Beginner in straight razor shaving help!!!

Hi, first of all my name is Ilié and i leave in France. I'm 18 years old and i am shaving with a sh*tty BIC razor....
First of all: does a straight razor give a closer shave than the mach3/BIC razors?
I want to get started in straight razor shaving and i would need some advice about what brand and type should i buy, and also the honing tools...
I have found a DOVO razor at home , with some rust stains on it, and i would like to ask you what do you think about it first. Is it worth the effort of bringing it back to life? or i should buy another dovo?
So please give me advices please!!

I'll post a photo of the razor. i think the blade is pretty decent, i tried to hone it but i think i did more bad than good things haha....Attachment 223800Attachment 223799Attachment 223798Attachment 223801Attachment 223800Attachment 223799Attachment 223798Attachment 223801
can you tell me if it's worth something? good quality or crap?

THANK YOU!!

Dovo are good razors just needs a restore.

Hi, firstly, yes a straight razor will give you a much closer shave.

That's a nice razor there and I'm sure cleaned up would be a great shaver. I would recommend though to start off getting one that is shave ready, there are usually some great offers on the classifieds on here. If you don't want to buy a razor then get that one professionally restored and honed. It's worth the cost to make sure you have a great edge to learn with. Again the classifieds member services will help with someone to restore it.

Hi, and welcome to SRP!

First thing I would do (and I know this will sound weird, but I will explain) would be to smell your razor, particularly the scales. If there is a sharp, vinegar or camphor-like smell, then before you do anything, consider getting that blade out of those scales. It may be suffering from cell rot. That occurs when celluloid in the scales chemically breaks down, releasing gasses that eat away steel. This tends to affect the past of the blade in closest proximity to the scales (i.e. the bit that is between the scales when closed) which appears to be the case here, which is why I advise checking for that.

That razor started out as a very good blade, but IMHO will require considerable work to restore. Because the rust extends to the cutting edge, a considerable amount of steel will need to be removed before you get to a good cutting edge. So it may be salvageable, but it will take some work.

+1 to the advice to look in the classifieds here and a BIG +1 to the advice to start with a shave-ready razor.

Shaving with a straight will eventually be better and smoother than the plastic things, but you'll need some time and patience to get there. This is not a process that should be rushed since it involves moving an extremely sharp object along your face, and because it involves many variables that take some time to master. But be patient, stick with it, and it will all be worth it! Spend some time on the site here, and all the information you need is at your fingertips.

Good luck :tu

EDIT: for more information on cell rot, use the search box at the top-right of the screen. There are many threads about it here in the forum.

+1 To what Cangooner has said. The blade is salvageable but it will require a decent amount of work so definitely isn't going to be the cheapest option. The classifieds are good for a shave ready razor that's good quality. Good luck and make sure you check out the library.

Im a little bit sick but i can feel a sharp smell on the blade.... how do i remove it from the scales?
I consider buying another Dovo razor or filarmonica razor? I can put around 190€ for it with a strop, is it enough ?

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Originally Posted by Ilie

Im a little bit sick but i can feel a sharp smell on the blade.... how do i remove it from the scales?
I consider buying another Dovo razor or filarmonica razor? I can put around 190€ for it with a strop, is it enough ?

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That's more then enough.

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Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

That's more then enough.

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what should i buy? Filarmonica or dovo? I've read some myths about filarmonica sharpness....

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Originally Posted by Ilie

what should i buy? Filarmonica or dovo? I've read some myths about filarmonica sharpness....

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It's more about the condition of the razor and not the brand. You want to purchase the blade that is in better condition. Are you looking at vintage razors? Filarmonica razors are very desirable so one in good condition will generally cost more than the average vintage razor.

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Originally Posted by Ilie

what should i buy? Filarmonica or dovo? I've read some myths about filarmonica sharpness....

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To be honest, buy the one you want. They will both work well, and beyond that it really is a matter of personal taste. As noted above, Filarmonicas now command a premium because they just happen to be insanely popular and in demand at the moment. The same can be said for many of the vintage makers such as Wade & Butcher.

