Thread: Let's consolidate product recommendations

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

Some people used to complain, and over in another forum some people still do. I have seen over 300 Dovos in the last 12 months, and I can tell you that less than 2% were "faulty", and none of them could not be made shave ready within a reasonable amount of time by a skilled honer. Dovo used to have QA problems until approx. 3 years ago, and it may well be that overseas vendors still have old stock. But I would definitly not definitly steer Joe towards a vintage blade. It is a viable alternative, but only if it is below USD 80 in mint condition and shave ready. Because that is what you get from SRD, for starters.

You obviously have far more experience than myself (I've seen a total of one Dovo, and it's a nice razor). I'm only basing that on the reviews people are posting (photos of off kilter spine design, poorly manufactured jimps, etc.). You are certainly correct that some people do insist on *new* in which case they are very limited in their manufacturing choice (outside of NOS). However, a quick review of the classifieds shows many razors under $60 that are advertised as shave ready. That is why I recommend the vintage route for the newbie *on a tight budget* like the fictional Joe... not to mention it seems that case that most newbs spoil the edge one way or another (nicks, improper stropping, etc.) and it is mighty disappointing to do that to a brand new blade... plus if you get two $40 vintage instead of one brand new one, you have a spare while your main blade is off getting rehoned...

If you're not a tight budget, then the new blades certainly become an attractive option...

Cheers,

- HJ

I'm one of those who feel modern factory made razors are just not as good as vintage stuff. Even the vintage Dovo's and TI's were much better however that doesn't mean the new stuff isn't quality and won't give you a great shave. Its all a matter of degree like what's better a Ferrari or Lamborgini.

Having said that there is just something special about buying a brand spanking new razor and honing her up and putting it to your face. its like putting on a new pair of cowboy boots. Just a great feeling.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I'm one of those who feel modern factory made razors are just not as good as vintage stuff. Even the vintage Dovo's and TI's were much better however that doesn't mean the new stuff isn't quality and won't give you a great shave. Its all a matter of degree like what's better a Ferrari or Lamborgini.

My TI Le Grelot outshaves most of my vintage razors. Lucky punch?

You never know when you might get lucky. Paul and I traded some rather odd (small vs. old) razors, and I am exceedingly happy with them.

Regards,
Robin

P.S. An h after a g in Italian makes the g go hard.

Newsprint has its place... As for make shift cheap strops also a fan of sanding any creases out of a relatively new broken belt (or old one in decent shape) has to be wide enough though.... Or Balsa wood cheap soft don't need that clipboard just a flat surface some folks might argue it needs to be lapped.... (and the piece purchased would likely also have enough extra to get a 4$ package of CrO and have a pasted one also for touch ups before sending out to rehone)

I don't like recommending the same thing to everybody. Every person has different values and priorities and they can make their own decision based on those.
We're not a place to endorse or push particular products, but to provide good information.
When people are new to this they often just want to be given an easy answer. I don't believe this is a very good thing and I prefer to encourage them to do their own research instead of letting somebody else decide what's best for them.
There is no perfect solution and given the limitations imposed by finances, availability of products and personal differences I don't feel comfortable telling people which option to pick.

Hopefully joe's dad has planned for his son some time in advance and hands joe a already stropped and honed Dovo, a tube of Kiss My Face shave cream, a badger hair brush and a bottle of Clubman-Pinaud and says "this will get you started, everything after this you pay for yourself." This is what I plan to do for my four year old son.

Originally Posted by jbcohen

Hopefully joe's dad has planned for his son some time in advance and hands joe a already stropped and honed Dovo, a tube of Kiss My Face shave cream, a badger hair brush and a bottle of Clubman-Pinaud and says "this will get you started, everything after this you pay for yourself." This is what I plan to do for my four year old son.

Gosh, JB, if he's only four, I hope you include a styptic pencil in with the package.

I think this review consolidation is a good idea, and could maybe grow legs. Certainly, I really have appreciated all of the advice I have read in the various forums here, and it has informed pretty much all of my choices for razors and related products. One thing that strikes me is that newbies hit the website asking more or less the same newbie questions each time. Is there a way to help them more easily access basic beginner info? Or, is it better the way it is, allowing newbs to introduce themselves into the community, and the more seasoned users guide them through some of the beginning steps?