Straight Razor Advice

[ranwill]

I found a straight razor in an antique store today and wondered if it was a good price.
It was a KeenKutter with a gold inlay on the blade. The scales were black and the blade and scales were in very good shape - no discoloration at all and the scales were straight and uncracked.
It was priced at $69. I am new to straights. I've never used one, never owned one, but would like to try one. I don't know if it's a good price or not.
The only reason I'm interested in this one is it seems to be in excellent condition. I don't think it would take much at all to render it shavable.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Randy

[FloppyShoes]

KeenKutters have a good rep. Was there any hone wear? If so, was it reasonable and even?
I assume when you said "gold inlay" you meant plating/wash?
was there any oxidation (rust)?

If your answers are no, yes, no (in that order) then $69 is fair. Intact gold wash is a good sign.

[ranwill]

Actually the blade looked to be hardly used, if ever. No rust - maybe a stainless steel blade? I couldn't tell how the gold was applied, my eyes aren't that good without reading glasses.

[ScottS]

Personally, if I wanted to get going with a straight, I'd buy a new one. You can get a honemeister sharpened discontinued Dovo "best quality" for under $60 right now, and that's quite the deal. You'd end up spending about $20 to get your Kleencut honed, unless you can find someone willing to do it for you for free, and then you're going to pay two-way postage. For all you know, that Kleencut could be warped or something else that would render it useless.

if you're going to buy vintage, buy something real inexpensive, in the $30-$35 range maybe, to practice honing on. Learn what you're doing before trying to find the Vintage gems.

[Prince]

Personally, if I wanted to get going with a straight, I'd buy a new one. You can get a honemeister sharpened discontinued Dovo "best quality" for under $60 right now, and that's quite the deal. You'd end up spending about $20 to get your Kleencut honed, unless you can find someone willing to do it for you for free, and then you're going to pay two-way postage. For all you know, that Kleencut could be warped or something else that would render it useless.

if you're going to buy vintage, buy something real inexpensive, in the $30-$35 range maybe, to practice honing on. Learn what you're doing before trying to find the Vintage gems.

So where is a good place to buy this discontinued Dovo?

[firebox]

Don't rule out making an offer on a vintage blade to lower the cost. A 25% lower offer puts you in the ball park and sometimes will work wonders. Some of my best are 50+ years old including a Keen Cutter.

[biomesh]

So where is a good place to buy this discontinued Dovo?

Check out this thread at SRP:

http://www.straightrazorplace.com/fo...ad.php?t=13575

[Thebigspendur]

Personally I would check out SRP. before you delve into straight shaving read the resource material there so you know what you are getting into. After that if you decide to go with it there are members there who will sell you a whole kit with a shave ready razor for not much more than what you are about to pay. That's the best way to get started in this thing.

[randydance062449]

If you have a light or average beard then that razor would serve you just fine. It is a finely ground, full hollow ( bi-concave) grind. Just be sure to have it honed by someone who knows what they are doing. The average fee is about $20 plus round trip shipping. Ask over on the SRP if thats what you want.
www.straightrazorplace.com

[Taz]

If it is in excellent condition for 69 and then add 20 for the honing you would if a very good shaver for 89 plus the experience of shaving with something that old