Straight Razors?

SpartanSaint said:
There aren't much for quality antique shops near me, at least that i know of. I guess I don't really keep an eye out for them. I guess maybe I'll have to check out Larry's site. I was wary about the sight unseen bit, at least Ebay has pictures. But he comes awfully well recommended by fast there, and his route seems about the best for the fastest, cheapest way to get started.

I guess if i get started, I can talk to someone on the forums here about getting something made. I gather that steel isn't an issue so much as sharpening technique? Hmmm. Its just an art I know so little about
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Be careful with some antique shops, straight razors are one of those things that people think are worth more as "vintage" or "antique" than as a tool. Remember,these things are not rare, every man had at least one. Likely the Sheffield stamped and Solingen stamped razors will be priced higher, and they generally are good quality, but many American firms had razors made, too. I'm restoring a Dixie Mfg. Co. Razor right now, they were a tool and hardware maker in Union City GA (I believe). I picked it up for $5. Its good quality steel, scales are easy to replace or have done, and it will be a fine shaver when done.

I have recommended WhippedDog because his work gets rave reviews on the wet shaving boards and I have priced it out, hard to beat him for getting known ready stuff, even doing the restoration myself. I buy razors from $5-$30 and then have to send out to be honed for $20. Larry takes usable vintage straights, cleans (NOT restore) and sanitizes them and sells them for the cost of the honing. Not taking pictures and writing descriptions keeps his cost down and keeps him from having razors sit around not being sold. I have heard of people calling him and asking if they could get a nicer one for more money if they waited, and he has done so. I don't know if this I something he normally offers, but it might be worth trying.

Secondly, do you already have the rest of the wet shaving setup? Brush, soap/cream, pre or post shave products (if you need them)? Are you adept at making a quality lather? He also sells that kind of stuff, so he would be a good one stop shop if you needed.

Youtube videos by Mantic59 are fantastic. He has lots of them on all aspects of wet shaving. I am going to go out on a limb here and recommend you also get a DE razor so you can clean up the rest of the stubble while you learn to use your straight. I would be willing to send you a couple packs of blades if you wanted.


-Xander
 
guess i'll be checking out whipped dog... he comes very highly recommended. who knows, maybe i'll get something really cool haha.
 
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