RupRazor Gold Arrow and SRD Dovo

First time poster long time lurker. I'm working on taking the plunge and buying my first straight razor sometime over Christmas. I saw the RupRazor is offering free lifetime honing and so is Straightrazordesigns. I'm considering getting the entry level golden Arrow or the basic Dovo 6/8 and I was just hoping for some guidance. I've never tried this before and am also getting some DE equipment for xmas as well so that could potentially hold me over while the razor is out getting honed.

Also, wanted to say that I really enjoy reading over all the information in the forum and appreciate any feedback you guys can provide.

Welcome to SRP.

I would definitely go for the Dovo. Take a look at our reviews section for more background, too.

Regards,
Robin

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Originally Posted by felizcortez

I saw the RupRazor is offering free lifetime honing and so is Straightrazordesigns. I'm considering getting the entry level golden Arrow or the basic Dovo 6/8 and I was just hoping for some guidance.

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The nice thing about your choices is that, either way, you win. The Dovo is definitely a great razor. The advantage of Rup's entry level offering is that you can get a shave-ready razor and a strop for $60, including shipping. And you can practice your honing skills on the GA and not have to worry too much about screwing it up because not all that much money is involved. However, as I said, the Dovo is a great razor and definitely one you'd want to hang on to, whereas the GA is one you'll probably want to go beyond once you feel comfortable working with a straight. That's just my nickel's worth.

Thank you so much for the feedback.

Would there be much difference if I went with the Tortoise Shell version? Or is the blade the same? I'm not too concerned with looks at this point. Also, i read the getting started info and they said get the 6/8 to start. Would it matter if I got the 5/8 instead?

Hello feliz. Welcome to the Straight Razor Place. Between the Dovo or the Gold Dollar, I don't own a Gold Dollar. But I own a Dovo. its a awesome straight razor. I would go with the Dovo myself. If you are looking to save money then i would go with the Gold Dollar. Well good luck with your choice, and read the wiki for the beginers, and getting started, and nessesary equiptment. BeBerlin gave you great advise for the review on the razors. Take care. As always good luck at this not lost art of straight razor shaving.

welcome to srp.

If it fits in your budget, I think the special in faux tortoise is better option. My impression between it and the cheapest dovos is that the special is quite noticeably better shaving razor (you may not be able to tell the difference at the beginning though). I'd go with the 6/8 version as well.

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Originally Posted by felizcortez

Also, i read the getting started info and they said get the 6/8 to start. Would it matter if I got the 5/8 instead?

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It's really just a matter of personal preference. My firt razor was a 5/8 because that's what everyone recommended as a good starter razor. The razor worked well enough, so the next couple of razors I bought were 5/8. Then, one day I came across a good deal on a 6/8 and bought it. Well, I never bought another 5/8 razor after that and used only 6/8 razors from that day on. So I would suggest that your second razor be of a different size from whatever your first one is, just so you can compare the difference, because there is a decided difference in the way they shave, IMO.

i own a dovo perlex and a gold dollar.. i would go for the dovo.

I also own both. While Double Arrows are fine shavers, I'd have to say go for the Dovo, simply because it's the recommended newbie razor (6/8, half hollow, round point) - the Double Arrow is a little larger, IIRC, so not the recommended size to learn with. That said though, if money's an issue there is absolutely nothing wrong with Rup's strop/razor combo, and it's still excellent to learn on.

Oh, and there's no difference between the tortoiseshell and regular model, other than the material the scales are made of.

I have three Gold Dollars and also a Dovo tortoise. The Dovo's are way more classy looking and have much better quality control. However, the Gold Dollars can be good shavers, especially if it comes from RupRazor.

I say go with the RupRazor package, as you can get started right away and there's less worry about damaging something pricey. If you stick with it and move on, you should have no problem selling either the razor or strop on this or other boards.

Well I took the plunge this morning. I bought the 6/8 Tortoise shell Dovo and some Camellia oil to protect the blade. I've also asked for a Filly Strop for Christmas. I'm eagerly anticipating that first shave.

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Originally Posted by felizcortez

Well I took the plunge this morning. I bought the 6/8 Tortoise shell Dovo and some Camellia oil to protect the blade. I've also asked for a Filly Strop for Christmas. I'm eagerly anticipating that first shave.

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Congratulations on your acquisition. I hope the two of you will share many happy years together. A toast to the adventure ahead ::beer2: