Straight razor gift purchase decision guidance

Hello,

My boyfriend wants to try straight razor shaving, so I'm going to buy him some supplies for christmas. I've done my homework a little bit, and am thinking of buying him a razor from classicshaving.com, either the DOVO "Shavette" Tortoise, or maybe the DOVO "Black Star" Pakkawood 5/8. The reason I'm interested in the Savette is that it talks about being good for beginners because you can learn to shave without having to worry about honing, and you will need less supplies to get started. It seems like it might make it easier to get started, and then if he likes it I can get him a nicer one and he can learn all of the other skills involved. Also, then maybe more things will be in stock on the site. Can anyone provide feedback on this idea?

Thanks,
Sarah.

buy a pre-honed straight and strop instead. look in the classifieds too..just make sure that it comes 'shave ready'.

Go ahead and buy the blackstar, there is some difference in going from the shavett to a regular straight. Why buy twice and have to learn twice, do it once. All he will need to get started is a strop, soap and brush to go along with the razor. I would suggest getting the razor pre honed. I hope this helps.

Another vote to forget about the shavette and by a real straight razor pre-honed. You can get a nice apprentice strop from Heirloom Strop Co here. The pre honed Spartacus Theirs Issard razor that he has for sale @ $125.00 would be a great one for your bf. :gl:

Thanks to everyone for all the guidance. I'm throwing my mini-razor idea out the window and going for the real thing. I appreciate all the feedback!

Sounds like you've already made your decision, but I'll throw in my $0.02.

I bought the shavette thinking it'd be a good place to start, now am realizing I could have just spent that money on a strop and started out with a proper razor. In the mean time I missed a ton of great deals on the classifieds here and now am playing catchup. I'll keep the shavette around now just to lend to friends I'm trying to convert...

Straight Double Edge Razor : Shaving Products Supplies : Dovo Safety Razor : Badger Shaving Brush : Men's Grooming Products : VintageBladesllc.com has a couple of Dovos (the Special and Bismark) on sale through the 19th that would be pretty decent starters.