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.

I've only got personal experience of the Dovos but I know the TIs are held in high regard here. My first buy was a Dovo 5/8, based on function not form, and it was (and is) fine.

James.

You can't go wrong with a DOVO or a TI when it comes to function and even if a dud slips QC, you should have it replaced hassle-free. What's your hair type anyways?

My facial hair is spikey and hard, but I don't have a ton of it. I could go three days without a shave, and I would just have hard stubble, not a full beard or mustache.

Then even a fully hollowed DOVO will do even though there's absolutely nothing wrong with getting a stiffer grind.

Thanks much! I really appreciate your help.

Originally Posted by schifano

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.

Good thinking if a bit expensive.

Originally Posted by schifano

[COLOR=#555a5f]1. What are your recommendations?

You can get a less costly blade from a member to set the bar and still have funds for a brilliant strop from Tony Miller.

Originally Posted by schifano

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

I vote TI by a nose.

Originally Posted by schifano

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

That depends on you. Either would be fine.

Originally Posted by schifano

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

That means you'll be a step up on the soaps, brushes and lathers part of it all. Less to learn all at once.

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