First Straight Razor Questions

Hey all.

First off, thanks to everyone on this forum for providing a wealth of information that doesn't reek of sales pitch. That's pretty rare, and very classy.

I am considering buying my first straight razor right now, but I have a few questions before i do.

I found a shave-ready Dovo in the vendor's corner for around $60 that seemed to be a good value, would that be a very good first razor? The blade depth is 5/8" which seems to be the about right for a newbie.

Also, what kind of strop should I get? I know that since I don't know what I am doing I should get a cheap one, but I don't want one that is going to mess up my razor either.

Finally, what kind of soap/cream would you recommend? I know not to skimp, but have no idea what a good brand is or what different options are available.

Thanks for helping, you guys are awesome.

First off, welcome aboard. You will find a wealth of knowledge and a very friendly community here.

Here's some advice from a not-quite-as-new-as-you noob:

1) That DOVO will probably be great.
2) I started with a Poor Man's Strop kit from Whipped Dog Straights, which was great and I did cut it up a bit. That said, I just picked up a Straight Razor Designs Premium IV and this thing is amazing, so I'm on the fence about starting with a cheapie, as I can definitely say that this beast makes stropping easier.
3) I have been enjoying Proraso, in both the green and, as of today, the white tubs. It is cheap, easy to get (in my city, anyway) and they have a full line of products that really make for a nice shave. There are tons of reasonably priced shaving products that will do a stellar job and not break the bank. I just wish I would listen to my own advice and stop buying more shaving gear :gaah:

Dillon,

Welcome to SRP and the world of straight razor shaving. My first straight was a DOVO; they make fine shavers. What is most important is that it is shave ready. There are many razors, strops, and soaps that will get the job done nicely, but as with many endeavors price varies widely. If you're on a fairly tight budget, Larry's strops are economical and will serve you well. If you're not strapped for cash, you'll not be sorry if you buy a SRD strop. I own 2 of them, and they are awesome. Don't let the fear of nicking it keep you from buying a nice strop if you can afford it. You'll probably be more careful if you spend more;)

If I were to buy just one soap, I would get Mitchell's Wool Fat (MWF). Although I consider Martin de Candre to be the best soap I've tried, its pretty pricy due to shipping costs unless you get in on a group buy.

I would say to go with quality goods that on't break the bank. They don't have to be top shelf, just quality. The Dovo is a good razor to start with. Just having a good razor is not enough, you need it honed properly too. Straight Razor designs sells quality strops as does some other shops. Don't buy the most expensive strop you can find, just a quality strop w/ a nylon second strop to take the place of the linen strop on the vintage models. A Best Badger brush will get you oon the right path. Vulfix makes a good one with a 21mm knot for ! $25. It far from the best available but also far from the worst. For shave creams/soaps I started with C. O. Bigalow shave cream from Bath and Body works for ~$10 for a large tube. Again not the best but a good shave cream to start with. There are lots of crap available and ;ots for lots of cash that is better than I mentioned but these are good starters and leaves lots of room to grow. I still use my starter gear from time to time and enjoy the shaves from them. Good luck.

Thanks!

Since I am a college student and strapped for cash, I decided to go with the Poor Man's Strop Kit, at least at first, so that I won't be worried about hurting it. I also decided to go with the Dovo.

Still undecided on brush/cream, I will take all your advice into account and see what I can find locally once the razor arrives!

I will let you know how things turn out after my first shave too.

You can get a boar bristle brush for like $10-15 that will be great. My Omega 10005 cost me $15 and it is great. It takes some work to soften it up, but it lathers very well.