to shave with.
Never pay more than 15$.

Theres thousands hangin around in dusty cupboards.
(around here....)

The lowest price? A Dovo Best quality runs around $60. Getting it sharpened is required, another $20, or a study-up DIY project. A strop is also a good idea.

Good flea market options exist, with some patience.

It's not a good idea to go really expensive when starting out. The learning curve and initial costs are substantial.

I used a basic Dovo, an old barber hone, and a Dovo strop to shave with for a decade. It's a fun hobby, for sure.

What bothers me about this blade isn't the potentially inappropriate steel/heat treat. That just means it won't stay sharp. What bothers me is the slight curve in the blade. Seems like it would make less contact with your face than a regular straight blade, so you need to make a lot more passes.

Protipp (from sum1 with heavy beardgrowth)

Use modern 3bladed Gilettes for shaving.

Blades are nice to be shaven with.
But by a professional barber.

My experience and .02$

Mp7 said:

Use modern 3bladed Gilettes for shaving.

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When did you get the tattoos removed?

I,m just starting to Think about (maybe) getting into using one, so I,ve never had anything to compare

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I started using a straight razor about a year ago. I was worried enough about the learning curve, and it's relation to my face, that I didn't want to yet worry about sharpening, so I bought a razor that accommodates replaceable blades, and a box of blades to get comfy with actually shaving with a sharp straight razor. Get a decent brush, and some Proraso shaving soap, and you're good to go.

Blades are nice to be shaven with.
But by a professional barber.

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I'm gonna call bovine excrement with that one.
I started using a straight razor in college. I used it exclusively for a few years. Now I use it about 1/3 of the time and an old fashioned safety razor the other 2/3.

I LOVE my straight razor. I sharpen it on a double sided Norton waterstone. 6000 grit on one side, 8000 on the other. That thing is terrifyingly sharp, and gives a shave that no other razor can touch. Whenever I can make an extra 5 mins for a shave, it's my go-to. Feels great, looks great, etc...

As for the beginner stuff. Start your research with Classic Shaving and with the Art of Manliness websites. They are a good resource for a beginner. Work your way up from there and learn about different razor styles, and how bed tot use the equipment available. Never ever buy a cheapo Chinese made $15 razor off eBay "just to see if I like it before I invest real money." You WON'T like it, and it'll have everything to do with the razor you pick.

The Dovo Best that AFDavis mentioned above was my first, and I am very VERY glad that it was. It was a nice razor to start with and still the one I use most frequently. I have a nice Theirs Issard that cost more and is drop-dead gorgeous, but doesn't do anything practically that the Dovo couldn't.

Either way, it's a great way to take good care of yourself and a wonderful skill set to hone.

Meanwhile, this has everything to do with grooming and nothing to do with weapons so i'll shut up now.

Sam1911 said:

When did you get the tattoos removed?

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You aren't the first to remark on the resemblance.

I have used an antique Wade and Butcher "bow" razor for several years. Usually once a week on weekends when I can take my time. It's very relaxing and it's a shave like no other.
The rest of the time I use an Edwin Jagger safety razor and good blades. I always use a badger brush and soap n mug.

Been shaving with a straight razor for nearly 40 yrs now. Tried the disposables and they don't shave close enough but they work OK for travel. I use my grand dads brush and Williams puck soap. Have to hone about once a month and my soap averages about $1.50 per month. I have a double edge from the Vietnam era that I use occasionally but I prefer the straight.

Mp7 said:

Protipp (from sum1 with heavy beardgrowth)

Use modern 3bladed Gilettes for shaving.

Blades are nice to be shaven with.
But by a professional barber.

My experience and .02$

Click to expand...

Most of us who have left the world of cartridge razors will never look back.

Might as well get a shave from a drunk midget with a rusty chainsaw.