Thread: Is this a good idea?

I was looking at the Dovo Best Quality Black 6/8" Straight Razor Set or I was looking at Dovo Best Quality Black 6/8" Straight Razor & Strop Set on SRD if i got the second one i would also get the Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set with the bowl, brush and soap.
The brush would be used until I can get a better one and as a travel brush.

I was just wondering which one would be a better set up for a complete beginner. Im leaning toward the razor and strop set with the VDH set.

Cant go wrong with a complete set up. I have a Dovo Best quality and I really enjoy the shave. A great razor.

The SRD strops are also top notch. You definitely can't go wrong with them.

My two cents.

It depends on what you're trying to achieve: saving money or better quality products.

Going with a premium strop is ok, but you should know that you'll have to go slow to keep from nicking it.

I started with the ruprazor.com Filly and yes, I did a nice nick to it.

I got my set from SRD got the wet shave of the month set with a few changes such as a different bowl and the 3 inch strop. I am very happy with what I got ended up with the boker king cutter and the 3 inch latigo strop. The SRD shave soap is nice as well. If you buy the whole set razor strop bowl brush and soap you get a better overall deal.

Hello, Speldeth:

The razor and strop are an excellent choice for starting out. So is the VDH set for now, especially if you must watch your budget. You have plenty of time to pad your bank account and move up to higher grade soaps and brushes. Were I in your shoes I would favor the razor and strop set with the VDH package. The brush is not the greatest in the world, and neither is the soap, but they are fine to open the door to the world of wet shaving.

Regards,
Obie

The reason I'm looking at the straight and strop set along with the vdh set is because Im a college student who is very short on spending cash. I was thinking that the boar brush would last me till chrismas or my birthday when I can get a badger brush, posibally the tweezerman brush.

Originally Posted by speldeth

The reason I'm looking at the straight and strop set along with the vdh set is because Im a college student who is very short on spending cash. I was thinking that the boar brush would last me till chrismas or my birthday when I can get a badger brush, posibally the tweezerman brush.

Hello, speldeth:

With your skinny wallet, the choice of razor, strop and VDH sounds logical. There's plenty of time for the fancy stuff.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, speldeth:

With your skinny wallet, the choice of razor, strop and VDH sounds logical. There's plenty of time for the fancy stuff.

Regards,
Obie

As always, Obie puts it in perspective!

Originally Posted by speldeth

The reason I'm looking at the straight and strop set along with the vdh set is because Im a college student who is very short on spending cash. I was thinking that the boar brush would last me till chrismas or my birthday when I can get a badger brush, posibally the tweezerman brush.

If that's your goal, then I completely agree that the razor and strop set plus the VDH set makes a lot of sense. After you've figured out that straight shaving is something that you want to stick with and you can pull more money together, then you can upgrade pieces of your kit as you go if you choose.

If you find that straight shaving isn't for you, then that you will also minimize the amount of money that you're out.

I know a few more experienced members of these boards still use VDH products, so if it takes you some time to save some money this will still allow you to get the "true" experience. Patience/determination, a truly shave ready razor, and a strop are really much much more important than the luxuries.

Keep us posted!

Cheers,
ElChe