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Ok I have it narrowed down to the Dovo Special with tortise handle, My question is what is the difference between the 5/8 and the 6/8 ? Is that a measurement ? What one should I get , keep in mind this is going to be my first straight razor. Also should I go with carbon or SS ?
I read that they because the steel is pretty stiff, they are practically indistinguishable. There is an old thread about it somewhere but I could not find it. Whichever one you chose, make sure that it is in shave ready condition. Happy buying ;-)
Al raz.
I forgot to mention that I think the Dovo Special only comes in carbon steel but they should provide the same comfortable shave.
welcome to the world of enjoying your shave.
yes, it's the width. as far as which to get...:shrug:
you won't know until you get it whether or not you like it.
personally, i like carbon over stainless. seems to hold the edge better IMO. just make sure you keep it dry after you are done shaving.
i hope you enjoy and keep us posted on your adventures and purchases.
IMHO, I would suggest a carbon 6/8. Carbon as it's (generally) less expensive, more forgiving, and easier to hone.
6/8 as it's a little less responsive and heavier than a 5/8. To me 5/8 full hollows require a little more skill and technique to get the best shave out of than a wider blade and/or heavier grind.
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Go with 6/8 and carbon steel. The 8th of an inch are how wide the blade is from spine to edge.
X
Just what I wanted to hear, something was telling me to go with the 6/8, I liked the look of the wider blade and thought it might have been better for me. From my experience with knives, I have always had better luck sharpening Carbon over SS , so I thought I would go with the carbon razor, I know with a knife SS seemed to hold an edge longer but always had a problem sharpening them, so I stay away from SS
Most agree the ss is harder to hone. Just like you I have noticed it with my knifes. As far as blade the 6/8 is a good blade to start with. Just remember when you do get your razor take your time and don't expect the world when you start. Like any skill it takes time to master. I am damn sure still learning:D
I don't think you can go wrong with either. I like both 5/8 and 6/8. I don't know if it is psychological or for real but the 5/8 seems to me to be easier to maneuver. Kind of like the difference between a sports car and an old Lincoln Continental.
OTOH, I like the look and the little bit more heft of the 6/8 and I guess it seems to me that I am getting more for my money. In reality I don't know whether that 1/8 of an inch is really making much of a difference.
Same as you, I learned to love carbon steel with pocket knives. Since I have been messing with razors SS is good and you can sharpen it up but it takes a bit more work. Good when you get it there though.
If you get bit by the bug you will end up with all of the sizes in all of the materials anyway so don't fret about getting the wrong one. :) With proper care either one will last you a lifetime and then some.
I will definitly remember that, thank you.Quote:
Originally Posted by sbrouwers
Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
Jimmy, there is already a half dozen razors I would love to have, I hope this is not going to be like my addiction for guns.
I am a one year newbie now, and I would suggest a carbon. I have both and am still working on getting my TI SS sharp! Its coming around, but my Dovo carbon was my first razor and quite truthfully I am soooo glad it was my first. It is much easier to sharpen and thus your learning curve will be faster I would think. I have both sizes and the 6/8 has a lot more "weight" to it. If you have a particularily heavy beard I would go 6/8. You will love the Dovo! As many have said, once the bug bites it will be the first of many.
Either one will slice nice, but for a first one, the 6/8 gets a very slight edge on two counts, they are a slight bit easier to keep flat on the strop, and it is pretty much the dead center size, so you can easily decide whether you want larger or smaller, and be able to move in either direction.... Welcome aboard the Straight Train....
PS as to carbon or SS I really don't think it matters all that much, they both will rust if not cared for and they both get sharp..:D
I prefer carbon steel edges because they seem to be the smoothest for my skin.
As for size: I agree with Glen: 6/8 is the center size, and from there you can go larger or smaller. And no matter where your tastes lie, it is very probable that you'll like the 6/8 no matter if you like small or big blades.
i would go with a 6/8 carbon. the carbon is easier to hone and i like the heavy blades a lot better it feels like you are actually holding something. i have a 7/8 6/8 and a 5/8 i bought the 5/8 to learn to hone on and actually shaved with it last week, i did not like it one bit it felt like i was shaving with a popsicle stick
ok Im gonna do this tonight, Im gonna look at straight razor design then I'll post up what Im looking at then I'll make the purchase.
let us know how it goes
Ok it looks like the Dovo 6/8 round tip with tortise shell handle, I also like the Dovo 6/8 Red Bismark.
Im looking at a Shavemac 23mm finest with imitation ivory handle, or the Shavemac Handmade Silver Tip Shaving Brush 26 mm Ivory imitation.
Should I spend the extra money and get the silver tip ? is it necessary ? Also am I in a good size range or is that preference? I see myself being a soap guy instead of shave cream, if that makes a difference.
Anyone advice on the brush ? Is silver tip necessary ?
My first brush was $3 boar's hair.
Compared to Silvertip ... Well there is no comparison but you may find other grades of Badger are ok.
Trying different things is the key to gaining experience & you can always sell what doesn't work for you... or grow another collection :D
First, welcome to SRP!
For me, a 6/8 or 7/8 is a personal preference but these things are just that personal preferences. As others have said, make sure it is in shave-ready condition and strop before you shave. Shave-ready does not necessarily mean that you do not have to strop. 60 laps on the leather with only the weight of the blade is adequate.
Enjoy the journey!