Reputable site?

Hello all,

I am a new member and I am looking for a reputable site to buy my first straight razor. I really like SRD, but the black dovos are all out of stock. I found the website Vintage Straight Razor with this amazing promotion: BEST SELLER Buffalo Horn Shave Set - Vintage Straight Razor. I am just wondering whether you guys know of this website and its reputability. There is no brand name listed for the razor in the set, which is cause for concern.

If not that website, is there a recommendation of a place where I can get a good strop and straight razor combo around $100? I would like to get a dovo, but it would be best if it is on sale or something like that.

Let me know of your thoughts (whether I need to consider a different brand, new website etc.)

Welcome aboard,,,, there are many sites out there that are reputable & some are discussed in detail on this forum. I suggest that you spend a little time by using the "Advanced Search" button,,upper right,,,(not the GOOGLE Search window),,,then put into the keywords section the business names that interest you , also any brands of razors,,,this will reveal the threads on SRP that discuss the topics you asked for. This is better than waiting for responses on one thread.

If you want a Dovo, then get a Dovo,,,,try contacting SRD by email or phone,,,they can tell you the status of their inventory. Dovo is a great brand,,,,spend a few hours here studying & learning, then you will have a ton more options.

I searched on SRP for any mention of the site but couldn't find any using the advanced search. Vintage razor is just such a common term and the .com didn't yield anything.

I'll definitely give SRD a call tomorrow to talk about their inventory though.

That razor is not a razor, it's a piece of metal that's shaped like a razor.

I know that vendor bashing is not allowed but I would steer clear of that site, they sell crappy pakistani razors and a few good ones to help their image and IIRC they use an electric knife sharpener to "hone" their razors.

Here is a link to read, if you have not already, while you wait to contact SRD;
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...traight_razors

I bought this same set before I found this informative site and since then have replaced every single piece for quality equipment. Please don't make the same mistake I did and purchase this set. Some less expensive recommendations that I have enjoyed are Illinois Russian strop and the semoque 1460 boar brush. I have not experienced it first hand but I have read a lot of good things about the site unseen razors from whipped dog. As for face prep recommendations, I am still working on that my self.

The soap, brush and bowl can be bought as a set at any drug store for about $16 and are the only items of any quality shown.

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Originally Posted by Watchata

Hello all,

I am a new member and I am looking for a reputable site to buy my first straight razor. I really like SRD, but the black dovos are all out of stock. I found the website Vintage Straight Razor with this amazing promotion: BEST SELLER Buffalo Horn Shave Set - Vintage Straight Razor. I am just wondering whether you guys know of this website and its reputability. There is no brand name listed for the razor in the set, which is cause for concern.

If not that website, is there a recommendation of a place where I can get a good strop and straight razor combo around $100? I would like to get a dovo, but it would be best if it is on sale or something like that.

Let me know of your thoughts (whether I need to consider a different brand, new website etc.)

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I'd read for a little while and find out what members like here.

The Classifieds section of this site is probably where I've bought most of my razors.

SRD was mentioned and it is a very reputable site, both price-wise and quality-wise.

I don't know the site you referenced, but I do know from experience the Classifieds and SRD are about as good as it gets for me.

Dovos are have been hard to find for about the past year. I see some turn up on ebay that were probably bought with the intention of resale before the shortage occurred. Some are new, some are used. I have bought a few of their "no frills" razors because I am on the road a lot and wanted to keep my favorites at home. Ebay can be a dicey proposition for new straight shavers because of all the junk that's put up for sale. This is the only one I would consider being close to a good deal, and it's not shave ready: Dovo "Best Quality" 6 8" Carbon Steel Straight Razor | eBay I read at a site that one of the key people involved in the manufacture of Dovo razors died suddenly and really put them in a bind. I have also read claims that the use of a straight razor in the latest James Bond movie made the demand for them skyrocket. Honestly I don't know what to believe.

I would buy either from the Classifieds section here or from SRD. You likely won't find a Dovo right now from either site, but they can steer you in the right direction for a quality razor at a fair price.

Ralph Aust razors are supposed to be good, and should be available from one of the vendors here shave ready, though I think they will cost most of your budget.
I would check out the classifieds for a cheaper shave ready vintage, or possibly whipped dog, though I have no experience with him.

I, too, made my first purchase at VSR, and was not impressed. The customer service was good, however the product was not impressive. There are other sites that are much better, many are listed in the forum.

Just a reminder: "vintage straight razorDOTcom" should never be confused with "vintagebladesllc.com" which is in fact an awesome vendor, and Lynn still does the honing for them, you just do not get the certificate for the second honing.

jim

I have been blown away by how many people have responded in fewer than 24 hours. This site is amazing and you all are just so friendly!

I ended up going with a Whiped Dog razor, seeing as it would be my first and I don't want to spend too much money. Thank you for all the help (especially Hirlau) in making sure I stayed clear of that site. I knew it looked funny, but I just wanted to make sure.

I'm glad you made a choice that you liked.
Enjoy the journey.

BTW,,,my intent was not to steer you clear of the site in your opening post, I've had no dealings with that vendor, so I cannot give you a thumbs up or down on him. I only wanted to slow your decision long enough for you to see/visit several vendors, thus giving you more choice.

Just hang with us. This site really is awesome. You'll be amazed at how much you will learn and how many buds you'll make! Some stand up guys with real talents and lots of wisdom! I'm very proud to be a member/student/mentor. Mentor to be that is....

IMHO if you do search for most popular razor brands, you will find out that the list will include the likes of : Dovo, Bocker, Double Duck, Filarmonica, TI, etc . See what they sell from the list and go for it. The rest is not talked about for a reason.

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Originally Posted by edhewitt

Ralph Aust razors are supposed to be good, and should be available from one of the vendors here shave ready, though I think they will cost most of your budget.
I would check out the classifieds for a cheaper shave ready vintage, or possibly whipped dog, though I have no experience with him.

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The Ralf Aust's are good, IMO. I have 2....a 5/8 and a 6/8, from SRD and both are good shavers. I also have a Dovo, and it too shaves well, but frankly I like the R. Aust's better. YMMV.

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Originally Posted by Watchata

I have been blown away by how many people have responded in fewer than 24 hours. This site is amazing and you all are just so friendly!

I ended up going with a Whiped Dog razor, seeing as it would be my first and I don't want to spend too much money. Thank you for all the help (especially Hirlau) in making sure I stayed clear of that site. I knew it looked funny, but I just wanted to make sure.

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Welcome to SRP! Glad you found the site and got some good feedback for your first purchase. I have 2 sight unseen razors from Whipped Dog and 3 more in the mail that should arrive today. Good solid vintage razors and Larry has always been a class act. Enjoy your new razor!

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Originally Posted by Haroldg48

The Ralf Aust's are good, IMO. I have 2....a 5/8 and a 6/8, from SRD and both are good shavers. I also have a Dovo, and it too shaves well, but frankly I like the R. Aust's better. YMMV.

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+1 to this. I prefer my Aust over my Dovo just my opinion though.

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Originally Posted by Watchata

I have been blown away by how many people have responded in fewer than 24 hours.

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Yeah ..... ah ..... we have no life.