Thread: Suggest me my first straight

Brand new member here, hopefully I'm posting in the right section. Was hoping to get some advice on a very first straight razor. My local shop sells a Dovo Best Quality 6/8, is that a good quality razor to start with? They also sell T.I razor for a little more money, but I have heard there is some quality control issues with this brand as of late in terms of grind? Or am I better off trying to find a vintage? I wouldn't know what to look for in terms of quality. I know 5/8 round point full hollow is best, that's about it. Any advice appreciated.

I wouldn't mind purchasing from the USA as long as the price is right (would have to be around $100 USD give or take). The Dovo Best sells for around that price here. Not interested in anything super cheap, would rather spend a bit more if it means better quality, longer lasting.

Dovo is a fine razor for sure and 5/8 or 6/8 I think is an ok size to start with and yeah I think round point is good for a beginner. Cant speak to TI. The one big thing is make sure it's shave ready, not all blades are shave ready from the get go.
Check out the classifieds on this site there are usually very good vintage razors for great prices and most will be shave ready unless otherwise stated. The vintage blades shave very well so long as it's good steel and honed by someone that knows what they are doing. Don't count on vintage blades off ebay being shave ready though.
Other vendors like SRD will ship shave ready with a free re hone included. That's where I got my razor from and am very pleased.
Your price point is right on too. 100 bucks gets you a great razor, spend more and it's just nicer scales. My Ralf Aust was $100 and it shaves no different than one twice that price. Hope this helps.

Phil

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I would go with the Dovo. Or you could get a Ralf Aust. If you can get it from Straight Razor Design that is your best bet. At least it will be truly shave ready. Stay away from the TI. Four of my customers had problems with them. I also found the spines were not exactly straight on one side or the other.

The local shop is probably selling straight from the factory so its probably not shave ready and wont be till honed. If they include this the all good otherwise you are better buying from someone like SRD who hone it before sending out. You can also buy a kit and get a decent strop as well. Would echo TI issues with quality.

Either a Dovo best quality, or a boker king cutter. 5/8 full hollow ground. Both served me well as a beginner.

Anything from our buy list that is "Shave Ready" the Dovo will do, the Aust even better. But the classifieds here will get a starter razor real reasonable. Tc

If you want to buy new I would go for Revisor or Ralf Aust.

I ordered my Aust razor directly from the maker in Germany. Shipping rates from Europe to Canada are actually cheaper than those from the US and you are less likely to be slapped with duties. Such has been my luck so far.

Hi, i am looking for a "shave ready" Dover and other beginner or new user straight razors mentioned here. I look forward to having a razor made in the USA, is there another razor company like the Portland Razor Co.

Brian Brown also has a line of production razors.

Brian Brown Custom Razors - Home

Dovo would be a good choice. Not too expensive, but still a good quality razor. As mentioned, it might come "shave ready", but will still require a honing.