I started with 2 Gold Dollars before I started getting top quality razors. I'll be the first one to admit Gold Dollars are not Dovos, Wackers, or Thiers Issards, but they can serve the purpose for which they are made. For me, now 2+ years into this art and hobby, I advocate the Gold Dollar razor for the beginner learning both to shave and hone. I'm more from the Anthony Eposito (The Stallion) school regarding Gold Dollars and their naysayers. I no longer generally use Gold Dollars to shave my face, but have moved them to shaving my head rotation; and they shave (and hone up) just fine, thank you very much.

Let me say, progressing in this hobby will take time. Most say 100 shaves. Give yourself 6 months. Then another 6 months. You'll be amazed how far you've gone in a year.