Thread: Looking for straight razor advice

Hello,
I am new to the forum. I have been DE shaving for about 6 months and have decide to make the jump to straight razor shaving. I am considering two razors, a Dovo best quality, half hallow 5/8 or a Ralf Aust full hollow also 5/8. I have read that the half hollows are more forgiving, but that the full hollows will force me to learn better technique. I am leaning towards the Ralf Aust. I would appreciate any guidance!
Thank you,
Ethan

I have several razors from near wedge to extra full hollow, and my favorite is my Robert Williams half hollow.

Dovo is a very good entry level razor and I have owned one and have no complaints. I've never owned or tried a Ralf Aust and won't comment on something I've never tried but from all the praise I've read about them here on SRP I would lean that way too.

Originally Posted by Wayne1963

I have several razors from near wedge to extra full hollow, and my favorite is my Robert Williams half hollow.

Thanks for advice! Any reason why you like the half hollow best?

I find that the half-hollows are indeed more forgiving. For a beginner, that would translate into less blood. Dovo's are great razors to begin with but be awares that now their quality control is slipping and they are sending out warped blades (I have one myself.) I also find that sharpening a half-hollow is easier too, but don't worry about that until months after you've learned how to use the straight. You will have fun!

Originally Posted by EthanAThomas

Hello,
I am new to the forum. I have been DE shaving for about 6 months and have decide to make the jump to straight razor shaving. I am considering two razors, a Dovo best quality, half hallow 5/8 or a Ralf Aust full hollow also 5/8. I have read that the half hollows are more forgiving, but that the full hollows will force me to learn better technique. I am leaning towards the Ralf Aust. I would appreciate any guidance!
Thank you,
Ethan

Hi Ethan,


Just a few years ago I had the very same question. I tried every possible geometry and width. If I were to start now I would only use three variables to decide on what razor to start with:

1. Must be honed by a pro
2. Its width should directly correlate with the distance between my nose and the upper lip (in my case 5/8 works wonderfully)
3. Respectable manufacturer (does not have to be new)

Hope it helps,
AG

Ethan:
Welcome to this side of wet shaving. I own a Ralf Aust 7/8th's full hollow and it is a very good razor, it was paired with a Hart 6/8th's 1/4 hollow as my first pair of str8's and that's what I got started on.
Like others I have now owned many different razors, different sizes and grinds. My advise would echo AG's with the addition of getting two shave ready razors to begin your str8 razor journey as many of us were hard on our first edges as we learned to shave and strop. With two razors to work with when you dull the edge on the first one you will have a second to shave with while the it's mate is out being honed, this way you can continue to practice shaving, stropping, lather building in a continuous manner.

Thanks for the response! I have been thinking about a hart steel as my second razor as well.

Originally Posted by AG69

Hi Ethan,


Just a few years ago I had the very same question. I tried every possible geometry and width. If I were to start now I would only use three variables to decide on what razor to start with:

1. Must be honed by a pro
2. Its width should directly correlate with the distance between my nose and the upper lip (in my case 5/8 works wonderfully)
3. Respectable manufacturer (does not have to be new)

Hope it helps,
AG

Thanks! I went with the razor I liked best and bought the Ralf Aust full hollow 5/8. I ordered from Straigh Razor Designs, so it comes honed by a pro!

Look at the quarter hollows at Portland Razor Company. Domestic manufacturer and the owner is very responsive.