Thread: Should the dog get whipped?

That article seems like some sound advice. I'm not looking to do anything fancy with honing, just want to get good enough to maintain my own razor(s) to shave with vs sending it out every couple of months. I have enough other hobbies that my wife won't let me pay for to add honing and restoring old razors to the list. So to me it sounds like a new razor is easier to maintain. Even if I mess up a $100 razor and have (get) to buy a second until I learn how to fix my damage or have it fixed at SRD I am still spending less than I am on cartridges.

Any advice on which should be the first? Seems like it's a draw between the Ralf Aust and the Dovo for beginners and they cost the same. I have a medium beard that I shave daily. I've also been wet shaving with a DE razor for about a year or so now if either of those things make a difference. Just trying to answer questions I've seen asked of my fellow newbs while seeking advice here.

Personally I would buy the Aust, but nothing wrong with a Dovo. I honed an Aust for someone and it came out great and honed very easily

My humble advice is to invest in a new razor. Do away with as many variables as possible when it comes to the care and maintenance of your tool. Nothing against Whipped Dog, I have purchased from him before and he is a stand-up Gentleman. But, older razors tend to come with issues that may complicate your learning curve. I encountered this myself in the beginning, then did myself a favour by investing in a new blade. I have a Dovo Best Quality 6/8 that I'm happy with. It shaves very well and feels good in the hand. The larger blade also accommodates a beginner looking to improve their stropping and honing technique. Also, if you have access to mentors/professionals in your area, make use of their services and knowledge so that you can concentrate on the basics of shaving, stropping and enjoying your newfound hobby! Food for thought... Cheers!

I received another straight from Larry this time it's 5/8 round point and the razor shaves really good, the first that i received was a 9/16 flawed but shaves like a charm. To my opinion if you can afford a new straight go ahead and buy one but if your just like me( can't afford to buy new) Larry from Whipped dod is a great alternative. Is after sale service is more then perfect and it's a great guy to deal whit. The 2 razors came shaved ready and he really know how to hone a straight.

Originally Posted by Papabear11

I received another straight from Larry this time it's 5/8 round point and the razor shaves really good, the first that i received was a 9/16 flawed but shaves like a charm. To my opinion if you can afford a new straight go ahead and buy one but if your just like me( can't afford to buy new) Larry from Whipped dod is a great alternative. Is after sale service is more then perfect and it's a great guy to deal whit. The 2 razors came shaved ready and he really know how to hone a straight.

Totally agree.

Originally Posted by Papabear11

I received another straight from Larry this time it's 5/8 round point and the razor shaves really good, the first that i received was a 9/16 flawed but shaves like a charm. To my opinion if you can afford a new straight go ahead and buy one but if your just like me( can't afford to buy new) Larry from Whipped dod is a great alternative. Is after sale service is more then perfect and it's a great guy to deal whit. The 2 razors came shaved ready and he really know how to hone a straight.

Here's my straights from Whipped dog(Larry)

Originally Posted by 130Nav

Any advice on which should be the first? Seems like it's a draw between the Ralf Aust and the Dovo for beginners and they cost the same. I have a medium beard that I shave daily. I've also been wet shaving with a DE razor for about a year or so now if either of those things make a difference. Just trying to answer questions I've seen asked of my fellow newbs while seeking advice here.

I bought the "starter kit" from SRD with the RA blade. It has been a great blade for me to start my learning curve with. I don't know about Dovo first hand, so I can not offer an intelligent opinion. I can say that my RA seems to be forgiving to me since I have not needed stitches for my face YET.

Good luck on the adventure.