Stick to your budget, investigate what is available (and make sure that it is shave-ready or you'll have to send it out to get honed) in your price range, and then get the one that you want. As long as it is from a reputable maker, you'll be fine.

You can find some tips on buying here:
The straight razor - Straight Razor Place Library

A list of some well-known reputable brands here (you can also add Ralf Aust to the list):
Good Straight Razor Brands - Straight Razor Place Library

And a list of brands to avoid here:
Brands of Straight Razors to Avoid - Straight Razor Place Library

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ilie

Im a little bit sick but i can feel a sharp smell on the blade.... how do i remove it from the scales?
I consider buying another Dovo razor or filarmonica razor? I can put around 190€ for it with a strop, is it enough ?

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There are generally two ways to get scales off a razor:

1) Particularly handy if you want to preserve the scales for use later: remove the pin on which the scales rotate, either by drilling it out, or filing off the peened part that holds the washer in place. Once one of the washers is free, remove the pin via the other side, and the scales will be detached.

2) if the scales are kaput, then it doesn't matter. You can CAREFULLY snap/cut/break them off any way you like.

Always remember that although it is not razor sharp, that blade will still be very, very capable of doing quite a bit of damage.

Whichever path you choose, do it soon. The longer the scales are in close proximity to the blade, the worse the damage will be. And if they do have cell rot, do not keep them - dispose of them immediately as the off-gassing will continue until they are completely degraded.

You can find all kinds of info on repairing, restoring, taking apart, and putting together razors here:

http://http://straightrazorpalace.co...wers-here.html

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

It's more about the condition of the razor and not the brand. You want to purchase the blade that is in better condition. Are you looking at vintage razors? Filarmonica razors are very desirable so one in good condition will generally cost more than the average vintage razor.

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i'll stick with dovo then... i found a nice one at 140€

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cangooner

There are generally two ways to get scales off a razor:

1) Particularly handy if you want to preserve the scales for use later: remove the pin on which the scales rotate, either by drilling it out, or filing off the peened part that holds the washer in place. Once one of the washers is free, remove the pin via the other side, and the scales will be detached.

2) if the scales are kaput, then it doesn't matter. You can CAREFULLY snap/cut/break them off any way you like.

Always remember that although it is not razor sharp, that blade will still be very, very capable of doing quite a bit of damage.

Whichever path you choose, do it soon. The longer the scales are in close proximity to the blade, the worse the damage will be. And if they do have cell rot, do not keep them - dispose of them immediately as the off-gassing will continue until they are completely degraded.

You can find all kinds of info on repairing, restoring, taking apart, and putting together razors here:

http://http://straightrazorpalace.co...wers-here.html

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i will do it asap, thank you for the advice! do you think it is worth the work or i should buy new one for around 140€ ?

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Originally Posted by Ilie

i will do it asap, thank you for the advice! do you think it is worth the work or i should buy new one for around 140€ ?

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My advice would be to remove the scales from this one, and set it aside for the time being. Then buy a new, shave-ready razor, and use it to learn with. Then as time and/or $$ permits, get the other one fixed up or send it to someone for repairs. Most guys will confirm that having two razors is very handy. That way you'll always have one ready to use as the other is sent out for honing.

Which reminds me - you asked about honing. Best thing is not to worry about that for now. Get yours honed by a pro for the first little while, otherwise you won't know what a shave-ready edge feels like, and it will be very difficult to get your honing technique down. Basically, you'll be aiming for a target you can't see. I think everyone who has an interest should learn how to hone his own razors. Just not until he's familiar with what he is trying to do.

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Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

That's more then enough.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cangooner

My advice would be to remove the scales from this one, and set it aside for the time being. Then buy a new, shave-ready razor, and use it to learn with. Then as time and/or $$ permits, get the other one fixed up or send it to someone for repairs. Most guys will confirm that having two razors is very handy. That way you'll always have one ready to use as the other is sent out for honing.

