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Good evening Folks, I'm considering investing in my first straight razor and the two in consideration are a Dovo half-hallow C steel (astale series) and a Boker C stainless steel (model # BO140522) both are 5/8" and new but I thought I'd ask what razor would be a better beginners piece? The Boker 140th anniversary series doesn't list it's width info., but looks like a full-hallow...
Thanks!
Go for the Boker! and the 140th anniversary is a 5/8 full hollow... at least mine is :)
I would choose the Böker too. I've had both Bökers and Dovos in my rotation. Now I don't have any Dovos anymore...
Welcome mate,
Seems that you got your recommendation from the fine gentlemen above. Just make sure that you get the blade honed and stropped (ie "shave-ready"). Check the shop you are planning to make the purchase from if they provide this service. Unless they do, you'll have to get it honed by other shop or a member providing honing service.
Read up on other newbie-info from the beginners guide in the wiki. Good luck.
Get a vintage Boker: cheaper and keep their value better.
Look here: Raritäten der Woche Galerie
Kees is absolutely correct... the vintage Bokers are much better value and are likely to increase as time goes on... several of current models are, IMHO, WAY overpriced. You could get a custom made for less than many of their factory models.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kees
Agreed, the Boker, for all the reasons stated above.
Neither, really, see Shopping list for beginners - the first razor.
I don't think you can go wrong either way. I own a bunch of Dovos and Bokers both vintage and new. The Astrale is a very nice shaver as are all the new Bokers. I would say always pick a razor that suits your tastes in both looks and performance. As you use different razors though, be prepared for you own tastes to change.
Have fun,
Lynn
Yes, be ready to know that your preferences will change and you may prefer to own more than one straight razor in the near future.
I have 2 newer Dovo's and one NOS and all of them give a great shave and are easy to maintain.
Good Luck,
Pabster
I know my taste have changed at least twice. If it was my choice I'd go for the Boker:-)
Well based upon the comments and posts, the Boker seems to be the winner, I'm going to purchase today, soo thanks again guys, I'm pretty sure the Boker is full hollow... I just wasn't sure if this was a good beginners blade, based upon my research, the astrale (Dovo) .5 hollow is typically for more experiened users right...? Thanks again everyone!
Not necessarily. Hollow grinding requires higher skill levels and more sophisticated machinery. They started to appear in the late 1800s. Before that only wedges and less hollow grinds. Many with heavy beards prefer half hollows over full hollows.Quote:
Originally Posted by Moniker88
Honing and maintenance of a full hollow ground edge is usually easier.
Good evening Folks, so i bought the Boker, any recommendations for a honing stone that is affordable (meaning min. requirement) I thought about (eventually) sending it off to some sharpening places but that is pretty spendy right? I thought honing myself is the best idea (economically), but I know there is a hundred different sediments to choose from, full hollow might need a finer stone, I imagine... :mace:
Thanks again!
I sure wouldn't advise you to try honing yourself--no way at all. Where did you buy it? If it was SRD then it's ready to go now because Lynn would have honed it already.
To learn to hone you need to buy a couple of old cheap razors off of ebay and practice on them. There's a good chance you'll ruin that nice new razor. Besides once it's honed all you need for several months is a leather strop. If it came from somewhere else check the classfieds for someone to hone it.
Learn to shave first then learn to hone. Honing cost is $15 to $20.
Dude send it out it will be cheaper than trashing a good blade.
+1 on sending it out. The honing will be cheaper than getting a honing setup.Quote:
Originally Posted by Moniker88