Which one to start with?

If you were learning and had to pick one of the three which one would it be?

-Dovo Silver Steel Ebony 5/8" (SRD)

-T. Hess Full Hollow 11/16" (WD)

-Western Star (MW) 9/16" (rodb)

I will have these in my possession the next time i shave (sources in parenthesis, not that it matters). I'm leaning towards the Western Star to start out with.

I worked myself over twice with the Gold Dollar, but with some refined techniques was able to give myself a decent shave the third time. My next shave will be an upgrade with proper soap, brush, razor, etc.

Which one do i choose?

I would go with either the Dovo or Western Star, unless the latter is a square point - I know the Dovo is a round point. Square points are better left until you gain some experience. Good luck!

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Originally Posted by sqzbxr

I would go with either the Dovo or Western Star, unless the latter is a square point - I know the Dovo is a round point. Square points are better left until you gain some experience. Good luck!

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The Hess and Star are both Square.

I have no complaints about trying out the Dovo :)

I one of them a half hollow? My easiest razor to shave with was a 5/8 half hollow round point, the other I had to choose from were a 6/8 full hollow round point and a 6/8 full hollow square point.

My choice would be Dovo. I love mine.

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Originally Posted by RezDog

I one of them a half hollow? My easiest razor to shave with was a 5/8 half hollow round point, the other I had to choose from were a 6/8 full hollow round point and a 6/8 full hollow square point.

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The only one that might be is the Western Star but it just went in the mail.

Shave ready is super important. Keep you lather wet, your skin tight and the angle low and you should be shaving like a pro in no time. Oh and really really light on the pressure. Shave like you are trying to get all the lather without touching your skin. It's not impossible and takes a little practice. It is in part because we never learned this stuff from our father, uncles and grandfathers. Modern shaving is just rubbing plastic on your face.

I would go for the Dovo out of those choices, it was my first razor and a great starter blade. However, you are looking at SRD anyways you might want to consider the Ralf Aust. It can be bought for around the same price as the Dovo, but a better razor IMO.

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Originally Posted by RezDog

Shave ready is super important. Keep you lather wet, your skin tight and the angle low and you should be shaving like a pro in no time. Oh and really really light on the pressure.

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All my razors are ready to go at this point. I have been watching Lynns videos intently and have had one decent shave so far with a lesser blade. Tonight i practiced making lather..

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Originally Posted by RezDog

It is in part because we never learned this stuff from our father, uncles and grandfathers.

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When i lived with my grandparents growing up, my grandfather used to take me to an old Italian barber in West Hempstead, NY. I always got a navy cut so he would buzz the sides, clip the top.. and hit the neck with a straight razor. I never learned how to use one, but i remember thinking that was the coolest thing ever when i was a kid.

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Originally Posted by Ernie1980

I would go for the Dovo out of those choices, it was my first razor and a great starter blade. However, you are looking at SRD anyways you might want to consider the Ralf Aust. It can be bought for around the same price as the Dovo, but a better razor IMO.

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Its a little late for an Aust. The Dovo is sitting next to me.. glistening in oil. I'm already amazed by it.

Given the fact that whichever one you choose to shave with will be much sharper than the gold dollar, I'd take the safest option of shaving with the round point first.

Another option is to shave the right cheek with the Western Star, the left cheek with the Hess, and the neck with the Dovo.

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Originally Posted by MW76

All my razors are ready to go at this point. I have been watching Lynns videos intently and have had one decent shave so far with a lesser blade.

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Sounds like the world of straight razors DVD is worth it. I've been looking at it and thinking it's probably a good purchase...

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Originally Posted by PKelly

Sounds like the world of straight razors DVD is worth it. I've been looking at it and thinking it's probably a good purchase...

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Im only into the third section of the DVD but it has good reviews and so far it contains alot of very good information.

Lynns Youtube channel has a couple good vids you can check out in the meantime.

Awesome - YouTube.com/user/lynnsabrams - thanks for letting me know!

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Originally Posted by criswilson10

Another option is to shave the right cheek with the Western Star, the left cheek with the Hess, and the neck with the Dovo.

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Sorry but I disagree with this. I believe a beginner should figure out, and get comfortable with, just one razor at first.