Thread: Gift

Originally Posted by kendrajay

REDUCED: Thiers-Issard Stainless 5/8 Carbon - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

FS: Bengal Cast Steel, 5/8, Ivory - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

REDUCED: "Champion" Bruxelles/Solingen 5/8 - Wickedly Raked! - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

REDUCED: Dovo Ivory Micarta INOX 5/8 Ice-Tempered Frozen Steel - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

THIERS-ISSARD: NEW Spartacus 5/8" Hollow Ground Straight Razor - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

thoughts???

OK first off guys, does kendrajay have an eye for a good razor or what!

Secondly posting links to razors in any thread is extremely dangerous to the health... of my wallet.

As to your razors from an aesthetic point of view the Dovo is gorgeous and from the looks of it its brand spanking new. The Spartacus is also a beaut. These two would be my recommendations because should he decide to take up the hobby they are good quality makes which can be forgiving to the newcomer. I am less convinced about the first TI personally- whilst it would shave just as well as the other the scales (handle) are not to my taste. I guess it comes down to what he would prefer the scales to be made out of. I have no experience of the Bengal razor personally but from the way it looks I think he may prefer something brand new.

If you are uncertain would you consider letting him choose? Perhaps he could browse and tell you the kind of razor he likes. Then you could make a more informed decision based on that.

Either way, keep us informed of what you decide and whether he decides to take up the hobby

It really depends what is your/his taste. I personally would choose any day a vintage sheffield that has got a lot of character. Ivory or horn scales for sure.
If a more modern look, I'd get something that has been customized and looks way more artistic than the standard factory production. Recently Lynn likened the Dovos to Ford or Chevy and I agree with him, they are more utilitarian than showpieces.

If it'll be a display piece only, may be something on the brands to avoid list in the wiki would work just as well and look no worse than a real shaving razor.

Pretty much all of us here are into shaving with our razors, but I also have some razors that even if I never shave with, I think they're just cool to have because of the history.

That is a mighty fine looking Dovo.

Wow! I really never knew there was this whole community of straight shavers (is that what you call yourselves??? lol)

Now this has opened me up to a whole world of things....I looked up some sheffield vintage (????) ones and those to me are pretty cool....although I really am just looking at the handles and if they look clean or not...lol

So now I am on the hunt for the right handle...errr....scales (? trying to use the right wording so that I fit in a little better around here...lol)

Thank you for all of the information. I thought finding one would be a bit easier, but glad I didnt just purchase the first one I saw...I think he will enjoy the fact that I am researching these along with the actual gift

Off to continue my search...

Originally Posted by kendrajay

I looked up some sheffield vintage (????) ones and those to me are pretty cool....although I really am just looking at the handles and if they look clean or not...lol

Okay I am not so sure I like them...I think I just like the antique-y looking ones. Do they have (stupid question I am sure)...ones that are old looking (and in age too)...that are in usable condition??

Its quite possible to have a blade put into antique scales. To do that you usually need to speak with someone who can do that for you. I suggest if you go this route you PM either gxsixgun or floppyshoes on this website for better info. I know they work wonders in the workshop.

Contact me on MSN if you want to chat or Q/A some.

Originally Posted by kendrajay

Okay I am not so sure I like them...I think I just like the antique-y looking ones. Do they have (stupid question I am sure)...ones that are old looking (and in age too)...that are in usable condition??

Yes as long as there isn't serious pitting at or very near the edge. More often than not they will need a certain amount of restoration. At a minimum honing if they are to be used as shavers. Blades with chips in the edge, cracks in the scales should be avoided if you want to use it. Not that you couldn't restore such a razor in many cases but it would drive the cost up and for an oldie like that the more original the cooler it is.

I have truly enjoyed reading this thread. I don't know anyone that would research anything on this level to buy a gift. It is nice to see someone go to such lengths. Hopefully you can convince your boyfriend to take up this art/hobby. Just one question: do you have a sister?

lol..yeah I have a sister...shes married though...:/

I dont know if he will ever take it up...who knows with him though.

There is so much to this art...I am going to school to be a hairstylist...and its amazing to me that barbers have to go to school for 2500 hours in MI...and I only have to go 1200. They say its because of shaving the face. Very interesting to me!

I am still looking but I think I am leaning towards the...crap I dont remember the name of it....its the one everyone had the best to say about it...I just looked back..the Dovo.

I will keep looking but thats my choice for the time being

Thanks, yet again, for everyones help! I really appreciate it

Well, darn. Oh well; happy hunting. I am sure he will love whatever you decide on. Just be prepared: a year and a half ago I took up wet-shaving to "save money". DEs led to straights and all that goes with them. A couple thousand dollars later I am not so sure how much I have saved. I have done considerable remodeling to facilitate my "hobby", which is where most of the cost comes in for me, but it is addicting. If he takes it up it will surely enrich his life; but might loosen the purse strings a little.
-JLW