Questions: Spike Point/Rounded + Soaps

Hi,

I am researching and trying to find the best razor, for a reasonable price, for my boyfriend this Christmas.

I really like:

Dovo Ebony Spike Point Straight Razor Set from Vintage Blades

Is there any reason that a beginner can't start with a spike point? I know it's easier to cut yourself with one, but couldn't he just learn from the start? Or do most people really prefer the rounded?

The Dovo "Black Best Quality" Straight Razor Set would be more affordable though, and does have the rounded point. It just isn't as cool looking... Opinions on this blade?

I also really like the Dovo White Bone Spike Point Straight Razor Setbut again, it's a bit pricier, and has a spike point.

Do you all think the Rooney small brush is good too?

Also, I have always heard bay rum as the traditional scent for soap. Is this preferable do you think, or should I go with something more neutral like almond or amber? What does amber smell like, by the way?

Has anyone used the Vintage Blades Brand Triple-Milled Shaving Soap? Opinions? Someone told me a cream would be a better bet, but I like the idea of a shave soap. Do they lather enough?

Please let me know what you think would be the best buy, or if you think anyone else gives a better deal. Equally so, if any members have a good blade/strop etc that they are selling, let me know.

Thanks!

~M

PS. He has said he would like to do this, I am just getting it before he would himself, eventually. I thought it would be a really special gift. What are the chances of him absolutely hating shaving with a straight razor?

No, no reason he can't learn with a spike from the outset. many have. It kind of like saying would you want to initally learn to drive a car with an auto tranny or a manual? The spike just adds one more thing to watch out for as you begin.

Ok, first off i want to let you know that I myself am a beginner, so my advice should be taken as such. I got into straight razor shaving because I thought it was just a cool classic "manly art"... and it turns out it really is. There are only a few things that could make your boyfriend not like it and I think it would be one of these:

1. Impatient
2. Unwillingness to maintain the razor
3. Cutting himself

Obviously if he has been looking into it he knows the pros and cons. It is not difficult at all so the skill is something that must be aquired but it doesn't take a ton of work. He also must know that this will save money in the long run, so if you get him his first razor then you will help the money savings right off the bat. I started with a Dovo best quality so i can say for sure that Dovo makes excellent razors. Your selections look great (i prefer the bone handle) and the only thing that i can say about a spike point is to be extra careful. The knicks to his face wont be terrible, unless he is sawing away at his face, but i can see how a spike point could dig in a bit more if too much pressure is applied.

There is my opinion on the razors. As for soap, I LOVE almond. I have tried both the Col. Conk almond and bay rum. The only common thing I can equate bay rum is the spicy scent of Old Spice cologne. Amber smells like insense/wood/earthy so i stayed away from that. Cream vs. Soap? That is all your preference, but i will tell you that soap lathers great and gives you more of that old time barber feel as long as your get your lathering technique down.

Those sets that you selected come with all of the necessities so that is great, but the main thing is the professionally honed razor. All razors are sharp but they need to be professional, I learned that one from experience. Straight razor shaving is very enjoyable and I think your boyfriend will really like it. Eigther of those sets will start him out on the right foot. I think it is awesome that you want to get that for him for christmas. I try to drop hints of my own but i dont think anyone is getting them LOL. Oh well...

P.S. I forgot about the brush. I have a bore bristle brush and it works fine. A badger brush is stiffer and therefore would lather quicker. So there's that.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

No, no reason he can't learn with a spike from the outset. many have. It kind of like saying would you want to initally learn to drive a car with an auto tranny or a manual? The spike just adds one more thing to watch out for as you begin.

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Well he loves his stick shift, so maybe I should go dangerous and get the spike :hmmm:

GreatBazunka: Thanks for the thoughtful reply! The maintaining of the blade will actually be his favorite part lol. He loves knives and already has a ceramic (I think) hone. He even regularly sharpens his kitchen knives hehe. So as long as I can keep him from cutting himself, I think he'll be fine. As for patience, he has it ;) One of the many reasons why he deserves a manly beard weapon.

