Thread: What ground for first razor

Hello, James:

I agree with all the suggestions made here: the tortoise shell "Dovo Special" and the Dovo "Black Star." I like to add one more, since I am especially fond of it, and that is Dovo's "Perlex." This is not only a beautiful razor, it is also a nice shave.

Regards,
Obie

I agree with all the suggestions above,,,

But 6/8, half hollow, round point and yes the Dovo is an excellent one...

That size and grind is basically dead center then you can decide which direction to go on the next razor.. Oh yes there will be a next one Muhahahaha RAD ya know...

It will be hard to find a new blade that is other than a full hollow grind.

The difference between a 5/8 or a 6/8 is often overlooked. IMO if you get
less than three fine shaves from a DE you might look for the bigger 6/8+ blade.
The description of the Feather replacement blades on classicshaving.com
is interesting in this context of blade selection (light, super, professional).

As always give a look at the Classified section above. You will see
two general classes of restorations. Some are a simple cleanup made shave
ready blades and others are WOW what an artist can do to a historic treasure.
They are always worth a good look...

I saw a number of folk comment on Dovo as a cannot go wrong first blade.
+1 on that..

I have five Dovo ranging in price from a little to a lot. The blades on the inexpensive ones
shave as well as the extra fine buffalo horn prize I found in Australia 20 years ago.
When there is a difference it is me on the hone or strop much more than the steel.

If you are just starting, your first two blades could be modest priced ones.
Beyond three go for it. Same as cars... if you work on cars you often need a second
car to go hunt parts in or get to work in. True, any second razor will do ... DE, tossable BiC
...

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

It will be hard to find a new blade that is other than a full hollow grind.

Not really, Dovo has several 6/8 and 5/8 razors that are half hollow...

Any grind would be fine for a shaver.

Either Dovo will do well as a first razor. My first razor was the Dovo Tortoise and it took an edge well and shaved well. Still have it and it is still part of the rotation.

Good Luck,

Pabster