Thread: Looking at a shaving set (help)

I am looking at getting my first set and have been doing a good amount of reading up on shaving with a straight razor but still obviously new to this.

I was just wondering what someone who is abit more educated then me thought of this set:

Blades of Glory Gift Set, Save $30

At first glance it seems to fit the discription in the "a shopping list.." thread.

Any info would be great.

Well the razor alone is probably about $80 or so. Personally I'm not thrilled with Timor razors. I know some have them and like them but if I was buying a new razor I'd be looking at a basic Dovo and honestly if I was first starting out I'd be looking at a set on our sales forum and get a vintage piece.

Being new to this myself, I would definitely recommend looking at the sets at Straight Razor Designs.

I just got my kit in on Tuesday and all products seem top notch quality. One of the nice things that they do is give you a certificate for a free second honing. This will come in handy.

After doing my own research, I decided on a Dovo Special (imitation turtle scales), but had I been on more of a budget I would have gone with a Dovo Best Quality. These may interest you.

Good luck and welcome to SRP!

The nice thing about that free second honing is that most newbies will, in short order, likely mess up the edge on their razor through sloppy stropping, ham-handed attempts at unnecessary honing, the works.

It's nice to know you can send it back and have it re-honed. It's kind of like an insurance policy!

Originally Posted by ElChe

Being new to this myself, I would definitely recommend looking at the sets at Straight Razor Designs.

I just got my kit in on Tuesday and all products seem top notch quality. One of the nice things that they do is give you a certificate for a free second honing. This will come in handy.

After doing my own research, I decided on a Dovo Special (imitation turtle scales), but had I been on more of a budget I would have gone with a Dovo Best Quality. These may interest you.

Good luck and welcome to SRP!

Originally Posted by LawsonStone

The nice thing about that free second honing is that most newbies will, in short order, likely mess up the edge on their razor through sloppy stropping, ham-handed attempts at unnecessary honing, the works.

It's nice to know you can send it back and have it re-honed. It's kind of like an insurance policy!

I completely agree. Even if you look at it from a purely economic standpoint, that's a $20-$30 value that they're throwing in for free!

Get from a reputable source such as SRD, or at least a vintage blade from the classifieds here that is shave ready. Unless anyone here can vouch for the source in your link, I'd avoid it when there are so many tried and tested ones available.

I personally would avoid it anyway, being a modern day Timor razor. The vintage ones are good, also made by Giesen & Fortshoff. I used to own one, but I have read on numerous accounts that the new ones suck.

All the info has been great.

Deciding between a set off SRD or Getting a Dovo 6/8 (off SRD) and a filly strop.

All the stores around here were pretty shit. Either the guy had no idea what he was talking about (one guy replied "There are sizes?" when I asked if he had a 6/8") or just trying to make money (one guy said buying a strop for less then 200$ is a waste of time, then tried to convince me to spend 300$ on my first strop).

keep the help coming!

Originally Posted by losingXSleep

All the info has been great.

Deciding between a set off SRD or Getting a Dovo 6/8 (off SRD) and a filly strop.

All the stores around here were pretty shit. Either the guy had no idea what he was talking about (one guy replied "There are sizes?" when I asked if he had a 6/8") or just trying to make money (one guy said buying a strop for less then 200$ is a waste of time, then tried to convince me to spend 300$ on my first strop).

keep the help coming!

Stropping is a learned technique, and as I started with the Filly, and still am using it. It has a nice nick in it now. I am proud that it is only one nick, but I have seen worse! Best to make your mistakes on the Filly and then move up to a better looking strop when you wish after improving!

I have a nice Illinois #827 Russian Leather Razor Strop on order. The Filly can be either a good travel strop, or a pasted strop if I choose....

I would go with the 6/8 razor and the Filly strop. Not many guys regret purchasing a 6/8.

DO NOT buy a $300 strop for your first one unless you are a gazillionaire. I'll bet every one of us on this forum nicked up our first strop at least a little. The suggestion on a ruprazor strop is a good one. Get a more expensive strop for your one year anniversary...