Newbie from Dubai

Gents,
I have a couple of questions. First the backround, I started shaving with a DE safety razor about two years ago after stumbling onto the ClassicShaving.com website. I had been suffering for years with the disposable razors trying to find one that didn't set my face on fire. I would go back and forth from buying the cheapest I could find and only using them once and throwing them away to the Mach III crap and gratering my face with it. I even bought one of those wet/dry electric shavers to use in the shower. Chucked it after the first try.

I tried the DE and was extremely pleased and reading the straight razor stories I decided to try a shavette style razor using my Feather stainless blades. I was hooked. Now that I've been shaving with the straight for about six months I'm ready to invest in a real razor. My question:

Who makes the best quality blade out there?
Is there an advantage to Damascus blades that justify the price? (other than they look cool)
Does someone make a straight razor that is the same length as a DE blade? (I like the manouverability of that size)
What kit would you suggest to keep the thing sharp? (Strop, creme etc.)

Thanks,

urfslam

Welcome aboard. I'll try to answer your questions..
1) This is a very controversial topic simply because there can't be a real concensus. Almost everyone is praising Dubl Duck razors to high heavens but my experiences with one weren't stellar. Right now you have 2 manufacturers -- DOVO from Solingen and Thiers-Issard from France (TI uses Sheffield steel). I'm not counting Col. Conk or Kamisori b/c they're made by DOVO. I'm almost certain DOVO makes new Henckels blades. You could also go for a custom job. Joe Chandler just made a BEAUTIFUL custom for me http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=14805. Robert Williams is another amazing manufacturer and he hand-forges. So does Mastro Livi, even though he is pricier than the others. If you're buying an antique, there are many great German, US, Spanish, English, Polish and Swedish (to name a few countries lol) manufacturers to explore. My best experiences came with Taylor's Eye Witness from Sheffield and Genco (Geneva Cutlery) from the US.
2) So far, there hasn't been a documented advantage of Damascus steels over modern stainless or even high carbon steels. You pay for the appearance.
3) I'm not aware of straights that are that short, but there certainly are short-bladed razors made by TI and Dubl Duck. You could also go for a custom. However, as long as you know what you're doing, even an unusually long-bladed razor will still give you a great shave (practice the sweep lol).
4) Another controversial topic. There are many ways to skin a cat and keep a blade sharp. Some swear by natural stones like Thuringen and Coticule. Others love artificial fine finishers like the Shapton 15k. I personally use a leather-surfaced bench hone pasted with a mixture of strop dressing and 0.5 micron chromium oxide powder to give them the final polish after honing on Norton 4k/8k and to maintain their sharpness.

Thanks for the information. I'd like to explore the custom route. What price should I expect to pay? Are we talking couple hundred or a couple thousand dollars?

urf