Next Razor?

Morning,

I'm a new straight razor shaver (3-4 weeks), and have been using a new Dovo Special 6/8 CS Tortise. I'm interested in getting another new razor. Any suggestions? I know this is a wide-open question, but I would like some input from the veteran shavers out there for recommendations for a new razor.

Thank you.

There are so many options. You could try a heavier grind - maybe a half hollow. I really like Sheffield blades. To me, they have a different feel. Maybe one of them? US made razors Genco, Challenge, etc. are pretty cool too.

Jordan

I am, by no means, a veteran shaver. But I've been shaving for 2 months now and I've learned a ton about different razors.

I would suggest trying a vintage blade. As Jordan mentioned, Sheffield blades are very good, and there are many different manufacturers to choose from there. Same with American. I have a Geneva 5/8 Spike, and it's a wonderful shaver.

Keep your eyes on the B/S/T. There are always vintage blades going through there for a very fair price.

~Chris

Get something you have never heard of or a less favored brand. You will be very surprised. It will probably be even nicer than the dovo on your face. Try a Morley or a Gold Bug or a no name sheffield. These always make for the most fun for me.

I've been straight razor shaving for quite a while now, and I own a Genco, and a Dovo. For my next razor, I want a Wade and Butcher, or maybe a Double Duck.

I wouldn't part with my razors for any amount of money! Sometimes, shaving is the best part of the day.

I'll tell you what I would really like to find. A towel steamer! Not one of those cheesy heated racks, but a genuine towel steamer box. That would be cool. Right now, I just put damp towels in the microwave.

most people say they are not worth it. They say put a little water on the towel and put it in the microwave for a short bit and you will get similar results. Just becareful not to burn yourself.

Mooseman,
It's not that difficult, and well, welcome to the obsession. Those of us with quite a few razors almost always started out this way...trying one then another.
Mostly, follow the same rules that led to your first razor and you will do fine. Stay away from razors marketed cheap or as novelties, as when it comes to steel you get what you pay for (usually). If you've seen a brand mentioned favorably here, it's probably a safe bet if it is in good shape.
Hone it if it needs it, or if you're still uncomfortable doing this yourself for whatever reason, send it to someone who will (some razors seem like they are a POS, when in fact they just take a little more attention on the hone...my Dovo or Wapienicas would get sharp almost by being in the same room as a hone....Friodurs and TI's take a little more work, for instance)

Good luck

John P.

Thank you all for the information. I will check out the BST section.
Like I need another addiction!

Take care,

Gary

You've asked a difficult question, I agree with the sentiment about older razors, but even there the sky's the limit...
What are you looking for?
I'm rather fond of Henckels and Wade&Butcher razors, they both have exceptional edge retention, and are great smooth shavers.
Clauss, Wester Brothers, Boker, morley, Double duck... all good razors.
You can even shop for a certain feel...


Some razors tend to have a smoother grain or feel to their steel, Sheffield steel is a good example of this.
there are too many variables for me to continue...

If you want a new razor, I see you have a dovo, I would say get a nice TI...

If you were to chose a vintage razor, and you were never going to look at another razor again, I would say get a W&B.

You have to ask yourself some questions first. You have a 6/8s hollow grind now so do you like the size and heft or do you want something bigger and heavier or smaller and lighter. Do you like the noisy hollow or do you want a quieter half or quarter hollow or a wedge. Do you like the round point or do you want to get a spike. Do you want to try a stainless this time. The answers to these questions will lead you to a type of razor but as far as a brand that's for you to decide since there are hundreds out there.

+1 on the vintage. I would go with something a little less $$ than a duck. I personaly love my union spike. I am a little different though, I haven't found a wide heavy blade I like yet. I am a head shaver as well as face and perfer to stay under 7/8 and have a couple of sub 5/8 I really like. Don't let the big blade hype scare you away from trying a smaller blade. You can about always move it on the BST if you don't like it.

Don