Thread: First straight razor

I am about to buy my first straight razor--a brand new one, which I guess means a Dovo or Thiers-Issard. My plan is to purchase it from Classic Shaving and to have it sharpened immediately through Classic Shaving's sharpening service. That way, I will have a baseline for gauging my own honing and stropping.

My budget is $130 or less. My emphasis is function, not form, so I do not need fancy handles or gold plating etc. Right now I am leaning toward a Theirs Super Gnome (1/2 hollow ground) or a Dovo Best Quality (full hollow ground).

1. What are your recommendations?

2. Am I better off with a Dovo or a Thiers-Issard?

3. Am I better off with a 5/8 or 6/8 blade?

If it matters, for the last three months, I have been shaving with a Merkur DE HD. Before that, I was electric.

Thanks.

Both are fine, though TIs seem to be held in somewhat higher regard for their shaving qualities. If you have a heavy beard you will probably find the 1/2 hollow super gnome a somewhat easier razor to learn on, since its stiffer blade will be less prone to flexing.

Classic's sharpening service is Lynn Abrams, the founder of this site, and is highly regarded for his honing abilities.

5/8 or 6/8 doesn't really seem to matter, they're both pretty maneuverable. 5/8 was more popular back in the day, though 6/8 and even larger seem to be more popular nowadays.

Thanks! I really appreciate your help.

1. Get a strop

2. No

3. No

You may want to check out http://shop.thewellshavedgentleman.com/ for strops and pre-honed, shave ready razors, or check out the entry-level razors on http://www.shavingshop.com/ (although I don't know if they come shave ready or not). I have a 6/8 "German Hoppe" from ShavingShop coming soon, which will be my first new straight.

Just my 2 cents.

I think you should buy what appeals to you. You will get a great shave from either one. In general TI makes a better blade and Dovo does better finishing but either way you won't be disappointed.

I wouldn't worry about the size. After your first you can see what you like best and go up or down for size. A 5/8s or 6/8s is mid sized.