We all Watched Joel's Video today...

**gooferbert** · 02-22-2010, 05:57 PM

OK...so I watched Joel use a straight razor this morning and I got the bug. I read his entire "how to" guide for str8s.

Based on the guide, I think I want a Dovo 1/2 hollowed 5/8 stainless. But I don't want to break the bank (I want to pay less than $50). Does anyone think this razor exists?

I would be willing to bet I am not the only one looking after watching his vid...

Joel...I think you have inspired us all!

**Ru4scuba?** · 02-22-2010, 06:01 PM

I'm looking into str8s now that his vid is out for sure!

**Drubbing** · 02-22-2010, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by gooferbert

OK...so I watched Joel use a straight razor this morning and I got the bug. I read his entire "how to" guide for str8s.

Based on the guide, I think I want a Dovo 1/2 hollowed 5/8 stainless. But I don't want to break the bank (I want to pay less than $50). Does anyone think this razor exists?

Joel...I think you have inspired us all!

I don't think you can buy stainless for $50. Unless used, perhaps. BST is proably your best bet for straights under $50.

**Bertilak** · 02-22-2010, 06:17 PM

Check here: http://ruprazor.com/store/index.php?...id=6&Itemid=32

A bunch are under $50. And those prices include shipping.

They don't quite match your criteria, but maybe you could relax your requirements somewhat:

No stainless there, but I think limiting yourself to stainless is very constraining. Most razors are carbon steel and most everyone is OK with that. I think there is a theory that carbon can take a finer edge anyway.
All listed there seem top be full hollow (not half hollow) but that again is what most razors tend to be.

**xjrob85** · 02-22-2010, 11:06 PM

Where is this amazing video? Can someone please post a link?

**Rev. Nathan** · 02-22-2010, 11:12 PM

How about start with a "shavette" to not break the band? Parker brand has 4 different straights that take half-blades of the DE razors you own now. They are under $20 on amazon, and if you don't like the shave, you haven't really spent a ton of money.

I've been shaving with one for a month now, I'm about ready to save up for a Dovo 5/8 (thinking either a special tortise or astrale)

**Luc** · 02-22-2010, 11:15 PM

Originally Posted by xjrob85

Where is this amazing video? Can someone please post a link?

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=134375

Originally Posted by Rev. Nathan

How about start with a "shavette" to not break the band? Parker brand has 4 different straights that take half-blades of the DE razors you own now. They are under $20 on amazon, and if you don't like the shave, you haven't really spent a ton of money.

I've been shaving with one for a month now, I'm about ready to save up for a Dovo 5/8 (thinking either a special tortise or astrale)

A shavette is one thing and a straight is another. It will give you an idea yes. But, you can find a cheap straight on BST and a strop for a bit more. If you don't like it, you can sell it easy.

**saltypete** · 02-22-2010, 11:15 PM

Joels video also has me considering trying a str8. Some of the razors look absolutely stunning but I have to admit that the thought of shaving with one is quite intimidating.

Pete

**Rev. Nathan** · 02-22-2010, 11:17 PM

Originally Posted by Luc

A shavette is one thing and a straight is another. It will give you an idea yes. But, you can find a cheap straight on BST and a strop for a bit more. If you don't like it, you can sell it easy.

Word. Mantic is learning on that $60 ruprazor straight and strop combo posted above. He suggested that to me. He says a video is up in about a year. Until then, this one has really helped understand the motions.

**Luc** · 02-23-2010, 12:17 AM

Originally Posted by saltypete

Joels video also has me considering trying a str8. Some of the razors look absolutely stunning but I have to admit that the thought of shaving with one is quite intimidating.

Pete

Try it Pete, you just need to pay attention and make sure you don't do a 'chopping bread motion'...

Originally Posted by Rev. Nathan

Word. Mantic is learning on that $60 ruprazor straight and strop combo posted above. He suggested that to me. He says a video is up in about a year. Until then, this one has really helped understand the motions.

Yes, the Ruprazor kit is apprently very good and will get you started!

