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Inexpensive razors

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Brutus013

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Where can I buy inexpensive straight razors, possibly in the same package as a strop, lather, brush, etc. A lot of the straight razors I've seen are a bit too expensive for my tastes.
 
You could try asking at Straight Razor Place, but I'd steer clear of real cheapos if you want a decent shave. Try picking up a shave-ready used straight in their buy / sell /trade forums.

You probably won't find an all-in-one package unless somebody on that forum wants to sell a starter kit.
 
If you go to the classified ad part of the Straight Razor Place forum, there are a couple of guys who have some starter kits set up, and they are more than willing to point you in the right direction. great bunch of guys there. Also check out the razor wiki while you are there, they have a good list of brands to avoid.
 
Wapencia razors seem to be the most economical that are worth spending money on. There are a ton of really bad razors around that wont give a good shave no matter how you prep them. Get a razor that comes from a honemeister presharpened. That way, all you need is a strop and you are set for about 6 months. By then you will know if you like it or not.

There's a buy, sell, trade area on badgerandblade.com where you can get really nice razors at a great price.
 
As far as straight razors go, what would be a "real cheapo"? They have several shave ready used ones for under $40.
 
"Made in Pakistan"? Horrors!

Out of the 2 dozen straight razors I've picked-up over the years, the only one I could not sharpen enough to cut hair (not shave, but just to try on my arm) is a Paki razor. Must've been made out of aluminum...

A good source for straight razors is eBay. Watch the auctions for a while to see which ones get bought and at what prices, then set a limit for yourself and stick to it. You won't win every auction, but similar razors show up all the time and you'll eventually be able to win some good used blades. Look for ones made in Solingen or Sheffield. Some really good ones can be had for under $10. Really nice ones for under $30. I picked-up an ivory-handled Solingen razor for $15.00 that looked NIB. Just take your time and don't buy Paki!
 
problem is that a lot of cheap overseas razors are assembled in germany, allowing a solingen stamp. plus you never really know what people mean by minor pitting, small chip etc. I'd go for something off the straight razor place classifieds, those guys are honest. If you want to start from scratch and learn all of it at once, cruise antique places, at least then you know for sure what you are getting into!
 
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