Thread: Need help picking out 1st straight razor

I am looking for something with natural material scales, in the $100ish or less price range. I don't mind buying new, but would prefer something used or restored. I'm a sucker for instant gratification so I can be easily tricked into an impulse buy.

I think I like these two razors:
DOVO "Bergischer Lowe" 5/8
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...940/190248.htm
DOVO Genuine Ebony 5/8 Spike Point
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...40/2104673.htm

What exactly are the differences in the blades? Is one better quality steel than the other? And how do I know which point to use? Is one better suited for a various purpose?
It seems like 5/8 is the generally agreed upon size for a newbie. Do I want a smaller blade for less/thinner beard?

Am I likely to mess up my first straight razor? If that is the case, I will just go for something cheap if I am going to go through it fast, but I'd prefer something I am likely to keep down the road.

Also, do razors from classicshaving.com come professionally honed, or is that an additional service ordered through Lynn?

Thanks in advance for your help.

The Bergischer Lowe is a much better razor of the two. It's one of the best shavers ever made, new or vintage.

If you want it sharp, you have to spring for the additional honing service. Mine was *not* shave-ready from the factory.

You would be fine with either. However I may add, spring for the honing by Lynn it is some of the best money you will ever spend.

Your first razor doesn't need to be your best razor. In addition I believe money is always an issue or you can buy a maestro's razor for $900 or more.

The first razor you get you will most assuredly f it up somehow- trust me on this one...

I might also add you probably won't stop with one this can be very addictive as you collect razors you like more and more. I started two and 1/2 years ago with one I now have twenty something and I am one of the sane ones, there are guys here that make 20 look like nothing..


Enjoy and welcome

Originally Posted by thomas

And how do I know which point to use? Is one better suited for a various purpose?

Beginners usually like the round points; you are less likely to stick a sharp edge into a sensitive point, like the ear junction or edge or nose, lip, etc. Spikes and obliques are great for maneuvering around facial fungus. But it's all a matter of taste and personal preference.

It seems like 5/8 is the generally agreed upon size for a newbie. Do I want a smaller blade for less/thinner beard?

Small blades feel lighter; large blades are heavier, but may not fit easily under your nose. The heavy weight gives the impression of more effortless shaving, which may or may not be false; light weight blade make you want to use more pressure, which would be a bad thing. I've noticed a tendancy for people here to say that they prefer larger blade; again, it's a matter of taste.

Am I likely to mess up my first straight razor? If that is the case, I will just go for something cheap if I am going to go through it fast, but I'd prefer something I am likely to keep down the road.

I'd say that there is a good chance. The most likely problems are: poor stropping, taking a chunk out of the strop and blunting the blade; or attempting to hone it and just taking too much metal off. Accidental drops can happen to any one, any time.

Also, do razors from classicshaving.com come professionally honed, or is that an additional service ordered through Lynn?.

I believe it is an optional extra that you can get from classicshaving.

thanks for your input
well considering that I am going to f it up anyway, would i be better off opting for one on the cheaper side and have little intention on keeping?
Classicshaving.com has a special price on the filarmonica. Would I be better served with that, or with something on e-bay that is already honed?
Also, what really is the difference between a 900$ razor and a 40$ razor?

Originally Posted by thomas

thanks for your input
well considering that I am going to f it up anyway, would i be better off opting for one on the cheaper side and have little intention on keeping?
Classicshaving.com has a special price on the filarmonica. Would I be better served with that, or with something on e-bay that is already honed?
Also, what really is the difference between a 900$ razor and a 40$ razor?

$860... Actually when you get addicted note I said "when"; you will want to buy more and fancier blades. The maestro are really beautiful to look at however out of my price range. Filarmonicas are very nice razors I have 2. Make sure you are looking at the 7/8 Filly not the 3/8 usless you have a very light beard. You can also look at the Thiers Issard at classic shaving they have some nice ones.

My opinion, given what you have said:

Get the cheapest standard razor that you can, and get it properly sharpened. That may mean a low end Dovo, or may mean an ebay special - just so long as it has decent Solingen or Sheffield steel - no Zeepk, etc. Learn to shave with it, and learn to strop it.

Then, learn to hone it. You'll take a few weeks/months with substandard shaves, but you'll know that they are substandard. You'll also form a good idea of what features you'll like in a razor. Next, buy that razor!

Check the buy/sell forum here. You can often get a good quality vintage razor in shave ready condition for a fair price. Also check Joe Chandler's site (find one of his posts and his link is on there). Bill Ellis may still have some nice razors at www.billysblades.com.

Jordan

$860.00, and no, I'm not being a jerk, at least I don't think I am.
The shave quality from a good razor purchased for $40 can be just as good as from a $900 razor. Although I don't own any $900 razors for the record, and never will.
The actual differences normally are 1) the steel. Not necessarily the quality of the steel, but the uniqueness or rarity of the steel. Old stock blades forged in the late 1800's or damascus cost much more than more current production steel because there are fewer of them.
2) the scale material. Black plastic works fine, but there are ivory, mammoth tusk, rare woods, POM, abalone, and unique carving scales that up the price of a razor significantly.
3) custom razors vs. production models. If a master craftsman spends hours working on the razor, it will cost a bunch. Will it shave better? Perhaps. Will it shave $860 better? I doubt it, but it is a custom and significant because it is an example from a master and worth much more than a production razor.
4) the intangible pride of ownership that comes with a unique, rare, or custom razor. Just the exclusiveness is a draw for many. Plus, some of the living masters are people you can get to know personally. The personal aspect adds to the equation. I value my grandfathers razor more than any other, even though it is a no name 4/8ths.
Frankly, my $12.00 ebay Kropp with black plastic scales shaves very well, and I've had the pleasure of polishing and honing her myself. But she is not worth even $40.
Get one of the Dovo Specials or a Thiers Issard Super Gnome from Classic Shaving, have it honed by Lynn and go from there to learn. Rich is correct, you will almost certainly goof up your first.

My first razor that I bought two months ago is a Dovo 5/8" ebony with a rounded point, like this:

Any thoughts on it?