Which brand to go with ? (straight razor)

Over a month ago purchased Gold Dollar straight razor, without doing much research. Shaved just a few times, like the whole idea of straight razor shaving, but the razor I bought simply doesn't cut it. Price says it all.
This past weekend gave some thought into purchasing a real good quality razor, considering it's a one time investment. Based on the brands I researched I found the following to be most popular (correct me if I am wrong)
1. DOVO (really like the Bismark model)
2. Thiers Issard (so many many models to choose from, don't even know where to start)
3. Wacker

Which brand is the most reputable ?:thinking:
Price wise I don't mind spending, as long as it's worth it. Blade size preference: 6/8" or 7/8"

These are all good. Others will chime in as well as they all have opinions on the matter...2 straight shavers, three opinions. All of the above are great. I would also add Boker and Aust to the mix there....but the most important thing is going to be WHO you buy the razor from, not who made the razor. Great vendors, like many of the sponsors of this site, will hone and strop the razor for you so that you can use it properly out of the box and get the best possible result. SRD will also include a cert. for an additional honing, as it is likely you will dull the blade prematurely due to poor technique.

FWIW, I prefer my TI 5/8 and will be purchasing another in either 6/8 or 7/8 in the near future.

I would add Revisor Rasiermesser to the list too. Got to agree that where you buy is likely more important than what brand you buy for the reasons given above. Keep in mind too that a plain Jane 6/8 model from any of the reputable makers has the same steel as the more expensive models 6/8 models from the same maker but lack the more expensive models blade ornamentations and fancier scales. Just pick one in the blade size and style/grind you like.

Bob

Welcome to SRP!

Dovo, TI, and Ralf Aust are probably the three best mass produced modern straight razors. I've heard good things about Wacker and Revisor, but don't own those. Oh and Boker is a good company too.

Whatever you get, get it from a reputable dealer like Straight Razor Designs, Vintage Blades, etc. Or get a used one from the classifieds on this site.

Hi and welcome. You know have a list of current makets but there are so many great vintage blades that can match if not better that quality and can be cheaper. Would be worth having a look at them to. There is a list of good razors in the library

Welcome to SRP. All of the aforementioned razors are fine shavers. Vintage is fine too, but condition is something to keep an eye on. The closer to new old stock the better. Until you've really found what width, point style, grind you really like don't go for any very expensive razors. Once you really know what your preferences are in razors go with the gusto.

Thanks to all for responses. I kind of like Thiers Issard razors (from aesthetic perspective) , looking through google pictures, there are some really nice looking razors.
Any suggestion on picking the right Thiers razor ? Feedback and examples greatly appreciated.

* Preferably round point.
* Price range $100-$200

Welcome to SRP! T-I makes excellent razors. I say you won't go wrong with current production or vintage there. Good luck! :)

Just shaved with my TI Sparticus 7/8 today. I can say that honing these can be challenging. It took a lot of tweaking before I got to know how this one behaved. But when its finally honed right, it shaves exceptionally smooth. I'd take a TI over a Dovo any day. I don't own a Wacker so I can't say.

+1 to Jimmy above. I have a 1937 as well and really like it.

The razor looks good, price seems just about in my range. I am currently in New York for the holidays. Are there any shops around the city that might offer Thiers razors ? Feeling the razor in hand would be a big +. Thinking, I will probably need to pick up a strop too.
P.S. Next week I will be heading to Montreal, Canada. Any shops there?

Thanks for the help, great community!

Hello, all. I am new to the forum, and the exact same situation is what brought me to this site. A family member purchased me a gold Dollar straight razor for my birthday, because they heard me mention that I wanted to start using a straight razor. after some research I have heard not so good things about it. I also suspect that my stropping technique is faulty even though I tried to do exactly what I saw on youtube video's. I would like to have it honed, but I cannot find any services in the Dallas,TX area. Should I just scrap the idea of having it honed and get another razor? my only concern is that I would like practice with it before I invest in something that might not be for me.

Do they still have any real old school barber shops in the Dallas area. I would check the yellow pages. A barber with many years in the business should be able to help you.

If not, check the Hobbyist vendor section in the SRP website for members who do honing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by feltspanky

Do they still have any real old school barber shops in the Dallas area. I would check the yellow pages. A barber with many years in the business should be able to help you.

