straight razors...

[rosebud5446]

I was thinking about getting my boyfriend a nice straight razor, strope, lather brush, ect... for Christmas. He has mentioned several times that he would like me to give him a wet shave, I don't think I will be able to do it right off, but I think he could slowly show me how to as he learns. I was wondering... how much more would he appreciate it if I got him a real nice one, like engraved with his initials, made out of ivory or something, ect..., or I should just get him a standard, cheaper, plain one (of course with a good quality blade)?
I was also wondering if I have to get a razor with an engraving plaque already on it, or if I can take one without a plaque to an engraving shop and they can put one on???
Guys, what would you think if your girlfriend/wife got you something like this?
Do you think you would use it often, or only on special occasions?

 

[rev0102]

Personally, special occasions only. I shaved exclusively with a straight razor when I was younger, up until I grew a paralyzing fear of sneezing while shaving.

 

[SweetErika]

I'd go with something less expensive to start since it sounds like he doesn't have experience with a straight razor. If he really likes it, you can always upgrade to something nicer in the future. If he doesn't like or use it that often, it won't be a big deal, and he won't feel obligated to use it just because you spent a lot on it.

Talk to your local engraver about what they need in terms of space, materials, etc. Have the dimensions of the model you're considering on hand. They'll be able to give you the best answers on that question.

 

[Not Normal]

I'd go with something less expensive to start since it sounds like he doesn't have experience with a straight razor. If he really likes it, you can always upgrade to something nicer in the future. If he doesn't like or use it that often, it won't be a big deal, and he won't feel obligated to use it just because you spent a lot on it.

Pretty much what I was gonna say. Erika is the voice of wisdom around here.

 

[mjl2010]

Shaving with one is no big deal if you're doing it on yourself. On the other hand, doing to someone else can be tricky.

No. Do not buy a cheap one. They sharpen poorly and after two or three shaves you may as well throw them away. You don't need fancy handles of course. But you do want one that closes.

His first time trying, I'd expect a few nicks.

Edited: By cheap I meant less than twenty bucks. I wasn't meaning you should spend a way more than that.

MJL

 

[SabreJon]

take a look at straightrazorplace.com or classicshaving.com

I shave exclusively with a SR, and have even convinced my wife to try as well.
advice:
the brush and soap/cream are just as important as the razor,
preparation is the key to a good shave: lots of warm lather, and a well honed and stropped razor.

a good blade is also important, do not get anything from Pakistan! a DOVO or Thiers-Issard are excellent.

the whole experience of the full straight razor shave is what most find so enjoyable, but I can also say I get a better shave (i.e. smoother, with less/no irritation) than with anything else.

have fun!

 

[Jackotheshadows]

I've been told that the best way to learn shaving with a straight razor is the blow up a round balloon, put shaving cream on it, and go to work. As I understand it, if you have the razor at the right angle, the cream comes off, but the balloon doesn't pop....

 

[EveAnna]

I don't think my hubby would trust me with a straight razor lol

 

[Jackotheshadows]

I don't think my hubby would trust me with a straight razor lol

I don't trust ME with one, let alone anyone else!!

 

[CopyCarver]

Straight razors aren't really my thing, but Caswell-Massey has some excellent ones, plus accessories.
www.caswellmassey.com

 

[rosebud5446]

well, even if he only used it for special occasions, it's probably something he'll have for the rest of his life maybe??? so wouldn't it still be good to get one with a nice handle engraved? eh, I'm just wondering how much he'll appreciate a really nice one, since it probably will be a special occasion thing. You know, since he will use it on special occasions, it should be really nice right? Or i could get the less nice one now, and get a fancy schmancy one down the line then I have 2 holidays in the bag!

 

[SweetErika]

well, even if he only used it for special occasions, it's probably something he'll have for the rest of his life maybe??? so wouldn't it still be good to get one with a nice handle engraved? eh, I'm just wondering how much he'll appreciate a really nice one, since it probably will be a special occasion thing. You know, since he will use it on special occasions, it should be really nice right? Or i could get the less nice one now, and get a fancy schmancy one down the line then I have 2 holidays in the bag!

I think we wll might be talking about different things when we say "really nice" and "less nice."

The really nice DOVO sets range from $150-800. Buying the really nice pieces separately is likely to push the price in the hundreds range.

Do you truly have the money for something like that? Would he want you to spend so much, particularly on something he may only use once in a while?

Furthermore, does he want to learn how to use and maintain his really nice razor properly? There are a lot of steps: http://www.en.nassrasur.com/razorcentral/index.html

 

[rosebud5446]

well, i wanted a DOVO one anyway, but like a plain plastic one versus like an ebony or ivory one is what I was trying to decide between.
I was also going to get him a book about shaving that just had alot of neat info in it, that the reviews said that after reading it, they looked forward to shaving every morning instead of it being a chore, so I thought that would be nice. bleh, i don't know, he's really hard to shop for, but i thought it would be a really nice present (the equivilant of giving him jewelry, but with a practical use, so a guy might appreciate it.)

 

[erodream351]

Awesome Gift Idea

xxxxx