I'll give you a newbie's perspective FWIW...I would have loved to have started out with a new Dovo, from what I've read, good razors for a reasonable price, and you can purchase these "shave ready" from several sites pre-honed/stropped so take advantage of that perk. Classifieds on this site is always an option also.
Spike or Round? Well I am currently using both types (favoring the spike myself) either type demands respect, both will be very sharp and I've had minor mishaps with both types so here I feel it's a matter what you (or what you think he) would prefer.
Rooney brushes, I don't have one so can't comment.
Shave soap scent...maybe something in a similar vein as cologne's he wears ie. woodsey, muskey, light floral, pretty much anything can be had. Soaps lather just fine if you get a quality soap. I've been using an inexpensive soap and am doing fine with it so far, with a good quality soap, all the better.
Chances of quiting, well, I've been at it for only 3 weeks , a rough start, a few nicks but excellent shaves already and it actually becomes a bit of an enjoyable hobby if you will. Would I quit at this point...no way, it too darn much fun!
Sounds like you've done a bit of homework...good start, and there's a tremendous amount of good advice and help right here.
I know it's not much help but as I said, I'm new at it.
Willie

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Originally Posted by Maedchen

As for patience, he has it ;) One of the many reasons why he deserves a manly beard weapon.

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Excellent...... mwaha ha ha:medvl:

Anyone of those sets would be a fantastic starter. Spike points are just fine for learning on. I survived.:D

After stickin himself a couple times he'll learn. It's not as bad as it sounds.:beer1:

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Originally Posted by Willie

... a rough start, a few nicks but excellent shaves already and it actually becomes a bit of an enjoyable hobby if you will. ...

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I second that. It has only been a few months since I have started but I do look forward to shaving instead of it being a chore anymore.

i started with this razor, no problem with the spike, however there are a lot better razors than this one out there.
You can find a nice vintage that will shave better.

So what would be a good vintage razor? And would it end up being more economical with having to buy the brush etc? Also if it came improperly honed, how would I know that? I fear I might just waste my money.

You may want to just stick with a known new razor at first. I have been dabbling around with this for three months and still haven't got the hang of it. I started with a $60 Jung spike point from the classifieds. It came shave ready but I collected three more after that and still don't know which one is really shave ready. Still haven't gotten the hang of it and finish up with my Gillette.

Got frustrated last weekend and decided to get a Dovo from Lynn at SRP and use that as a comparison. Sooooo you may want to stick with your plan and maybe get him a classic from the classifieds just to have as a backup to play with. He may end up liking it more :)

On the spike point.... I find it wonderful at trimming close to my sideburns. On my neck it gets scary and I end up holding it away and shaving with the heel of the razor. Actually I just got my fourth in the mail today and it is my first round point...... don't know if I like it yet. :soapbox:

Hello Maedchen. First off it is awesome of you doing the homework to buy your boyfriend a straight razor. :nj You came to the right place. I have been shaving with a straight razor for over a year. Both spanish and round points. My first razor was a spanish point, I had little to no problems with it, he just needs to be aware of that point and where it is at all times. Spike points, I like them better. That is my humble opinion. I have a goatee and side chopps/burns, and they make trimming around them much easier. It will be preference, that ultimately only he can choose. I think you are on the right track of starting him out with a new razor and strop set from the places you have been loking at. Another place that has awesome Dovo starter sets is Straight Razor Designs. Lynn and Don are the propriators of that site, and they are moderators here. They are awesome hone meisters. All the razors on their site come pre-honed and shave ready. That in it self is one of the most important things in choosing a razor, is being shave ready. They also offer a second honing for free. They are awesome guys as well. You chould choose a vintage razor, but that seems to come with a more experienced straight razor shaver that has developed a preferrnce for what they like, and that he could reasurch for himself. My first straight razor was a Dovo Bergischer Lowe 5/8 with a spanish point and I love it. The razors you have mentioned will be perfect for him. I think IMHO, a new razor would be better to start out with, just make sure you get him a strop with the razor, like a starter set. Before you purchase anything check out Straight Razor Designs.com or just click on the side or advertisement banners, you can't go wrong. Also have him join this awesome place, and have him read the wiki for beginners, stropping, pre-shave prep, lather, basic requirements, the shave, post shave, etc. I think from what you said about him, he will love this awesome art form. Good luck and welcome to this awesome hobbie/ art. :tu

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Originally Posted by Maedchen

I am researching and trying to find the best razor, for a reasonable price, for my boyfriend this Christmas.

