If $200.00 (+ or -) was your budget?

Ok this is a call out to the pros of straights. I don't want to offend; I have been known to send curt emails that are easily misconstrued as rude, never my intent.

That said I would like to hear suggestions from owners of razors in this price range (+-$200). What do you suggest as a solid purchase, model and manufacturer, regardless of size and shape? I am new, but would not be saddened if I owned an outstanding razor that I could grow into or just have. The endless EBay listings have worn me down.

I know this is opinion based on your part, but as having owned and used the razor I want that educated experience of yours. I am grateful for all the “I hear so and so makes a great razor.” I want to know what shiny sharp piece of steel you pull across your face and say,”Damn, I am glad I bought this thing!”

Thanks as always to the great members of this site.

Dovo

Super Gnome!

It's not flashy, but it's a solid shaver.

Le Grelot.
http://www.classicshaving.com/catal...hissku=TI Grelot777dash777PP&site=google_base

Great input already, guys. Another newbie here watching with interest. Best of luck, Don!

I hope your taking notes too Bill, or should I just forward them,lol.

Im gonna go way against the grain. Go on Ebay and get a vintage razor and then send it to Max at SPR for a full restoration, rescale and honing. Or he has razors up for sale that hes already done. They are great razors for under 200. Just my two cents.

www.vintagestraightrazors.com

JonnyAngel said:

Im gonna go way against the grain. Go on Ebay and get a vintage razor and then send it to Max at SPR for a full restoration, rescale and honing. Or he has razors up for sale that hes already done. They are great razors for under 200. Just my two cents.

www.vintagestraightrazors.com

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Max is a great choice as well, but I've never priced his work. By all accounts he puts a tremendous edge on his restorations as well. This would probably be a good choice.

I agree with the vintage razor idea. If Max is out of razors, Glen has one ready. He puts a ridiculous edge on a blade too.

Fnord5 said:

Le Grelot.
http://www.classicshaving.com/catal...hissku=TI Grelot777dash777PP&site=google_base

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+1 for a Le Grelot.

What have I already purchased in that price range? Answer: Vintage razors. Been extremely happy with all of them.

Problem. I've never paid above $150 for any of them.

Custom razors. Absolutely, positively, worth the cash. Quite possibly the best razors I've ever laid hands on.

Problem. Way above the $200 price ceiling.


At the $200 range, I would not buy a Le Grelot. Why? Because they are ridiculously expensive with crummy scales, satin finish, and the 1/4 hollows are all gone. Basically, your paying $2xx for a blade IMHO. Might as well get a custom at that point.



What would I buy for $200. Good question. $100 is my price range for vintage and customs are much more expensive. For that price range, I would probably be looking at a Wacker or a Revisor. If you can find a NOS vintage, that should be around $200 too. Max restoring a vintage is also a good option.

another vote for a restored oldie here.

too many to list

To start with, and this is how I did it without any regrets... Get a shave-ready straight off BST. For $30-$50 you can get a very nice blade and you will be able to sell it back if you don't like it. A strop will need to come in, that one is easy too.

What to look for? Sheffield or a Made in Germany blade. Sure values!

NOS Henckels Friodur.

Lucius said:

NOS Henckels Friodur.

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if you mean the stuff that you can find on for example shavingshop, i do not consider these NOS. the blanks are old, but the grind isn't, not sure if the heat treatment is either.

NOS Filarmonica is another option.

A while ago classicshaving was selling vintage TIs with a nifty horn-covered tang for about $220. I got one and dang but it's a fine shaver. IF those were still around I'd say get one of those ... but like so much other stuff it's sold out I believe.

But the point remains that a nice vintage TI would make a great choice in that pricerange.

gugi said:

too many to list

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+1. Not to mention some of my favorites have been no name razors which cost a pittance.