Quote Originally Posted by TomP30 View Post
Having decided upon a new tool for the first shave I am now bedevilled with selection anxiety syndrome. I have a shortlist of what I understand to be good entry level razors, what would the experts choose?

all in a 5/8 and prices are approximate.

Thiers Issard basic black - £90
Dovo Best Quality - £75
Revisor 5-0000, Starter set with basic strop and razor oil - £90 (seems best deal just for strop, however I am thinking I'd prefer a paddle)

I have read numerous criticisms and counter-criticisms about each, what can I reasonably expect in terms of quality of build, shave readiness etc?
My first razor was a dovo all stainless. Its nice since its all metal, and all stainless. The steel they use is most likely similar to uddeholm aeb-l, but maybe a krupp variant or similar. If lest neglected this razor will not rust. And thats good a for a beginner. Personally I would never get a carbon steel razor if a stainless variant was available. But thats just me.

Also factor in strop and hones. Many people here seems to like the naniwa super stone 12k as a finisher. I'm getting one soon. You will need a DMT Coarse (325 mesh) for flattening all your stones.

Don't trust anything that is supposed to be shave ready. You will have to do this yourself. Easy as that. Then you know what you did to the razor.