If not, check the Hobbyist vendor section in the SRP website for members who do honing.

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I have tried many Barbers in the area. some of them get this lost sound in their voice when I say 'hone' lol. I even tried 'art of shaving', but they use Shavettes. I will check out the hobbyist section as well.

Give these folks a call. They advertise one of the last remaing places to offer a classic barbershop experience.

CONTACT

214.528.2497
25 Highland Park Village #211
Dallas, TX 75205-2377
GET DIRECTIONS

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Veros

The razor looks good, price seems just about in my range. I am currently in New York for the holidays. Are there any shops around the city that might offer Thiers razors ? Feeling the razor in hand would be a big +. Thinking, I will probably need to pick up a strop too.
P.S. Next week I will be heading to Montreal, Canada. Any shops there?

Thanks for the help, great community!

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Pasteur Pharmacy ;-)

I would go with a vintage first, get it professionally honed
I normally prefer big blades such as Wade and Butchers
If you are into small blades then i would go with a cheap Dovo and work your way up
You really have to get an excellent hone to appreciate straights

Quote:

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Originally Posted by feltspanky

Give these folks a call. They advertise one of the last remaing places to offer a classic barbershop experience.

CONTACT

214.528.2497
25 Highland Park Village #211
Dallas, TX 75205-2377
GET DIRECTIONS

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I gave them a call, and he said something about it being illegal to use a blade more than once, so they use the "kind with the replaceable blade". I said "so you use the Shavettes?" his response was " Shavette? I don't know what that.....thank you...'Click' " Lmao

Check the member services section. I know there are people in TX that can hone your razor or evaluate it. I've not heard much good about gold dollar razors but I've never had one to say for sure. Its a dilemma. You want to know if you're into it before you sink the money into it. But you can't really GET into it until you have the right stuff. There are some in between moves you can make but it only lessens the initial investment a little and there are are tradeoffs that might leave you kicking yourself over later. Lots to consider.

Try the classifieds here. Gold Dollar razors don't come shave ready and getting the basic faults fixed and then the razor honed will likely cost just as much if not more than a shave ready good condition vintage razor form the classifieds. Saw some the other day ranging from 25 to 40 dollars in there. Good luck

The other day, I was talking to a friend of mine, apparently his father is a straight razor user himself. One of the Canadian shops I was recommended carries Thiers Issard razors, but seems like they are available online, the website is called shavingstyle.com
I am thinking of ordering a razor today or tomorrow and getting it shipped to his place in Montreal. Early next week I expect to visit Montreal anyways, so this will be another good reason to come by see my buddy, pick up a razor, and maybe get some tips from his dad on straight razor maintenance.

Happy NY 2015

I want to get a strop too.
Is it worth buying a Thiers Issard brand made strop ? or any other brand is fine ?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Veros

The other day, I was talking to a friend of mine, apparently his father is a straight razor user himself. One of the Canadian shops I was recommended carries Thiers Issard razors, but seems like they are available online, the website is called shavingstyle.com
I am thinking of ordering a razor today or tomorrow and getting it shipped to his place in Montreal. Early next week I expect to visit Montreal anyways, so this will be another good reason to come by see my buddy, pick up a razor, and maybe get some tips from his dad on straight razor maintenance.

Happy NY 2015

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If you want to order a razor from a Canadian site for your friend in Montreal, I would suggest Classic Edge...Phil is a member here, and he will put a superb shave ready edge on the new razor.

I got my first kit from Classic Edge, a complete starter kit with strop, brush, razor, soap, the whole shebang and it was a perfect way to get started.

Here's a link, I highly recommend them:

The Classic Edge Shaving Store Your Straight Razor Specialists.

Cheers!

Don't limit your self to just one or two. I haven't been at this as long as some here but have bought and sold many and although I do have a favorite or two I really do like trying as many as I can. I do like the stiffer blades the half hollow or hollow grind 6/8 to 7/8 but do my trimming with the 5/8 square points. just have fun with them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Veros

I want to get a strop too.
Is it worth buying a Thiers Issard brand made strop ? or any other brand is fine ?

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You would be better off starting with a cheaper brand to start with as you will probably damage it while learning. You can buy a better quality strop later on. 3" wide is easier than 2" wide and a paddle strop is easier too.

SRD do a modular strop that looks very cool, if you're interested youtube it.