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Howdy, I'm trying to figure out, what and where to get my first razor and strop. I got a link on my first post to ruprazor and they have a Package: Gold dollar razor and a Philly Strop. Are these worth the $60 together quality wise, I have heard some good stuff but i would like some more specific opinions thanks.
IMO the Filly strop from RupRazor is a great value and a good place to start for a beginners strop. The Gold Dollar razor however is harder to recommend being a full hollow, as a stiffer blade seems more appropriate to start with. I am not knocking the GD, but having purchased that set I found the full hollow flex to be one more obstacle that could have been avoided in the initial learning curve. I ended up getting a heavier grind in a vintage razor to get "over the hump" in the learning curve.
My recomendation: Get the Filly Strop and a shave ready 5/8" to 6/8" in a half hollow / stiffer grind. The grind is too often overlooked in its importance for a newbie IMHO.
It's a very solid and cheap starter package that will last you a long time. I still use a Gold Dollar every once in a while and love the big meaty blade but have no experience with the Philly strop.
You won't find a cheaper and better kit anywhere else.
That said, there's quite a big markup on the razor. Jay R was selling some Gold Dollars/Double Arrow on the forum for about 7-9$ shipped. Add in 20$ for the strop... 30-33$ for honing sounds a little steep to me. I personally wouldn't pay 45$ for a DA - but I would for a Wapienica. But you're dealing with a store that needs some sort of profit margin to stay in business and make it profitable for both parties. Plus, you don't need to invest into long hours to learn how to hone.
I say go for it. You won't regret it.
I on the other hand like the full hollow as a newbie. I have a 6/8 Gold Dollar that I honed myself. It's a great shave. I feel I get better feedback. Tactile response is excellent. It lets me know way in advance when I'm doing something wrong! I've learned quickly to have a gentle touch with the razor and it works for me. It and a hollow ground Hamburg ring are my favorite razors.
Tough call because one man's treasure is another man's trash! I know for the price KenRup is asking, it's quite the deal. It also comes shave ready which is an added bonus as learning to hone is a whole nother ball game!
It's a tough call because there are good vintage razors in other than full hollow on the market that can be purchased shave ready by members of this forum. My recommendation would be to buy two razors of different grinds (that's what I did at first) and try both. You will quickly find which one you prefer. You can alway resell the other one if you wish....
My $.02
I think Ken does more than simply hone the Gold Dollar razors, he often completely reworks them.
Yep, 3 months warranty on honing (you pay shipping)... but then I'd consider paying a little more for lifetime honing on a new Dovo set @ SRD and/or buy a Filly on the side. But if it's your first, I'd wait until I'm sure I'll stick with it before paying more than 100$! Good luck!
Oh, quite so! I have very high regard for the gentleman having visited his shop. You might want to refer to my threat on the journey:Quote:
Originally Posted by dannywonderful
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ops-oh-my.html
It's true. While you can get a gold dollar for under $15 shipped to you, it is not shave ready, often needs the shoulders reground, scales pinned properly, tightened up, etc. And from what I have heard they shave every bit as well as the entry level dovos do.
Thank you all for your posts. I appreciate all of yall's help.
+1 on the regrinding. I picked up a cheapie and the grinding was horrible. Fortunately, I could return it.Quote:
Originally Posted by DPflaumer