Thread: First purchase: help needed

I've decided to make the leap to straights and more or less, have figured out my first purchase of supplies except the razor.

I'm choosing between the Aust full hollow and the Dovo Best half hollow, both in 5/8, from SRD. The price difference isn't a big deal but I'm wondering which of the grinds would better suit a beginner?

If it helps, I intend to get hones as well. No one here offers the service and mailing razors back to Conus isn't cost-effective.

I've heard that the full hollow may give better feedback, but I recall watching one of Lynn's videos where he says there isn't much of a difference between in the full and half hollow Dovo Bests.

Thanks!

I have both razors you are interested in and you will not be unhappy with either. Take your time when figuring things out. You may want to pick up an inexpensive razor to practice/learn to hone.

I like the half hollow Dovo but grinds and razors are a preference thing and only you can decide. Given that you have it narrowed down to two razors you (if your like me) will end up getting them both at some point.

I have both and would lean towards the Aust.

If you are starting out you might want to think about:

- Geting a second shave ready razor - New, something from the classifieds, Whipped Dog for instance. Having a second razor helps in many ways.

- Instead of a set of hones think about "edge maintenance" - CrOx on felt, balsa for instance. It's much easier to master (if you can strop, you can touch up with CrOx) and the tools and skills are used by many to finish a regular honing.

- Another path is to have one of the Feather type razors as a second. We have a separate section/forum for them. No stropping/honing - but a steeper learning curve for many.

Enjoy the journey and Smooth Shaving..

There are people on this website who will lend you razors to try. Something I've learned is that it's not so much about the brand as it is about the style/size. I have 2 Austs, a 5/8 and a 6/8. I prefer the 6/8 and get much better results. I also have a monster sized Friodur that has become my daily. I've found that I really like giant blades. I prefer the weight for both stropping and shaving. Hoping to try a wedge here soon to give my love of giant blades full freedom.

I have the Aust and love it. If you buy from SRD I believe you get a certificate for one free honing postage not included. If you get your own hones practice on a cheap razor until you learn the technique. Good luck.

Welcome Karlo
There are 2 or 3 fellows in Cebu that might help you.
Place your town name on your header so people will know where you live.

I like the Austs. They are great razors however for a rookie a hollow grind will give you much more feedback as you shave which is important for someone just beginning to use a straight.

In the end they are both quality pieces and you won't go wrong with either.

Originally Posted by MJC

I have both and would lean towards the Aust.

If you are starting out you might want to think about:

- Geting a second shave ready razor - New, something from the classifieds, Whipped Dog for instance. Having a second razor helps in many ways.

- Instead of a set of hones think about "edge maintenance" - CrOx on felt, balsa for instance. It's much easier to master (if you can strop, you can touch up with CrOx) and the tools and skills are used by many to finish a regular honing.

- Another path is to have one of the Feather type razors as a second. We have a separate section/forum for them. No stropping/honing - but a steeper learning curve for many.

Enjoy the journey and Smooth Shaving..

I seriously thought about a second razor early on, but figured I'd use my DEs for backup until I figured out techniques, maintenance and support gear. The Feather artist clubs were serious contenders vs the straight but I surmised if I was going to deal with replaceable blades, there'd be little sense in shifting from DE.

Yes, I figured edge maintenance would be a good idea. The strop I'm looking at is the modular paddle from Don and Lynn. I think that comes with felt and diamond spray for edge refreshing. Don also suggested a Naniwa 12k to use once the sprays stop working.

Originally Posted by MajorEthanolic

There are people on this website who will lend you razors to try. Something I've learned is that it's not so much about the brand as it is about the style/size. I have 2 Austs, a 5/8 and a 6/8. I prefer the 6/8 and get much better results. I also have a monster sized Friodur that has become my daily. I've found that I really like giant blades. I prefer the weight for both stropping and shaving. Hoping to try a wedge here soon to give my love of giant blades full freedom.

Hi Major.

The 6/8 was an option but most folks nudged me towards a 5/8. Price of the smaller size is around $100 which is decent enough for an initiation to straights. Once I figure out what works and what I like, I'm sure I'll be selling a few of my DES to help fund a second razor.

Originally Posted by rolodave

Welcome Karlo
There are 2 or 3 fellows in Cebu that might help you.
Place your town name on your header so people will know where you live.

Thanks rolodave! That would be awesome. Mailing stuff to Cebu from Manila is easy and secure. If anyone of them hone, this makes the leap even easier for me.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I like the Austs. They are great razors however for a rookie a hollow grind will give you much more feedback as you shave which is important for someone just beginning to use a straight. .

thebigspendur,

Got it. Will go full hollow and take it from there.


Thanks to everyone for all the advice. I truly appreciate it.

I finally pulled the trigger!

Decided on stainless since I live by the ocean. An Aust in 6/8 will soon be on its way, together with a modular paddle strop.

Thanks for the nudging. Now to find a butter knife and practice stropping before my parcel arrives. ��

Originally Posted by KarloT

I finally pulled the trigger!

Decided on stainless since I live by the ocean. An Aust in 6/8 will soon be on its way, together with a modular paddle strop.

Thanks for the nudging. Now to find a butter knife and practice stropping before my parcel arrives. ��

I think you will enjoy it, heres to many smooth shaves!!!!