first straight razor recommendations

I am currently researching straight razors to make my first purchase. I have been DE shaving for quite some time, but am ready to make the jump. Right now, I am planning on only having one good, dependable straight - I'm sure that'll change. I've been looking at Dovoe Best, TI super gnome, and Hart Steel razors. I am smitten with the Hart steel razors. They seem to get good reviews. Like I said, I'm looking to buy a razor that I can not only learn on, but to use for a long time. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

If this is your first straight razor, I'd opt for the Dovo Best Quality in a shaving kit that would include a 3" strop. Dovos are very good quality razors and you can certainly perfect your stropping, and shaving skills with it. The kits are available at several vendors who advertise here at SRP.

If you find that you like straight razor shaving, then I would invest in a Hart Steel razor as my second purchase.

Just my 2 cents.

Another option is the Boker King Cutter.

I bought the Dovo Best Quality 6/8 blade and the 3" strop myself about a month ago. This is my first razor and I love it. It took me a few shaves and disappointing results but now I'm in the swing of things and everything awesome. Stick with it.....

-Alex

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Originally Posted by jhenry

If this is your first straight razor, I'd opt for the Dovo Best Quality in a shaving kit that would include a 3" strop. Dovos are very good quality razors and you can certainly perfect your stropping, and shaving skills with it. The kits are available at several vendors who advertise here at SRP.

If you find that you like straight razor shaving, then I would invest in a Hart Steel razor as my second purchase.

Just my 2 cents.

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Shumake, sir:

My friend jhenry speaks wisely. Excellent advice. That's exactly what I would recommend.

Regards,

Obie

I too began with a Dovo best quality. In fact, I shaved with it yesterday. It is a very nice "no frills" razor. As said above, a strop/razor kit would be the most appropriate starting place for your straight razor learning.

It will not only save you time and energy searching for the additional strop, but purchasing from a reputable vendor will ensure you a quality product from the start.

Good luck with your selection.

I would say buy anything you want as long as it's a quality razor. I would stick with a medium size either 5/8s or 6/8s in a hollow grind. That would be a middle of the road choice.

Lovely just what I was looking for, great info on first strait choice!

I am looking to go for the Best Quality now in likely a 6/8th's, BUT...what type of grind would be best for a beginner in straits??

Currently looking at Royal Shave.com, and I see a Full Hollow, Half Hollow, though looking for a kit so will keep looking just wondering about the hollow bit.

I went with the full hollow Best quality from straight razor design. Don and Lynn were very helpful and their prices can't be beat. Hope this helps.

-Alex

vintagebladesllc.com also has selection on dovo "best quality" in 5/8, 6/8 full hollow, and 6/8 half. I'm pretty sure if you buy from them Lynn hones it shave ready, which would be a big plus.

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Like I said, I'm looking to buy a razor that I can not only learn on, but to use for a long time.

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You can shave with _any_ good razor (everything you're looking at is a good razor) until the blade gets too narrow to hone well. That should take many years, if not decades.

"Razor acquisition disorder" has nothing to do with what _works_ in daily shaving.

I've also been looking at the Hart. But with one Dovo "Best Quality" (5/8" round point), and a bunch of vintage blades that shave nicely, I can't justify the expense.

Have fun, whatever you decide on . . .

Charles

Thanks for the recommendation:beer2:

A full hollow sounded good to me in the first place really, I don't know much on grinds at all, but I know a full hollow sounds to be good and all I know that it might provide is a larger space for lather to build as you shave kinda like a cup lol, sorry bad analogy for lack of better prose.

I'm getting a bit excited so, and I already know I have a big case of RAD, just my pocket book restrains me rofl other wise I would be having a purse full of straits and safety razors lol

You cant go wrong with a DOVO Best IMO. They're well made, theres no risk in buying one and enough of us have one that you can always get advice.

Plus they shave great..!

Thanks everyone for all the advice. Bought my first razor today. I went with the
hart steel. I know its against the general consensus, but couldn't pass it up. Can't wait to start shaving with it! Here's to many years of great shaves and great discussion!

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Originally Posted by shumake772

Thanks everyone for all the advice. Bought my first razor today. I went with the
hart steel. I know its against the general consensus, but couldn't pass it up. Can't wait to start shaving with it! Here's to many years of great shaves and great discussion!