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That's a very sweet idea. Devil's in the details, though, as always. We've put together a list of recommendations that may be of some use to you: Shopping list for beginners - Straight Razor Place Wiki.

Personally, I would do either of two things: find someone you trust, and give him authority to find good (vintage) products for you. Or get in touch with one of the reputable dealers here in this forum.

For the amount of money you are willing to invest, you might as well take a look at this site: Vintage Straight Razors, DE Razors, Honing & Restoration sevices, Sharpening and Shaving - best of both worlds, really (i.e. vintage razors that look and feel like new).

If you do that, you'll have little difficulty to sell the razor with minimum financial losses should your boyfriend not like straight shaving (in which case you might, of course, also consider trading the boyfriend for one with taste and style, says my wife).

Good luck, and don't hesitate to ask further questions.

Regards,
Robin

P.S. On a completely personal note: Get a cream, not a soap. Take a look at our reviews, and get either Castle Forbes, or one that has similar ratings. There are quite a few.

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Originally Posted by Maedchen

So what would be a good vintage razor? And would it end up being more economical with having to buy the brush etc? Also if it came improperly honed, how would I know that? I fear I might just waste my money.

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Look up the classifieds, if it says that the razor is shave ready then you are fine.

spike point, round point french point barbers notch IT DOES NOT MATTER they are all still super sharp metal blades i have the small rooney brush i like it alot! if your trying to get your bf a set for cheap that matches vintage blades is a good one stop shop thats where i got my start. you can find a good strop here on this site and look in the classifieds for a good razor(many of them the shipping is included and are noted to be either shave ready or not shave ready)

personally i like the shaving cream better seems to lather up super thick alot easier than soap(but in my location we have very very hard water, which may be of some cause) look on ebay and find a vintage shaving mug for under 15$ including shipping
go to vintage blades get a brush and acrylic stand shaving soap or cream and a matching aftershave

in the long run its not a 1 stop shopping it takes more time but will be cheaper and can put togther a vrey nice set..sometimes old stuff is just better quality than something new...make sure to read the wiki page for the straight razors here..tells you whats good and what to avoid!!

Thanks everyone so much for all of your help, support, and opinions. I really appreciate it!

Now check out what I bought on ebay: VINTAGE FANCY HERMANN MEHL SOLINGEN STRAIGHT RAZOR - eBay (item 130344963782 end time Nov-22-09 15:04:41 PST)

Does anyone have any experience with this seller? I see from his reviews that people liked his honing job.

But awesome deal or what? I am very excited! It reminds me of the bismark spike point with the bone handle that I wanted from DOVO, but a much better price, and it's vintage. Does it look in pretty good shape to everyone? As far as I could tell it looks great.

Now, can anyone help me with a good strop, brush, or anything else that you might have that you no longer need? I am looking to keep this affordable, but I want quality items. Also, does anyone have a used copy of the straight razor shaving dvd that they no longer need?

As far as soaps/creams, please recommend some of your favorites. I have heard good things about the Ogalla soaps Ogallala Bay Rum Shaving Soap Sampler , and also this whiskey shave jelly on etsy WHISKEY oldfashioned wet shave jelly by portlandgeneralstore . Opinions? Has anyone tried the vintage blade triple milled shaving soap? Vintage Blades LLC::Shaving Cream & Soap::Triple-Milled Shaving Soap in a Wooden Bowl - 3.5 oz./100g. - Vintage Blades Brand Please also tell me if you have a favorite scent for shaving creams/soaps.

Thanks guys! You have been so great with helping me. I am really excited to give this to Rob!

Meghan

razor is very nice razor and if i am not mistaken seller is srp member. In here we all have responsibility. i am sure seller will make you happy in case you have any problems. Great buy .

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Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

razor is very nice razor

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Sham, where were you when they taught geometry in school?
Attachment 33918

Anyway, the razor looks familiar: Mehl, Hermann "Special" 7/8 - Straight Razor Place Wiki. If it is anything like mine, it is a very nice razor, but with a tremendous amount of flex, i.e. certainly not the easiest to use. Whatever.

As for the rest of the questions: Buying a beginner's set on a budget - Straight Razor Place Wiki should be sufficiently clear.

Robin