Hey guys,

My first post here. After doing a lot of research regarding str8 shaving, I'm about ready to jump in razor first (with a light touch and proper angle of course). This seems like a great group of people who are really supportive so I'm looking forward to being a part of this.

I got my first str8 shave in Las Vegas last week at The Art of Shaving and it was one of the best pampering experiences I've had (it was the "Royal Shave" after all). Inspired me to give this a shot. Especially after the positive response I got from the Mrs.

Anyway, I had this same exact issue with seeing the recommendations for 6/8 half hollow being a great place to start because the half hollow is a little more forgiving for newbies and the 6/8 provides a little more weight to allow the razor to do the work. I was thinking with a longer face and issues with an angular jaw and smaller moustache area that a 5/8 might be better.

I emailed SRD to ask about whether these things matter as well as why half hollows didn't appear to be an option on SRD's site. The response I got was not to worry about it too much--that the full hollow actually can give a shaver more feedback while they're shaving to know whether they've made a correct stroke. I worry that may be an interesting way to learn if I make an incorrect stroke. I don't like corrective feedback!

Regarding the 5/8 or 6/8 the response was that I'm probably onto something with the 5/8 being good since I need some manueverability on my face.

The recommendation for my price range was the tortoise or the silver steel since they're somewhere "in between", which I think meant between full and half hollow--unfortunately the description of these razors on the SRD site does not mention their respective amounts of hollowing. I feel stuck and am figuring I may have to make an "Oh, what the hell" kind of purchase and flip a coin. Any suggestions between those two?

After reading many posts on here I realize the importance of a good professional honing for your first blade so I'm determined to buy off SRD to know what sharp really is. I'm also worried about screwing up that honing while I try to strop for the first time. Maybe I'll shave without stropping the first time... I've watched all the videos but I'm sure it looks easier on camera than it is in person.

To all of you who have written so many great tips on these forums to get me more comfortable with the idea of trying this, thanks! Now I have to take the next step and buy the razor, strop, brush, mug, strop, creams, balms...this gets expensive quick, doesn't it?!

Anyway, looking forward to hearing anyone's suggestions regarding the Dovo tortoise special vs. the silver steel.