Reddit reviews Gold Dollar – Shave Ready Straight Razor (6/8”, Round Tip, Carbon Steel)
We found 3 Reddit comments about Gold Dollar – Shave Ready Straight Razor (6/8”, Round Tip, Carbon Steel). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Shave Ready – No honing or stropping necessary out of the boxFree Lifetime Sharpening – Never shave with a dull razor again6/8” blade – The most popular and common straight razor sizeHollow Ground – Keeps the blade light, flexible and easier to hone over time.Carbon Steel Blade – For the most comfortable shave available
There are three types of inexpensive "straight razors" sold on Amazon. The most common is not a straight razor at all, it's a hair shaper that takes half a double-edge blade. Here is an example. And while they're okay for touching up sideburns or beard lines, they're the wrong tool for the job if you want to shave your face.
Second are the prop razors, a/k/a RSOs, or razor-shaped objects. They're perfect if you're going to be putting on a production of Sweeney Todd, but that's all they're good for. Here is an example. The geometry only bears a passing resemblance to a real straight razor, and the blade is inexpensive steel that won't hold an edge suitable for shaving.
Third are the scam artists' razors. Amazon Marketplace is the habitat of numerous vendors whose sole purpose in life is to sell unusable razors by false advertising. Here is an example. These are actual straight razors, but they're typically made in Pakistan or China, and the quality is extremely low. An expert honemeister might (emphasis on might) be able to fix one of these up and make it usable, but that will cost you many times the price of the razor, and that's only if you can find someone willing to work on it. More importantly, "usable" is the best you can hope for. Note that some vendors sell the same crap razors for a lot more money - you don't get what you pay for. Other vendors (many of whom have great Amazon reviews) claim that these $5 razors have been honed to shave readiness (example). Generally speaking, they're either woefully misinformed as to how a straight razor should shave, or they're flat-out lying.
Finally, there are real, decent-quality razors available on Amazon. Here is an example. These razors are not inexpensive, and they do not come shave-ready. If you buy one, you will need to send it out to a honemeister, which is going to set you back another $20+.
If you want an inexpensive straight razor, /u/RocTraitor has a bunch of listings on /r/Shave_Bazaar. Take a look at his Regular, Clearance, and Christmas listings, or just get a "sight unseen" razor and strop.
If you're determined to buy on Amazon, the only open razor I'd recommend is a Feather Artist Club. It isn't a straight razor because it uses replaceable blades, and the blades are fairly expensive, but it's actually designed for full-face shaving. I still prefer a real straight razor, but the AC is at least a viable alternative.
Get yourself a Gold Dollar and hone it up. https://www.amazon.com/Gold-Dollar-Shave-Straight-Carbon/dp/B00LWPWOVK
I am in US, but thanks for the offer. I was looking for a new blade rather than a restored antique. Is there such a thing as "shave ready" blade? I was looking at something like this, what do you think? Would they hone a razor at a general sharpening shop in town or do I have to send it somewhere?