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I have been shaving with a dovo best quality for a few weeks now. My question after looking through the forum a bit is should I add a second razor to get rotation or should I buy a set of hones first? Both seem equally important from my perspective. And right now my budget can support only one or the other.
You don't need a set of hones unless you plan to buy vintage razors and restore them. If all you plan is to shave with a str8 razor a barber hone (are not that expensive $15-$30) is all you will need to maintain your razor(s) for a long time. It is a good idea to have a backup razor in case later on you do need to send one out for re-honing. So that being said your budget may support both a second razor and a barber hone.
I do plan on doing restoration work. However I think the backup razor for the time being is going to to be what I end up going with. Debating on getting another dovo or getting a Ralph Aust. SRD doesn't seem to have many razors in Stock right now.
Get a ralf aust over a dovo if you can find one... Yeah two is good enough to start then restore a couple... It builds up fast once you have the means to buy rust buckets, sand them up good then repin ... I've had a couple razors I bought for 20 bucks then restore them to be super shaversQuote:
Originally Posted by thehattr
Like the one below..
Attachment 153468
+1 on the backup razor. I'd wait a while on the hones.
+1 on the backup razor also.
Backup razor it is then. It seems ralf aust razors are hard to find currently... I'd like to try a different brand than what I already have.
What's your budget?
Around 200.
Aw man that's a good budget.. For vintage I'm liking my heljestrand mk31 ~$120
For new: any of the base model thiers issard, dovo Bismarck, revisor 6/8, shavingshop.com has an 8/8 dorko factory seconds, revisor razors, 50 dollars more and you could get a wacker...
Personally I prefer vintage razors, I love Joseph Rodgers & Sons followed by Wade & Butcher, Boker, George Wostenholm & Sons, Bismarck just to name a few. But everyone is different, some like new while others prefer vintage.
The fun part of this sport is experiment to see what works for you. The only thing that is 'set in stone' is getting a good shave.........
Once I get a budget built back up for some hones I plan to g get some vintage blades to restore.
Sorry, on my phone and it likes to insert random characters at times.
+1 to not toughing honed until a year or so into using straights and you have a handful of razors.
New, I'd recommend Revisor 6/8 they have a huge selection, especially in 6/8, and have razors ranging from 4/8 to 8/8 as well as a large selection of new old stock razors...so maybe check them out if you want vintage as well. I'd recommend vintage as they are typically better shavers.
I can't help but agree that another straight and a barbers hone are a good route. Not all barbers hones are created equal and if you are planning on going that route check on Modines research at http://www.razorandstone.com - The Front Page to get a good one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kwlfca
I also HIGHLY recommend Revisor. I shaved this morning with my 7/8 and I'm always impressed with the great shaves it delivers, the great edge it takes, and the feel of the steel. Wonderful razors and many to choose from.
If your completely new to straights then the second razor would be a good idea. have it pro honed. before I started to touch up the edge or re-hone I would recommend watching the videos on the subject on u tube. there are several on the subject. Lynn Abrams and Gssixgun are the two I watched on honing and refreshing the edge. there are many videos on restoring vintage razors also. whether you buy a vintage or new doesn't really matter as long as you like the one you get. the classified here has some nice blades. if you don't get carried away then ebay is an ok place to look.
You express a desire to restore and hone razors. I would start with the Rust bucket razors. just one at a time. I would not practice on one of my good blades. I found a rusty old blade in an antique shop for 5.00 dollars. made excellent practice material. when I got to where I could hone my razor I shave with the old $5 blade was a tooth pick. just a thought and suggestion. anyway that's my 0.03 cents worth. oh yea the folks here all give great advice. good bunch of people.
I like to watch Lynn and Gssixgun videos and I wish max would make one. I'd watch it.:tu
I've got a 6/8 with nice wood scales. I ended up putting a touch of lemon oil on them recently....night and day! I just wish they had a larger selection for the 7/8, although they do sell a variety of scales in their "spare parts" section.Quote:
Originally Posted by OCDshaver
I definitely like Revisors though. I have a modern Dovo and a modern Revisor...I'd probably never buy another Dovo unless it was vintage. A Revisor on the other hand, I wouldn't hesitate. Much better value than Dovos if you ask me, better prices and better shavers.
The steel feels like vintage steel.....if that makes any sense. I have a Dovo as well. And while its ok, its just ok. I'm much happier with my Revisor than my Dovo. They are slightly more difficult to purchase in that the website and purchase process is not as simple as others. But the minor hassle is worth it.Quote:
Originally Posted by kwlfca
Don't forget about the classifieds here. IMO, Right now there's a lot of good razors on there right around your budget. There's a few marked with really good prices. Have you had a look on there??
Yes he has... He's got a wacker best tradition going his direction ;-)
I appreciate everyone's insight and pointers from experience. It looks like I'm not going to be getting another Dovo any time soon. I have a 5/8 Dovo and I have a 6/8 Wacker on the way thanks to Heespharm. It looks like i may be putting a revisor on my list for my next 'new' razor. In the mean time I am watching a lot of restoration videos and forum browsing. It looks like I am going to be trying lapping film before going all out and getting a set of Naniwa hones. I have read a few posts and I've seen some people get good results with lapping film.
