Purchasing a Razor for my Boyfriend, Help!

Hello! I'm Kate.

After some discussion over a few first dates, I realized that not only has my boyfriend always coveted a razor of his own, but he's always wanted to have the morning ritual of a straight razor shave. I only know so much as from watching my brother shave, hone, and prepare the blade with his Dovo, yet past this, my knowledge of men-folk and their blades is few. His birthday, the boyfriend, is coming up at the end of September and I'm certain that this would be a present he would greatly value. Not to mention, absolutely adore.

However, other than knowing that Dovo's an excellent brand and shaving the back of my brother's neck, I have no idea as to go about choosing a razor for my boyfriend. Would some of you veterans care to weight in? It would be most appreciated. I would like to keep the razor itself under the $200 dollar range and my brother's donating his strop so my boyfriend can practice before I purchase a new one.

Once again, thank you for your time. I've looked at Dovo's gorgeous Astrale, but I'm a little concerned on it not being suited for my boyfriend, as he'll be a beginner. I've also gandered at RoyalShave's Beginner 6 Piece Straight Razor Set and it seems to be up for the cause.

Thanks in advance!

Kate

EDIT- Does anyone have any information on beginning razors? Before he decides to make the long-term investment, I want to make sure that he really does enjoy his gift. I don't mind starting him up on a beginning blade as long as it's quality and will last until he decides he's ready for an upgrade(Christmas!;]).

Thanks again! You've all been so helpful!

If your boyfriend is into astrology the dovo astrale would be really cool. You have to look into them because there is 12 different ones. One for each zodiac sign. I personally would love to get one from my wife.

Good luck with your choice

$200 will buy a very nice first razor. I am new to striaghts myself and I bought DOVO best quality. Its an absolutlry great first razor IMO. I believe you can pick one up for around $100. However, there is a large amount of affordable razors out there that would make a great first razor.

Also, ask your brother! It sounds like he is familiar with the addiction and he would give an opinion that you trust.

Hi Kate.

For 200$ you get alot of razor for the money.

another way to do it is spending 120$ on a razor, witch you stil get a good razor for. and 80$ on a soap and brush.
im sure someone even here can sell a razor for that and you will get a nice shave ready vintage razor in good condition to mint condition. a vintage razor is not less good, its in fact most of the time the vice versa way, that the vintage razors are better atleast thats my experiance.

size. i would recommend betwin 5/8 and 6/8 as a first razor. smaler then that it can be hard to keep angels right, and aslo harder to strop. and bigger then 6/8 will feel like a big spatula to the face for a beginner.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by meleii

If your boyfriend is into astrology the dovo astrale would be really cool. You have to look into them because there is 12 different ones. One for each zodiac sign. I personally would love to get one from my wife.

Good luck with your choice

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Hey, Meleii.

One of the main reasons why I would consider the Astrale would be for his love of astrology. I'm just not certain he would be ready for that blade, since he's never shaved with one. Even though he's been dead set on having one of his own, I would be a little more comfortable with him geared toward something for beginners.

The Astrale is beautiful and a possible future purchase. Hell. I'd love to get one for myself! We ladies enjoy a damn good shave on the knees from time to time that those pesky safety's neglect.

Thanks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MrMagnus

Hi Kate.

For 200$ you get alot of razor for the money.

another way to do it is spending 120$ on a razor, witch you stil get a good razor for. and 80$ on a soap and brush.
im sure someone even here can sell a razor for that and you will get a nice shave ready vintage razor in good condition to mint condition. a vintage razor is not less good, its in fact most of the time the vice versa way, that the vintage razors are better atleast thats my experiance.

size. i would recommend betwin 5/8 and 6/8 as a first razor. smaler then that it can be hard to keep angels right, and aslo harder to strop. and bigger then 6/8 will feel like a big spatula to the face for a beginner.

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Hey, MrMagnus.

Thank you for the post! He's large-handed, would you consider the 6/8 a little more proper for him? If it helps, he's 6'+ and has a steady grip.

I would like to keep my budget under the $200 range, yet still have something that's been honed and shave-ready. I could have my brother hone it, but if push comes to shove, I would like to have it shave-ready.
I've considered going to some of the local antique and collecting stores to see their selections, just once again, making sure it's been cleaned and able to be readily used.

I do have a very well-kept badger brush that was my grandfathers, of which will be a part of the gift.

Thanks for the advice, One!

My brother (in law) considers his knowledge of Dovo a mere drop in the bucket. We've discussed several things and both agree that it's a high-quality brand. His wife, my sister, had purchased him a cheaply made straight razor as a starter and once he got up to par on that, bought him a Dovo.

Would you have any links as to where I can purchase one for around $100? As I've stated, I would like to keep my budget under $200, if possible. I've been perusing the vendors here on SRP and if something catches my eye, I'll be sure to post.

I have a 5/8 full hollow Boker King Cutter from SRD, a 6/8 quarter hollow Hart Steel Razor, a 6/8 full hollow Ralf Aust with Grenadilla handles and a 5/8 full hollow Dovo Gentleman. If I could only keep one, it would undoubtedly be the 6/8 Ralf Aust razor. If I could only have two of them, the second one would be the Boker King Cutter. I personally like the 6/8 for size, the full hollow for grind and think the Ralf Aust razors are a great bargain. As much as I've sharpened each one of my razors on different hones, each razor tends to default to a certain feel when shaving no matter what I do (as long as I hone it the best I can with that set of stones). Given that, I like the feel of the 6/8 Ralf Aust first, then the 6/8 Hart Steel quarter hollow then the 5/8 Boker King Cutter and I hate the Dovo Gentlemen (mine's kind of a lemon, I suspect). Hope this helps.

Edit : double post.