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.