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Interesting choice. I'm not that familiar with Hart Steel razors. I imagine they are good quality. Let us know what you think of it.

Nice thread, I kinda know what I want and some thing in a round tip as I read on here but some thing in like maybe a 7/8 or so as 5/8 looks dainty.

My main question I guess aside from the little intricacies would be...do I need more than one? As I have read that these types or razors needs a "Rest" period?:hmmm: I suppose due to fatigue in the metal or some thing due to shaving all the time? If so wouldn't it be likely that 2 straights would do the job in rotation?

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Originally Posted by Tartarus

Nice thread, I kinda know what I want and some thing in a round tip as I read on here but some thing in like maybe a 7/8 or so as 5/8 looks dainty.

My main question I guess aside from the little intricacies would be...do I need more than one? As I have read that these types or razors needs a "Rest" period?:hmmm: I suppose due to fatigue in the metal or some thing due to shaving all the time? If so wouldn't it be likely that 2 straights would do the job in rotation?

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You don't need more than one. If you do get more than one, that means that more time will go by before either razor needs any honing.

Ah ok, I was brought to wonder on this concept because of talk some where that each razor needs a rest time, thus why there are 7 day razor sets and so on. But that is likely rich guys talking connoisseur stuff, there is so much info out there it is about nuts so I think I am just sticking to this place as ppl seem to know what their talking about.

I'm a blue collar guy so, things are tough all over in my tier of society and things suck for the most part but am trying to get into collage for a better term of employment so hopefully if things go as I want it will get better.

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Originally Posted by Tartarus

Nice thread, I kinda know what I want and some thing in a round tip as I read on here but some thing in like maybe a 7/8 or so as 5/8 looks dainty.

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I promise:

When you bring a 5/8" razor up to your throat for the first time, it won't look so "dainty".

Most of the antique-shop blades I've seen are in the 5/8 - 6/8 range. I figure that's how most razors were made. And they were made that way because they worked pretty well, for most people.

Charles

Seems to be sound advice these folks are giving you. The only thing that I would add would to be to make the purchase of my first straight razor to include a professional first sharpening from the folks that you are purchasing it from ( especially if it is from Straight Razor Designs, Lynn and his crew do a fantastic job on honing the razors ). It may cost extra, but it will be worth it and the shave will be much better. Nothing worse than a really terrible, uncomfortable shave; nothing better than a very comfortable, smooth, relaxing shave.

Mhum I can concur with the good advice, no place better for sure cause here I don't feel like I am annoying one person but a whole community! haha J/k

And yes SRD is where I am looking to purchase a SR all because they offer getting it shave ready, not to mention the second honing is free etc. So my first SR coming from them is a no brainer, plus they seem to know their stuff with SR's so it is natural.

Haha yeah I'll bet on the 5/8th's comment about not dainty, suppose it don't take much with a razor and I am sure they do a fine job...likely I'll get some thing bigger later on when I am more proficient and collect as I think I might.

Thanks for the advice, helps tremendously.

Just a follow up for those interested. My Hart Steel Straight arrived yesterday. Good quality construction - looks like it meant to be an everyday shaver. The quarter grind almost looks closer to a wedge style. I stropped it first on the fabric (15) passes, then 50 on leather and went to town. It tugged a little more than expected, but I attribute it more to my technique than sharpness. Overall, I feel it performed well - great balance, easy to control, no big cuts(couple small weepers). This razor is definitely a good buy for anyone interested in a stiffer 6/8 razor.

This isn't that complicated. Dovo razor is an excellent starting razor and then some. When you look at the prices keep in mind the blades are the same on most razors as you go up the ladder. You are paying for the scales -- more exotic = more money.

RupRazor make a very good but very inexpensive starter strop. Excellent strop but cheap enough so if you accidently cut it up as a novice you won't be kicking yourself.

There are a zillion cups, brushes, soaps and whatnot out there. While I recommend a badger brush to start, you can find a decent one for about $20.

When you get the hang of it you will probably want to upgrade the strop, "maybe" get a better brush, but the rest of the stuff is just experimenting and fun. You may want to get another razor, but the Dovo will be great and probably last you the rest of your life and then some.

The shave is a combination of prep and technique. Don't go chasing a better shave with money and more razors.