Razor or stone; what should my next purchase be?

thisISjoel

thisISjoel

Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2015
Location
Australia
Hey bros, got about 20 shaves on a gold dollar that I got from @Mark and I'm really enjoying straight shaving so far.

My question is what should I buy next, a new, nicer razor or a stone to freshen up the edge of the GD?

What do you say and why?
 
A better blade next.
...then the stones, so you can practice on the GD.

Otherwise you'll practice on your only razor and if you stuff it, shaving with stone - other than obsidian - can be awfully difficult.
 
stillshunter said:
A better blade next.
...then the stones, so you can practice on the GD.

Otherwise you'll practice on your only razor and if you stuff it, shaving with stone - other than obsidian - can be awfully difficult.
Click to expand...

TBH this is what I was hoping for :) I've been window shopping a guy on reddit who always has heaps of vintage razors for sale (https://m.reddit.com/r/Shave_Bazaar/comments/42uken/wts_roctraitor_shave_ready_and_unseen_straight/), but I don't really know what I'm looking at. There are a few I like the look of so hopefully some bros can shed some light on what might be good from the following:

http://imgur.com/a/Vegvd

http://imgur.com/a/xKXrA

http://imgur.com/a/1pDNn

http://imgur.com/a/zxA4L#0

http://imgur.com/a/0Nc5a

http://imgur.com/a/di5Me

http://imgur.com/a/dM2F9

http://imgur.com/a/DGzT4

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
thisISjoel said:
TBH this is what I was hoping for :) I've been window shopping a guy on reddit who always has heaps of vintage razors for sale (https://m.reddit.com/r/Shave_Bazaar/comments/42uken/wts_roctraitor_shave_ready_and_unseen_straight/), but I don't really know what I'm looking at. There are a few I like the look of so hopefully some bros can shed some light on what might be good from the following:

http://imgur.com/a/Vegvd

http://imgur.com/a/xKXrA

http://imgur.com/a/1pDNn

http://imgur.com/a/zxA4L#0

http://imgur.com/a/0Nc5a

http://imgur.com/a/di5Me

http://imgur.com/a/dM2F9

http://imgur.com/a/DGzT4

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Are they shave ready?...and a good price?

If you just want another then one of us will sell you one ready to go for a nice price.

But if I were to choose one from this lot - that I'd hone myself - I'd go the Boker definitely otherwise the Griffon or Hamburg Ring, then any of the Solingens
 
stillshunter said:
Are they shave ready?...and a good price?

If you just want another then one of us will sell you one ready to go for a nice price.

But if I were to choose one from this lot - that I'd hone myself - I'd go the Boker definitely otherwise the Griffon or Hamburg Ring, then any of the Solingens
Click to expand...

Yeah, they will be shave ready (the seller hones them and seems to have a good rep on reddit).

I'm defs not opposed to buying local though.
 
well put out a WTB ad mate. There's a few of us will have something.

What you after in particular?

e.g.,
which:
Size - 5/8, 11/16, 7/8?
Profile - hollow, extra hollow, quarter hollow?
Steel - sheffield, solingen, swedish, japanese?
...etc?
 
stillshunter said:
well put out a WTB ad mate. There's a few of us will have something.

What you after in particular?

e.g.,
which:
Size - 5/8, 11/16, 7/8?
Profile - hollow, extra hollow, quarter hollow?
Steel - sheffield, solingen, swedish, japanese?
...etc?
Click to expand...

Good thinking 99! I. Don't really know exactly what I want, but I think I want something in the 11/16, 6/8, 13/16, 7/8 size range.

Profile, I don't know, I've read hollow is easier to hone?

Steel, I've read solingen is the best, but again I really don't have any experience so I don't really want one thing in particular. I'm open to most anything.

What would you suggest someone in my position look for?
 
thisISjoel said:
Good thinking 99! I. Don't really know exactly what I want, but I think I want something in the 11/16, 6/8, 13/16, 7/8 size range.

Profile, I don't know, I've read hollow is easier to hone?

