Advice for my second blade

Hello All.

I think it's time for me to get a 2nd blade. I like my Craftsman and I think it does a decent job. I'd also like to avoid dropping too much $$$ right now - I'll wait until I get my 3rd to spend the big bucks. I want a blade that's known as an EXCELLENT shaver. I need to work on my technique and I'd like to start with a blade that has worked well for most people.

I've looked at the Dovo "Best Quality" blades - some are as low as $70. I can have one of our awesome hone/retore-meisters put a heavier set of scales on one of those. I've read decent reviews on those.

What about going a little further into the budget and grabbing one of the soon-to-be-gone Le Grelots? Dorkos are also often referred to as awesome shavers.

I believe that a full hollow is the best option for me now - thoughts? What about a 6/8 over a 5/8? How about trying to learn with a round point?

You guys are awesome...thanks!!

Hmmmm, an excellent shaver....You might get hundreds of different answers from hundreds of members. What makes an excellent shaver for one might not work as well for the next guy.It's all relative.Have you checked the classifieds? Some good blades there at decent prices and usually shave-ready.

I'm a newby like you but my first straight is a Dovo Best Quality 6/8, IMHO it was the best investment & I will most likely buy another in the future as one of my spares as time & $$ allowes.

Another n00b here, but for my first I went with a 6/8 Dovo Special. A lot of other members love it and despite it being a great blade for beginners, it's not a beginners-only blade. Several experience members have said that their Special is still in their rotation and delivers a consistently great shave.

That being said, I'm sure there are other way more experienced people who will chime in.

Cheers,
ElChe

Are you wanting a new blade or vintage, restored or not...
I really like what holli4pirating has. He offers a cool vintage blade at honest prices with very detailed descriptions of the blades. don't forget to check out his site.
gssixgun has a few beginner blades on his sight right now and I know he is a stand up guy as well.
There are many others even many who just offer here in the classifieds.
I like to support my fellow SRPers whether buying new or vintage. Spend the time to look around at what these guys have to offer, just not too much as they go fast. I might also add that you should not settle for a blade that you don't want just because you want a new blade. I have one like that and despite it being a brand that is highly respected I just don't use it that often. No, I'm not getting rid of it my wife uses it.

-G

deighaingeal's questions are quite pertinent. Are you looking for a second vintage or a new razor? Low-end Dovo's, such as the "Best Quality" or the "Dovo Special" are good shavers.

If you want to stay within your budget and not spend too much, check the SRP "Classifieds." There are always reasonably priced hollow ground vintage razors that would be an excellent addition to your shaving rotation. If you pm me, I can also recommend a razor restorer who may also have some excellent low-priced quality vintage choices for you to consider.

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Originally Posted by aroliver59

You might get hundreds of different answers from hundreds of members.

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lol...very true!

Personally, I've experienced that Dovos pretty much all shave about the same, so the price differences are in the bells and whistles that you want on your razor. If you get it from SRD, you won't be disappointed. My personal favorite Dovo is their Special...all the bells and whistles for an entry-level fee.

Another thing to consider in new razors is Revisor...they make some awesome razors at a nominal fee and you'll be joining a much smaller jacuzzi than the jacuzzi with the Dovo guys.

This option is always either the classifieds. Great razors, great honing, great history.

Wow - thanks for all the replies!!!

New or vintage? My first priority is to get a known good shaver..I figure if I can't blame the blade then it's my technique :) I would prefer a restored vintage because...well, just because. I've looked at 2 of Holli4Pirating's razors - the Boker Baby and his recently listed Dorko. I'm curious to see if the Boker can get into those tighter spots more easily. I'm interested in the Dorko because he mentions that it's a great shaver. I knew it wasn't a great question to ask - it's kind of a religion thing. The Le Grelots are supposed to be made of great steel, offer a great shave AND be of limited supply - triple win!

Again, I really REALLY appreciate the feedback. I've been asking Maximilian a LOT of questions also - he did a GREAT restore job on my current blade. You guys are great!!

Also, I just shaved (I've gotten my total shave time down to about 40 minutes including prep and clean up) - I'm stuck going ATG on my lip without any bleeders....maybe I should forego going ATG for now.

geojay...I've got no good advice as I'm waiting for my first two razors that I bought from the classified here, so I'm just starting down the straight road. Anway, I just wanted to say hello as I'm just down the road from you in Charlotte. Any good shops in this area that you know of?

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Originally Posted by volleykinginnc

geojay...I've got no good advice as I'm waiting for my first two razors that I bought from the classified here, so I'm just starting down the straight road. Anway, I just wanted to say hello as I'm just down the road from you in Charlotte. Any good shops in this area that you know of?

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Hi..and welcome to SRP. I've only found two places in Charlotte that are supposed to be "shave shops" - and they were both head shops that happened to sell a few soaps. Please let me know if you find a decent shop.

The Le Grelot was my first blade. Took me awhile to get used to it (still am in some aspects), but I got used to it. Great shaver! I'll probably get another one, or a Hart Steel razor. I'm tempted to try the American steel out.

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Originally Posted by JATake

.. I'm tempted to try the American steel out.

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Yeah, I've also read good reviews on the American steel