Thread: Gold dollar or alternative?

New guy looking for a new affordable straight. So far I've looked at the vintage stuff but I really want a new blade not a vintage. I've come across a couple options in my price bracket the gold dollar 208 for 50$ and the 800 for 65. They are honed by a sharper razor. The only difference between them from what he is saying is the 208 is carbon and the 800 is stainless.

Are there any other options in the 50-75$ range for a new blade? I'm wanting to eventually learn to hone but I wanted a blade I can use first. If these are my best option for now then should I get the carbon or the stainless?

I've already looked at the whipped dog offerings

I wouldn't go that route. I hear you on the idea of wanting a new razor vs. a vintage. But in this case you really will get what you pay for. If you're new, you don't want to start already at a disadvantage. I would look for a vintage razor, probably here in the classified area. If you want a new razor, the names to look for are Dovo, Thiers Issard, Boker, Revisor, or Wacker. None of them will have a razor in that price range. My advice is to go the vintage route.

There are some options out there to pay just a little bit more and have a much better razor. Check this link out- it's a Dovo Best Quality, shave ready and shipped free for $81 from a reputable dealer. And it's in stock!

https://www.thesuperiorshave.com/ind..._category_id=9

Quality never costs ... It pays!

Your first straight could color your entire interpretation of the genre. Why not start with a quality piece of craftsmanship?
I would always, and I mean always, go for a vintage over a Chinese razor shaped object. The Chinese articles can vary in usability ... Why take a chance on ruining your introduction?

An entry level DOVO or Boker is a nice razor!

A gold dollar at those prices is crazy. They usually sell for a few bucks.

Think I saw a nice Keen Kutter in the Classifieds, great razor to start with...

I know it's only like 4 or 5$ for a #66 but in this case it's been sharpened. Apparently ruprazor used to offer GDs but I've emailed him and he no longer offers them due to the quality issues with the #66s . I've found a few posts about how it's a great beginner blade even compared to a dovo because it's a good beater blade.

Originally Posted by zero2005

I know it's only like 4 or 5$ for a #66 but in this case it's been sharpened. Apparently ruprazor used to offer GDs but I've emailed him and he no longer offers them due to the quality issues with the #66s . I've found a few posts about how it's a great beginner blade even compared to a dovo because it's a good beater blade.

Since you've joined us on SRP to begin this very cool and fun journey, a straight razor is not sharpened, it is honed.

I started with a Dovo Best Quality, 5/8, 1/2 hollow grind, and it is and was an excellent beginner blade, still have and use it, and theres no need to buy a "beater" when you can get a reasonably priced razor to start with that will last your lifetime.

There's lots of great advice here, it's up to you....

That dovo linked above is the lowest priced new reputable razor I could find. I did see something in your price range in the vendors corner. Some clean looking vintage professionally honed. STRAZORS.com - all about classic razors - Southington Cutlery Co.

I myself wasn't satisfied by the quality of those GD. I bought and sharpened (ooops, honed, is it^^) one myself, by curiosity, and the edge wouldn't stand a single shave.

I wouldn't recommend 'em as a first blade, personally.