Introduction and a question.

Just thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Jeremy. I've always used a cheapo bic razor with a few blades and always had problems getting the chin area smooth. I've also always heard straight razors were the best shave, and just thought they were cool anyway, so here I am. I don't have a razor yet, and was wondering about the cheaper DOVO razors that are only around $40. Are they good enough or am I better off spending a little more and getting something else? Is there perhaps something even cheaper that one of you know about? I plan to nudge the girlfriend into getting me a nice one for my birthday in the future... :w but for now I'm your typical poor college student, so I'm looking for the cheapest I can that will still get me a decent shave. Lastly, just wanted to say how awesome you guys are. I've already learned so much just reading the stickies and looking around at random posts. Thanks guys. :bow

Welcome!

As long as the razor is not an eBay or Pakistani, and the blade is truly shave-ready, you'll be good to go. If you keep your eyes fixed on the B/S/T section, there are lots of shave-ready razors for great prices.

Be careful. You get one, you'll end up with 5

I think the "$40" dovo's you are refering to are shavettes... They are disposable bladed razors, and I don't think they will live up to your expectations.
Maybe some of the guys here who use feathers can give you more information about them.
I would recommend something in 5/8 or above, Dovos are good. classic shaving has a 5/8 "best quality" for $65, or even better in my eyes is the 6/8 version of the same thing for $69 You will have to have this razor honed by one of the honemeisters.If this is high for your budget, then your only other option (that I know of) in a new razor would be a Wapi.
Wapis are inexpensive cold war era razors that can be bought relatively cheap, and are made of good steel.

If you are looking to go "old school" and want a vintage razor, the best place to watch is the B/S/T section here. Again, make sure it says shave ready. other wise expect to spend a little to get it honed by a honemeister.

On a side note, if you can save for a little bit and want an great razor at a reasonable price. ClassicShaving.com has started carrying Filarmonica razors again. Filarmonicas are spanish made razors, the ones I've tried have all been exceptional shavers, They are no longer in production, and at $120 are an excellent option.

Oops, I mean't to say $60, not $40. It is the "best quality" Dovo that I was looking at. And now for a real newbie question. Why do you prefer the 6/8 to the 5/8? Having not gotten one yet, I don't quite understand why it makes that big of a difference. Also haven't figured out that quarter hollow stuff yet... any good places to read up on such differences in blades? The more I look into things, the more I'm not sure I'll get started just yet anyway, but I'm going to stick around and learn while I wait. I've already read up on the stickies, but I'd appreciate any other helpful info. Even if not quite yet, I'll be using a straight within a few months.

From one Jeremy to another Jeremy hello. I have only five shaves under my belt and thus do not have a lot of knowledge, but where is what I do know. The shavette that you mentioned is trash. Don't bother with it. I have a 5/8 dovo carbon steel and I am kicking myself not having purchased the better but more expensive stainless steel, unfortunately goes for around $100. This is one place that I am finding out you should not get really cheap.

It's definitely good to read up and do your research before jumping into this. I wish I had spent more time learning the craft before I jumped in, but now that I'm shaving, I wouldn't trade it for a lifetime supply of safety razors.

I, too, and quite new and still haven't learned the differences between quarter, half, and hollow grounds (and whatever else there might be).

Welcome! As was said, take your time and do your homework. The Dovo you are looking at is a good starter in my opinion. Take a look at this one as well http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...940/190287.htm Comes highly recommended a sa great intro shaver that a lot of guys still have in their rotation. Good luck and keep asking questions.

I also am new, and have been reading around doing my homework. There' a great discussion on the different grinds here (as well as other stuff if you go back to the table of contents and read all the way through).

Oh, thanks, Huskysibe. I was already thinking it might be a few months until I can get started just because I didn't realize the start up cost until I read around on this site. Now you had to go and show me that beautiful Dovo. :rolleyes: Actually, that does look nice and still not TOO expensive for a starter. Perhaps I will save a little longer and get that one. Thank you for linking it. Also, thank you wanderer for the other link. I finally know what those terms are talking about...

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Originally Posted by TheFinerThings...

Also, thank you wanderer for the other link. I finally know what those terms are talking about...

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Yes, agreed! Thanks, wanderer!