Steel, I've read solingen is the best, but again I really don't have any experience so I don't really want one thing in particular. I'm open to most anything.

What would you suggest someone in my position look for?
Click to expand...

What do you like best and least about the Gold Dollar?
 
stillshunter said:
What do you like best and least about the Gold Dollar?
Click to expand...

Hmm, I'll have to give that some thought. On its face it looks a simple question, but I'm not able to come up with any answers. I feel like not having a point of comparison makes it difficult. For example, I know that I like how mild a tech is, but dislike that it is not as efficient as say my parker 97r. With the GD I've got no reference point.
 
If you like mild and efficient then maybe a Sheffield - many say it gives the most comfortable shave. Solingen could suit you too though a little more aggressive it holds an edge for longer. Maybe avoid the Swedish and Japanese first off as they have quite a bite - but boy when you get it right then yeah, yeah, yeah!

Also I'd go for extra hollow as it'll sing unlike the GD. You'll also be struck by just how heavy the GD actually is - while an extra hollow is so manoeuvrable....though be warned it can then more easily bite.

So extra hollow Sheffiield or Solingen is my pick so far.

What kind of point does your GD have - round or square. I far prefer square for accuracy and getting into hard to reach places but that little corner can dig if you're not careful.

I don't know about going too big early on - though something like 6/8" is nice!
 
stillshunter said:
If you like mild and efficient then maybe a Sheffield - many say it gives the most comfortable shave. Solingen could suit you too though a little more aggressive it holds an edge for longer. Maybe avoid the Swedish and Japanese first off as they have quite a bite - but boy when you get it right then yeah, yeah, yeah!

Also I'd go for extra hollow as it'll sing unlike the GD. You'll also be struck by just how heavy the GD actually is - while an extra hollow is so manoeuvrable....though be warned it can then more easily bite.

So extra hollow Sheffiield or Solingen is my pick so far.

What kind of point does your GD have - round or square. I far prefer square for accuracy and getting into hard to reach places but that little corner can dig if you're not careful.

I don't know about going too big early on - though something like 6/8" is nice!
Click to expand...

Cheers man, you're a legend! I think you pretty much just drafter my WTB thread! I did think the GD felt heavy!

Thanks!
 
@Mark probably has some vintages that he may sell too, so worth dropping him a line.
 
+1 to what @borked said - do yourself a real favour and have a talk with @Mark - he has a few really excellent razors on hand right now, and you you will get 100% focus on your needs. He will also give you some really useful education as part of the communication process. He doesn't have a vested interest in selling a particular razor, just in making sure you end up happy, wherever you end up getting a razor from.

*** I was just talking to him, and he would be delighted to help you figure out what you need. So give him a shout - absolutely nothing to lose.

Good luck with it all @thisISjoel :) Feel free to PM me if I can help at all...
 
Draco Noir said:
+1 to what @borked said - do yourself a real favour and have a talk with @Mark - he has a few really excellent razors on hand right now, and you you will get 100% focus on your needs. He will also give you some really useful education as part of the communication process. He doesn't have a vested interest in selling a particular razor, just in making sure you end up happy, wherever you end up getting a razor from.

*** I was just talking to him, and he would be delighted to help you figure out what you need. So give him a shout - absolutely nothing to lose.

Good luck with it all @thisISjoel :) Feel free to PM me if I can help at all...
Click to expand...

Cheers, I got my gold dollar from him :)
 
SpeedyPC said:
I have a question how reliable a straight razor vs a safety razor during wet shaving this has been buggy me for a while now.
Click to expand...
I'm yet to wield a straight towards my whiskers in anger, yet imagine reliable with a straight is mainly technique and experience.
Grab a Gold Dollar From @Mark and give it a go :)
 
SpeedyPC said:
I have a question how reliable a straight razor vs a safety razor during wet shaving this has been buggy me for a while now.
Click to expand...
Before I hazard an answer, what do you mean by "reliable" exactly mate?
 
I get a cleaner shave under the nose with a square point straight than any DE. Noting less obstructions you end up with infinitely more agility and control
 
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