Thread: Beginner, feeling lost purchasing a new straightedge razor

I'm looking into purchasing my first straightedge razor, but to be honest, feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed.

Based on the research I have done so far (and a bias towards German quality), the brand I will likely go with is a Dovo Solingen. The problem is there seems to be a wide range of products and costs, and I'm not experienced enough to know the difference.

(1) What is the main reason one razor by Dovo costs $140, and another $700? Does it all have to do with handle types, gold trim, and other superficial details, or are there other differences I should look out for?

(2) Are there differences in the metal type, or does Dovo use the same type of steel for all their blades?

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Some background info if it helps:

I want to start shaving with a straightedge for practical reasons. I have really sensitive skin, so I go between one to three weeks between each shave. If I were to shave daily like "ordinary" people, my face would be constantly torn up, red, and itchy. Standard razors are not practical for shaving two-weeks worth of facial hair. I'm hoping a straightedge razor will either reduce the problems my sensitive skin, or allow me to still go weeks between shaves as the longer hair won't get stuck in the razor. I am a pragmatist; the feel of a cleaner shave, the manliness of using a razor, or the zen feeling you get from honing your blade, are nice, but not relevant to me.

For this same reason, unnecessary features such as gold trim or mammoth ivory handle. All I care about is the quality of the blade and how comfortable it is to hold the razor while shaving.

So long as I'm not overpaying, I have no problems spending more for a quality razor that lasts for many years; my budget is at the most $300 USD that I can spend comfortably without it becoming a financial burden.

Hi Andreas, there are lots on offer out there and I would say to you Dovo are on the lower scale of the better quality German Razors, there's Ralf Aust also Revisors own brand are very hard to beat so there's two very good starter razors to look at, things that you should be looking out for as a newbie straight razor user are a full hollow grind between 5/8 & 6/8 with a round point.

In general, blades from a manufacturer are all the same. The major difference and possibly the only difference would be carbon and stainless steels. The price is usually reflective of the fanciness of the blade/scales. If you aren't concerned with looks, I would recommend a sight unseen set from whipped dog or a ralf aust set from straight razor designs. These will give you good razors with a strop, which is necessary for maintenance. I do believe if you talk with whipped dog, you can request a German made blade. Other than that, you can also check out the classfieds, there is usually a lower priced razor in good condition and shave ready.

In any production razor line the cost difference between models is basically for additional bells and whistles embellishments. The same steel is use in the entire line. So you are correct on both counts.

Bob

I agree 5/8 round point. A 6/8 is just a little harder to learn on, a 5/8 would be easier to control.

the only thing I can add to what has been said is that it should be hand honed and shave ready. Factory edges are not always shave ready and should be honed either by the seller or a third party before you take the first shave.

Originally Posted by celticcrusader

Hi Andreas, there are lots on offer out there and I would say to you Dovo are on the lower scale of the better quality German Razors, there Ralf Aust also Revisors own brand are very hard to beat

I'm not adamant on Dovo or even being a German company, so I am open to both of those. However, I still run into the same problem of not knowing the difference between the dozens of razors each company has for sale.

Originally Posted by celticcrusader

so there's two very good starter razors to look at, things that you should be looking out for as a newbie straight razor user are a full hollow grind between 5/8 & 6/8 with a round point.

What makes a razor a "starter razor"? What is the difference between it and a "standard razor" while shaving?

Sir, I would get one off E-bay, there are a couple of W.H. Worley &Sons and some Wm. Elliot&com razors. Buy one or two and send them out to be honed (If you don't have the hones yet.) these are just as good as a brand new razor and a lot cheaper. JMHO.

You would not go wrong with the low end of the price range on anything Straight Razor Design sells, Bokers don't have jimps to help you hold them. Thiers Issard seem a bit less forgiving but all the razors and equipment they sell are of good quality from the cheaper to fantastically expensive. As a beginner you could do way worse going into uncharted stores or eBay.

If your skin is very sensitive you may want to try soap/cream samples before committing to a favorite or three. You may also want to try super soft badger brushes or synthetic brushes.