Thread: NEED HELP-dont know what razor to buy

i am brand new to this, and i did some research, and found what strop to buy, i have a badger hair brush, but when it comes to razors i dont know my a$$ from my elbow, so what should i buy. i keep hearing dovo, but should i buy a new blade, go for a classic, also i dont have that much money.
so can anyone help me???

Welcome to the forums...As for your first razor, I would suggest getting one from the classifieds here. It will be much cheaper and you want to get something that comes "shave Ready" by one of the guys here that will give you a "standard" to go forward. There are usually some starter razors there that are very reasonable. If you come up with questions, PLEASE ask BEFORE you pull the trigger on the purchase. I'm sure the seller will be very helpful as will everyone else here. ENJOY!

aKonrad Welcome to SRP

If you could spend around a hundred dollors you could buy a new DOVO and that would be a great razor to start out with. Or you could go to the classifieds and find something really nice . Either way you cannot go wrong, I wanted to have something new when I started a few months ago, I bought a 6/8 DOVO with imitation tortise and I think it is a great razor.

+1 on the classifieds. Most say for a starter get a 5/8 or 6/8 blade they are a little easier to move around your face. Just make sure that the razor you get is shave ready!! You can get a good blade for a good price and if you have a question just pm the seller most will be happy to help

Welcome to SRP!!

thanks guys....oh and what is the 5/8 thing mean??

Originally Posted by aKonrad

thanks guys....oh and what is the 5/8 thing mean??

The width of the blade.....You don't want anything too big to start out with. Once you get the hang of things you can go to a wider blade if you like. It's all about preferences, some like BIG blades some don't.

Welcome to SRP!

Originally Posted by aKonrad

thanks guys....oh and what is the 5/8 thing mean??

The answer is in the FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki. Some more background can be found in this article: Straight Razors - Straight Razor Place Wiki.

You might also find the beginner's section in the Wiki useful, in particular this post: Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki.

4/8, 5/8, 6/8, 7/8, 8/8 all refer to the blade widths in eighth of an inch increment... sometimes you will see blade listed with the measurements listed in 16th of an inch for the odd sizes.

this sizing pre-dates the use of the cursed french measurement system and is still used.

A hearty welcome to SRP! a 5/8 or 6/8 round point is a good razor to start with. There is not such thing as a beginner razor, either it's a straight razor or it isn't. You can learn using a spike point, many of our member have done successfully done so. A round point is, however, a bit more forgiving when starting.

+1 with looking through the classifieds. Kenrup (a member here) sells some great starter kits at very reasonable prices. SRD (look in the Vendors Corner forum below) has some great starter sets too. Whever you buy your razor ensure it is truly shave ready!

Originally Posted by coachmike

The width of the blade.....You don't want anything too big to start out with. Once you get the hang of things you can go to a wider blade if you like. It's all about preferences, some like BIG blades some don't.

Now in my humble opinion I disagree I found a 7/8 or bigger to be easier to handle. I have blades from 3/8 to 15/16th and they are all good. It is just a matter of preferrence as you said. For me bring on the big guys.... lol