Beginner Vs Expensive??

**weezus** · 12-11-2011, 06:38 AM

Hey guys,

I'm fairly new to the forum and I've (only) got one straight and its a Union Cutlery Spike. I'm curious, what are you really getting from a higher end razor that you don't get with a "beginner" straight?

[weez]

**global_dev** · 12-11-2011, 07:03 AM

the exact same thing you'd get from trading in an old hoopty for a brand spanking new whip. in the end though it's just a ride from A to B.

**weezus** · 12-11-2011, 08:23 AM

What about the different grinds?

[weez]

**Kentos** · 12-11-2011, 08:56 AM

Like having a Maserati for odd number days and a Bugatti for the evens. It all boils down to preference, and everyone has a different one.

**conroygc** · 12-11-2011, 09:45 AM

In general, what dictates pricing of straight razors is the aesthetics. New straight razors are generally more expensive if they have fancier scales or a design on the blade or tang or whatever. Vintage straight razors are more expensive based on how well they're cleaned up, and also on the brand name (generally Wade and Butcher, Dubl Duck, Boker are a little more pricey).

In terms of your shave quality though, the designs on the razor or scales don't really matter. The grind, the size of the razor, and who/how well it's sharpened are what matters.

**Gamma** · 12-11-2011, 10:21 AM

What also matters; the quality of the steel, or how well the vintage one was or was not taken care of.

**weezus** · 12-11-2011, 10:58 AM

Ok, here's another question.

Where should I go from my Spike? I'm thinking about another razor and I don't know where to start. Sight unseen deal from Whippeddog.com was great because I didn't have to choose anything, but now I'm thinking about the next step up in quality.

[weez]

**pelicano** · 12-11-2011, 11:11 AM

Try a round point. Better for beginners than a spike.

Originally Posted by weezus

Ok, here's another question.

Where should I go from my Spike? I'm thinking about another razor and I don't know where to start. Sight unseen deal from Whippeddog.com was great because I didn't have to choose anything, but now I'm thinking about the next step up in quality.

[weez]

**braxis** · 12-11-2011, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by weezus

Ok, here's another question.

Where should I go from my Spike? I'm thinking about another razor and I don't know where to start. Sight unseen deal from Whippeddog.com was great because I didn't have to choose anything, but now I'm thinking about the next step up in quality.

[weez]

That depends. Do you want another vintage razor or new? The next question is how flashy do you want it to be? Yours is a 4/8's so do you want to do 5/8's or 6/8's or bigger? And what is your spending limit?

**Brent** · 12-11-2011, 03:38 PM

Could try a different grind too. At this point you should be experimenting with size, grind, etc to get your preferences set. Then start going from there.

**Legion** · 12-11-2011, 04:15 PM

I'd haunt BST and wait for something to come along that you like the look of.

As a rule of thumb, if it is vintage and well honed it will shave. The rest are just subtleties. And unfortunately the only way to find out what you like the best is to try a bunch of different things. That is how lots of us ended up with a "collection."

**Slash McCoy** · 12-11-2011, 05:04 PM

I love my Spike! it is one of my favorite razors! Just watch the corner cause it will getcha. You can mute it on the side of a stone, if you need to.

**newtobengall** · 12-12-2011, 04:34 AM

I have to say get a Sheffield made razor if you want old, they are excellent quality metal and are well ground, usually. You cant go wrong with a big bengall, my faverite razors.

**BZiel** · 12-12-2011, 04:50 PM

For me it goes beyond cost/grind/point issues....ultimately, at least for me, it boils down to feel. I own several great razors that I just can't shave with because they 'feel wrong' in my hand.

I want to hold something that 'balances' in my grip. Something that fits my hand and its motions. And what 'feels good' and shaves great for me, might be a nightmare to someone else.

I know my requirements enough to know I'd never purchase a razor without physically holding it...I just have to get a sense of how it will move for me.

**weezus** · 12-12-2011, 07:41 PM

Wow guys!

Thanks for all the responses. And the conclusion that I've come to is that I'm going to have to hold off for awhile until after the holiday season (giving to others and the like). I'm always excited for tips though. I don't know if this is normal... but the anticipation and pre-purchase obsession is almost as good as actually buying and using the item!

Also, I've heard a lot of warning about the corner on my razor. Strangely enough I've never had trouble with it. When she does bite me its usually because I'm not paying good enough attention and my angle's wrong. Boy is that embarrassing.

[weez]

**Neurotopia** · 12-12-2011, 08:57 PM

Once you're accustomed to a spike, a whole world opens up. Just pray that world =/= artery. In all seriousness, if you're doing ok with the spike, just start trying other stuff that you can afford. That's the best way to figure out preferences. We can theorize to death on here but man, a bunch of things I thought would fit my personal predilections have let me down big-time once I experienced them.