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  1. #1
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    Default 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.

  2. #2
    There is no charge for Awesomeness Jimbo's Avatar
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    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.
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  3. #3
    Loudmouth FiReSTaRT's Avatar
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    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?

  4. #4
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    Default

    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.

  5. #5
    Loudmouth FiReSTaRT's Avatar
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    Then even a fully hollowed DOVO will do even though there's absolutely nothing wrong with getting a stiffer grind.

  6. #6
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    Thanks much! I really appreciate your help.

  7. #7
    Super Shaver xman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by schifano View Post
    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.

    Quote Originally Posted by schifano View Post
    [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.

    Quote Originally Posted by schifano View Post
    2. Am I better off with a Dovo or a Thiers-Issard?
    I vote TI by a nose.

    Quote Originally Posted by schifano View Post
    3. Am I better off with a 5/8 or 6/8 blade?
    That depends on you. Either would be fine.

    Quote Originally Posted by schifano View Post
    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.

    X

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