Thread: wanting to buy my first... question about types of steel

I would like to find a nice quality blade for under 250.00 I like what I have read about the Dovo razors so far. I noticed you can get them various types of steel, like stainless steel. What are the advantages and disadvantages of different steel types, and is there any type of steel I should avoid for my first razor.

Thanks all

A good quality Dovo will be excellent to start. It really makes no difference whatsoever which you choose, stainless or carbon. I suggest carbon as a first razor, but thats purely subjective and good arguments can be made either way.

You can read up on what those differences are all through our files. If and when you have questions it helps to tell us which type of steel your question refers to.

Get your Dovo and save some of that cash for a nice quality strop. Razors come and go, the strop will be used for all the razors. Stainless and Carbon alike.

Woops, sorry . . . Welcome to the forum.

High carbon sharpens easier, but you have to treat them more delicately as they are prone to rust if left wet. it's not a big deal, but it is something to keep in mind.

Stainless Steal, is harder to sharpen, at least initially. I have been told that once the edge is established, it is no different to maintain then on a high carbon steal blade. I don't have much experience with Stainless Steal razors, but I have never really like any of the SS knives that I have had in the past. They were too hard for me to maintain. I think that razors would be a little easier, but I can not say that for sure.

The majority of people seem to prefer the High Carbon Steel, but there are quite a few who like the Stainless. Most people here have both.

Matt

Thanks for the nice welcome, and thanks for the quick replies. I plan on ordering one this week probably from classicshave and have them hone it for me as well.

Which one are you going to order?

That is what I am questioning still... Dovo makes some very nice looking razors. Any suggestions?

For that kind of money I'd get a Dovo Bergischer Lowe. I don't own one myself but they've got an outstanding reputation.

Originally Posted by mparker762

For that kind of money I'd get a Dovo Bergischer Lowe. I don't own one myself but they've got an outstanding reputation.

I'm glad you said that cause that was the main one I was looking at

Hi Captaind welcome,

You could also look at a Tony Miller package with razor strop & paddle etc, he has plenty of combinations where you can mix and match various items. You won't go wrong with any of Tony's products.

John

I'd say DON'T spend that kind of money on your first razor. Get a restored razor from one of our members. It'll come shave ready and get you thinking about what kind of razor you really enjoy shaving with. Try a few styles and once you've determined that you really like a smiling spike tipped stainless steel razor, then get Robert (Papabull) to make one for you just the way you like it.

X