**saltypete** · 02-23-2010, 12:24 AM

Originally Posted by Luc

Try it Pete, you just need to pay attention and make sure you don't do a 'chopping bread motion'...

I'm seriously considering making the leap. What would you reccomend as a starter str8?

Pete

**Frowzy** · 02-23-2010, 12:28 AM

Originally Posted by saltypete

I'm seriously considering making the leap. What would you reccomend as a starter str8?

Pete

Buy a shave-ready straight from an experienced B&B member on the B/S/T. Great deals. Just be patient (as in 1-2 days patient) and read the guide on this site. You don't need a hone to start out but you can buy a filly strop on the cheaps. Strop & str8 is all you need to get started.

**mark3d** · 02-23-2010, 01:25 AM

another vote for gold dollar + filly strop from Kenrup .. USD$60 .. good value.

.

**saltypete** · 02-23-2010, 01:26 AM

Originally Posted by Frowzy

Buy a shave-ready straight from an experienced B&B member on the B/S/T. Great deals. Just be patient (as in 1-2 days patient) and read the guide on this site. You don't need a hone to start out but you can buy a filly strop on the cheaps. Strop & str8 is all you need to get started.

Cool! Thanks for the advice.

Pete

**Frowzy** · 02-23-2010, 01:34 AM

No problem. The vintage straights are have the irresistible "cool" and "history" factor. You'll find a list of reputable brands in the interactive guide to straight razor shaving, but one rule of thumb is that if the blade was made in Solingen (Germany), it will give a great shave.

**Luc** · 02-23-2010, 01:37 AM

Originally Posted by saltypete

I'm seriously considering making the leap. What would you reccomend as a starter str8?

Pete

What was mentionned above.

Shave ready straight on BST. You will need a strop too.

The Ruprazor deal is a good one too...

If you go down with the BST deal. Look for something like Extra Hollow, Full Hollow, half hollow. A wedge is good but I would wait on those, I find the hollow family easier to work with.

I have a preference for a round point but nothing should stop you from getting a square point if you like the look.

For the size, I would say, start with a 5/8, 11/16 or 6/8!

**saltypete** · 02-23-2010, 02:29 AM

Originally Posted by Luc

What was mentionned above.

Shave ready straight on BST. You will need a strop too.

The Ruprazor deal is a good one too...

If you go down with the BST deal. Look for something like Extra Hollow, Full Hollow, half hollow. A wedge is good but I would wait on those, I find the hollow family easier to work with.

I have a preference for a round point but nothing should stop you from getting a square point if you like the look.

For the size, I would say, start with a 5/8, 11/16 or 6/8!

Thanks for the advice Luc, it is appreciated. I feel a new obsession coming on

Pete

**gooferbert** · 02-23-2010, 05:08 AM

thanks for the advice everyone! I suppose I should look more at the "beginner" style razors...just to make sure I will like the experience.

You are right, the RupRazor is a fantastic deal. I will probably go with it. I just don't want to rush my decision. (I also have a Merkur Progress on the way...still in the mail - so I may need to slow down with the ADs a bit

)

I notice some of you say I don't need a hone at first. How often should you hone a razor? Is this something I will need two weeks later or more like 2 months later??

**Drubbing** · 02-23-2010, 05:19 AM

Originally Posted by Frowzy

Buy a shave-ready straight from an experienced B&B member on the B/S/T. Great deals.

I did this and picked a German vintage blade from a BST seller with good honing feedback. Didn't work for me - the razor may have been shave ready for the seller's face, but not my beginners.

Had to send for a rehone, but gave up on it and now ordered a Dovo Special - then I won't be able to blame the razor for my shortcomings. I appreciate the prices and the vintage thing, but as beginners, I think some people should consider a known quantity.

There's great deals on BST, but wildly variable quality.

**dpmtherrien** · 02-23-2010, 07:49 AM

I started straight shaving with a Feather AC RG. Its always super sharp, and getting a new edge is as easy as changing a blade.

You use it like any straight so there's a bit of a learning curve, but I really like the razor. At this point I have no intention of getting a regular straight. In fact I'm waiting on the Feather AC DX to arrive. This is a really nice straight, and is worth looking into.