What Straight razors are " must buys?

I am going treasure hunting this week looking for DE's and SE's in the wild.
I always come across Straight razors, but know nothing about them.
So if I see a Straight razor what brands are "Must Buys"?
Also is there anything else I should look for before I purchase one?
I don't plan on spending more then $20 on any I find in the wild.
If I find anything I'll post them up on BST unless I get the Straight shaving bug LOL

Thanks in advance........Doug

All of them!

Except the rusty ones, the heavily pitted ones, the chipped ones, the ones with the warped scales, the ones with the warped blades, the ones with cracks, the ones with hidden cracks.....unless you know exactly what you're doing and how to restore them.

If you do purchase one, you're going to need to hone it, or have someone hone it for you.
You also need a leather strop for between shave maintenances.

Good hunting!

Anything made in Solingen or Sheffield, as long as it isnt cracked, chipped or rusted (patina is OK).

Happy hunting.

What he said. Hope you have a fruitful expedition.

Seraphim said:

Anything made in Solingen or Sheffield, as long as it isnt cracked, chipped or rusted (patina is OK).

Happy hunting.

Click to expand...

Seraphim said:

Anything made in Solingen or Sheffield, as long as it isnt cracked, chipped or rusted (patina is OK).

Happy hunting.

Click to expand...

How about Thiers?

Any vintage Swedish razor preferably a Heljestrand, any Heljestrand.

Almost all of the re-branded razors (Simmon's Hdwe, Stirling Barber Supply etc.) are German made and good quality. Just make sure the condition is good.

@ Seraphim @ Polarbeard
agree in full.
I would add Japanese straights as well. Swedish or German steel was used for such razors.

I have been collecting straights for a month. Still a beginner in this field but IMO, vintage razors are by far the best ones to start with.
Let's not forget hobbyist razors as well ! They do shave pretty well.

Filarmonica

14s are downright amazing....


Never thought i'd be one of "those" guys.