Which reminds me - you asked about honing. Best thing is not to worry about that for now. Get yours honed by a pro for the first little while, otherwise you won't know what a shave-ready edge feels like, and it will be very difficult to get your honing technique down. Basically, you'll be aiming for a target you can't see. I think everyone who has an interest should learn how to hone his own razors. Just not until he's familiar with what he is trying to do.

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Can u recommend some dovo razors ? Or other good brands ?what about thiers issard?

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Originally Posted by Ilie

Can u recommend some dovo razors ? Or other good brands ?what about thiers issard?

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I'm not the best one to ask about them, I'm afraid. Almost all of my razors are 19th-century ones, so I have very little experience with new ones. I do know that Thiers Issard is also a reputable brand though.

Vintage razors made in Thiers should be fine shavers if they are in good condition. Thiers-Issard still makes razors and they are well made. However, I have shaved with a vintage Thiers-Issard twice this week and feel it gives a better shave than my new production TI.

Two brands making very nice new razors are Ralf Aust and Revisor. They are both German companies and I beleive they have their own website.

One final note...Have you read the Straight Razor Place library concerning buying a straight razor? It would highly benefit you to read the sections about buying a razor before making a purchase, giving you an idea of what to look for.

i'll buy a dovo or this filarmonica: Rasoir coupe chou FILARMONICA 14 chasse en noyer Collection Essonne - leboncoin.fr

can you give me some nice dovo models around 190 euros?

Please realize though that you also will need a strop right away. Before long you also will need at least one hone for maintaining the sharpness of your razor.

Speaking of strop, i was pleased with the whipped dog poorman's strop kit, especially given its almost guarantee d you will cut your first...

Tell me guys, what should i buy ?new or filarmonica? Take a look at the filarmonica razor that i posted, what do you think?

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Originally Posted by Ilie

Tell me guys, what should i buy ?new or filarmonica? Take a look at the filarmonica razor that i posted, what do you think?

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I would advise against that Filarmonica. In fact, I would advise any beginner to not go for a Filarmonica. They are even more popular than they are common and usually demand a hype premium, especially the ones in good shape. And this particular specimen is not in good shape. has seen substantial restoration work, has lost width at least at the heel and the toe, has in my opinion badly done new scales (unoriginal) and something bothers me about the grind. For that kind of money you could get a new Aust or Revisor.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ilie

i'll buy a dovo or this filarmonica: Rasoir coupe chou FILARMONICA 14 chasse en noyer Collection Essonne - leboncoin.fr

can you give me some nice dovo models around 190 euros?

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I sugest this one
https://www.zwickmeister.com/Straigh...-5-8::459.html
Böker makes fine razors as well
No mater what you buy, even if it says "shave ready", give it to a pro who will do some fine honing.
Good strop must follow

So you advice me to buy a dovo?

Yes, why not
New is new

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Originally Posted by Ilie

So you advice me to buy a dovo?

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Make sure you get the one *you* want! Check out the various styles offered by the reputable manufacturers mentioned in this thread, and get the one that fits your budget that speaks to you.

There's no point getting, for example, a 7/8 1/4-hollow ground brand X because someone suggested it to you if what you really want is the 5/8 extra-hollow round point brand Y. Personally I like big, heavy, wedge-y 19th century Sheffield razors. But that's just me, so I never advise anyone that those are the "best" razors to get, because it's a very personal thing.

It is really a personal thing
But since you asked which one you should buy, i suggest the new one.
No matter if it's dovo, böker, puma, filharmonica or some custom producer.

There are a few low cost shave ready razors that would be good beginner razors in the classifieds, if you want new , get one, but it's your decision, not ours so make it and learn to use it, the razor won't shave well till you get it and start learning, the strop is something you need time on too. But many new guys start this then quit, because it's more commitment than their willing to invest in. That's why if you want the classifieds are a great option to learn on a properly shave ready razor then buy your second one from wherever, but shave ready so the key, not the brand. Tc

I sent you a PM with an option that I think will be to your advantage.

Enjoy the ride, it's a long strange trip but well worth the journey! :tu

For a beginner I would recommend you buy a vintage shave-ready razor. Fillies are great razors but I don't think you should start with one. You need to acquire stropping and shaving skills before you can get the most out of them.