Thread: first razor suggestions?

Hi guys first off id like to say what a nice looking forum! Well Ive decided to take the plunge and get with the straight razor revolution, but ive got a few questions before I decide to spend $$$. I will be shaving every day so I would like to get a nice razor I was looking at the Wacker's and the dovos but Im not sure what thinkness to get a 5/8 or a 6/8 what would yall reccomend? and finally should I go stainless? or carbon steel? Im looking for a nice long lasting blade. Thnaks for all the help!

sburton1,

First, welcome to SRP...

Second, in reference to your question...Like you, I'm a newbie--been at this less than a month. I myself purchased a Dovo w/ a 5/8" blade and just love it. I mean LOVE IT!!! You may want to start off with a 5/8" Dovo "Best Quality" as a learning tool. They are good shavers and won't cost you an arm and a leg--less than a century. N. B. You ought to get a package deal from whatever vendor you choose; and make sure that the razor price includes a professional honing. A good package deal would at least include the razor and a strop. Add Lynn Abrams' "World of Straight Razor Shaving" in a package deal from either Straight Razor Designs or Vintage Blades and even then the total cost won't destroy your monthly budget.

I've been told that a 5/8" is easier to learn the process of str8 razor shaving. Later, if you find that you really enjoy using a str8 razor you can move up to a 6/8."

Of course, if your heart is really set on a 6/8" Dovo also offers their entry level razors in that size as well. Ruprazor offers some great deals on 6/8" razor and strop combinations.

As for Wackers...I like them a lot too, but I think they are a bit pricey as an entry level razor.

BTW...With normal care and maintenance all quality str8 razors will last a long time.

Take care...

Thanks jhenry Ill most likley get a dovo 5/8 set from srd, but like most people I have a hard time deciding with all of the crazy ammounts of information available on the web. Thanks again!

I'd suggest a 5/8 round point carbon Dovo. Stainless can be a bit expensive. Don't worry, It won't be your last end all be all purchase.

I purchased a Dove Special Tortoise 5/8 from SRD as my first shave ready razor and could not have been happier. This was not the first razor I bought, but is was the first shave ready razor. The important thing is to buy a shave ready razor. Be sure to read the Straight Razor Place Wiki plenty of information there. You can also check out http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...beginners.html


Lu

I'm gonna kick myself for saying this and driving prices up but a lot of the no name/little known vintage blades are amazing shavers. Especially those out of Solingen. If you're willing to spend for flair, some of them look even better than today's blades (dubl duck, Otto Deutsch, etc).

My suggestion is get a 6/8 round point in half hollow. If you can't, I'd say go smaller (5/8) and hollower (full hollow). Even after quite a number of shave I still feel like the small hollow blades are easier to wield than the big wedges. Neither is hard, but when you're learning...

Thanks guys Ive checked out the wiki sections lots of great info there!