Suggestions for second razor

Hey there folks. I've been lurking on here since I got my first razor in early December. There's some great advice on here and I am ever so grateful. My first razor was a 5/8 Dovo I picked up as part of a starter kit from The Invisible Edge (I live in the US but it seemed like a good deal and I was very pleased with the results). I assume this Dovo is of the "Best Quality" type but I didn't ask.

So, on to my topic. As the title states, I am now in the market for a second razor. My Dovo is starting to lose its edge and I'd like to grab another razor so I can always have one when I send the other to get honed. I don't feel confident enough in my knowledge to select anything off ebay, or even these classifieds, on my own. Nor do I want one that I'll need to immediately send off to get restored since I know I can't do that myself and I'm not ready to try yet.

Anyway, I have been strongly considering the Boker Edelweiss from SRD but I now see that it is no longer listed on the site. I guess for reference, I'll use the King Cutter listed there. I like the price around $100-$150 and I take the professional honing plus free second honing to be about a $40 discount for comparison's sake. I don't need any fancy scales, I'd just like a really good, every (other) day shaver.

I'm still a beginner so I don't want to deviate too much from what I have experienced with the Dovo so something similar to a full-hollow, 5/8, round point but perhaps not another Dovo since I want to branch out a little. I know I can trust SRD for a good product (:)), that's really why I'm looking at Boker but I'd really like some good input for a newbie.

Thanks

well if you want quality you cant beat a w&b full hollow, i have one and love it. may have to do a bit of hunting for one since there no longer made but the quality is well worth it,

if you're looking for a new production razor, go with a thiers issard, revisor, or another dovo. any new razor is going to be pretty expensive and you will most likely have to get them honed depending on who you buy it from, but from what you've said, it is probably your best bet.

Causality,

I would suggest getting a vintage straight as your second razor.

In addition, I would also suggest you get an American razor.

They are in short supply over here in the UK, but every American razor I have is a superb shaver.

Indeed my favourite razor of all is a Genco Fluid Steel :)

Good luck for your search !

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Well, you're looking at SRD and the honing is an added bonus.

So....why don't you stay with SRD for the time being. Take the stress of "learning about old blades" out of the equation temporarily. Set yourself up with two good razors, honed to perfection by Lynn, then when you're more comfortable and have done a bit more reading you can venture into the classifieds and the flea markets.

I suggest wandering over to Bob Keyes' website (Home - Our Online Shop) He has a nice page about buying used straight razors.

Thanks for the replies. I especially liked Bob Keyes' website. Thanks for that link, Maxi. I think I may stick with SRD stuff for now since I'm also considering getting another strop and may as well grab some soap while I'm at it. Really tempted by the Dubl Duck he's got listed, though. I've seen a lot of people on here talk about how much they like their dubl duck. I'm just really unfamiliar with all the brand names. Every time I go looking for a razor it seems like I find a new company I hadn't heard of.

Causality,

I believe that's how most of our collections began. "Every time I go looking for a razor it seems like I find a new company I hadn't heard of". That's certainly the case with me.

It's definitely part of the fun!

There are so many Brands out there it is very intimidating to the new buyer. Have you looked at the SRP WIKI section that lists razors that are good to buy Good Straight Razor Brands - Straight Razor Place Wiki

For me I tried to stick to that list for my first few purchases. But I soon fou8nd that there were 100's of others that had great reputations

The stuff available in the classifieds here is looking awful darn sweet. Pick one that is shave ready, and I don't see how you
can go wrong. I'd buy some myself, but I am so "over" that stupid RAD thing, totally beyond the need to add to the razors
I have. I am so glad I'm done with all that silliness. I am Man, hear me roar!

I would suggest to get one from SRD, they'll give you a great sugesstion & service, and they have the best price as well, perhaps its the only vendor I could find that'll give you Free 2nd honing