My first Razor

Hi All,

After my introduction and some research over the last couple of days I'd like to ask some advice and opinions of the more experienced shavers :)
First of all, Thanks for the info so far and the warm welcome.


I found a webshop that ships to me so I should be getting my first SR soon :)
So far I'm looking at either a Dovo Best Quality/Dovo Black Star or a Boker King Cutter
I'm leaning towards the King Cutter since its in stock compared to the Dovo ones and it's getting some good reviews.
And to be honest I like the design of the blade itself also more.
I'm not yet thinking towards a vintage razor cause I just don't know enough about it just yet.

The Boker is a bit more expensive ( arround €40 compared to the Best Quality and about €10 compared to the Black Star )
I know more expensive doesn't mean better by default but it's only a few € so it's not that big a deal..

I don't mind spending a bit more if the Boker is indeed better cause from what I'm reading here this razor should pretty much last me lifetime :)
And also, I'll be finally rid of the expensive disposable cartridges..

I got a heavy beard so I'm going through my disposable razors in about 1 to 2 a week before they get all clogged and blunt (I even tried things like razorpit and other gadgets, I probably could treat em better but these razors are just so unnecessary complicated that they seem to break just by looking at them )
From what I can gather, besides the SR is would need a strop and brush but I think I can figure those out by myself:) (hopefully :P)

You guys got any opinions about the 3 razors I'm looking at?
Or am I missing on any other good ones I just missed?

Thanks for the info and feedback!
(any other sources of information (i've been crawling through the wiki already) is also welcome and appreciated!)

Those are all good razors, but even the best razor made is no better than its edge when it comes to the shave. I emphtically recommend that you have it professionally honed, if possible by a vendor who hones. In the unlikely event of a blade defect, the vendor should catch it when honing.

I try to stay away from lots of gold wash etc. That can make it hard to recover from nooby maintenance errors. It does not make a razor shave better.

I recommend starting with 5/8 or 6/8 round point or rounded square point hollow ground blades.

The shave is mostly about learning to shave, strop well, refresh your edge, and eventually hone well. This takes time. You can win with any of the three razors.


HTH

Thanks for the feedback already!

I was hoping to find a shop nearby but so far no luck yet. Therefor my first alternative is the webshop and hope for the best while trying to hone it myself (which probably wouldn't end well)
My initial thought was indeed a 5/8 round point. That seems to be the safe choice to start with ( not too big and the rounded point should give me less chance of nicks )

I'll see if I can find a shop somewhere "closeby" or atleast find some kind of course that can teach me a thing or two so I can try it myself.

If any people from Belgium got some tips on where to buy ( and possibly get it honed from time to time ) I would appreciate it.
Any hints on strops/stones/brushes or anything a beginner might be able to use.. shoot :)

Try to find a good quality used razor right here that will ship to you "shave ready". Other wise as was said above make sure you get a new one professionally honed before you shave with it. Either way don't strop it before you use it for the first time.

The newbs best bet is to buy off the SRP classifieds vintage pro honed.yah i understand,everyone wants new razors,new cars,new this and that.
But my observations have been that at least 50% of newbs who drop alot of coin on razors,strops, hones,$50 soaps and high buck brushes drop off the site within a month,never to be seen again.
Why?? they found out that the best equip in the world will not work for them,they want a magic bullit,they want it all TODAY.
SR shaving do's not work that way newbs.
I applaud those that try,but spending more in the beginning stages is not more.JMO

Hope I didn't offend someone with my questions? (sorta seems like it)

I don't need the newest, fanciest things but when I look through the classifieds I see about the same prices as what i'm looking at to buy new.
Strops, hones, soaps I'm just gonna get something decent and not at all gonna go overboard on that.

I also understand that it has a learning curve but to be honest I've tried pretty much everything I could think of to get a decent shave an right now I got some pretty good disposable razors but I'm sick of the price. So I'd like to give this a try and hopefully enjoy it :)

Start slow and easy,is a wonderfull sport.

dirkr -
I don't think you offended anyone.
Pixelfixed was just pointing out that the older restored razors are, in most cases, as good as a new one.
Don't be afraid of buying used as long as it's a reputable dealer.

Yes, its about the journey, take your time and enjoy the trip. No one is offended and I believe that everyone wants you to have a good experience. All three razors that you mention are good, and vintage razors with little wear having good geometry, steel, and heat treat are also good. What makes the most difference is the stropping, refreshing, and honing of the edge followed by good face prep. All of these important skills take time to learn. It is a bit like first learning to use chop sticks, they feel very awkward and one drops a lot of food. After doing it 1,000 times, even 5 year old children pick up food like the chop sticks are part of their hand. After you have learned the skills, you will then appreciate the sometimes subtle differences between razors. Until the basic skills are learned, you are just choosing between different chop sticks, but the result is about the same.

HTH

I would advise you not to drop a lot of coin on your first razor. Get the least expensive Dovo or Boker (if your going to buy a new razor), or buy an inexpensive vintage razor. DEFINETLY have it honed by a reputable professional. A well honed bottom of the barrel Boker will shave just as well as their most expensive model. Good luck.