Thread: I could use just a little help.

That is an excellent choice. i know it is more toward the expensive side but an excellent choice... you might want to consider one thing though... the upgrade to the 3" strop.

other choices are a set up from whippeddog for about a third of the price... main difference it will not be a brand new razor and it might even have some stains and age marks but it will shave you well.

those two options are about the extremes of starter kits.

The kit you are looking at is just fine. Dovo Bq's shave very well. No fuss, no muss.

As for a honing device, you're Dovo from SRD will come with a second honing certificate. That should get you through your first six months. No need to spend money on stones now.

Same thing with a post shave cream. Use moisturizer or lubriderm or something. Get the hang of shaving, see if you like it, then drop the coin on the fancy products.

Just my two cents.

You are looking at a great set. That razor comes with a free $20 honing too. When I first started shaving I finished all my shaves with witch hazel and jojoba oil. You can find these for pretty cheap. Jojoba oil moisturizes your skin like an aftershave lotion would. Argon oil is more expensive but absorbs really well into your skin. I also use a Bert's Bees aftershave lotion that was $8 and works well. With all of these you only need a little bit so they last a long time.

Good luck.

good set, from a great vendor. no issues there

Having been on this forum and others for over a year now I see some consistent things from the people doing research. I also tried to follow those that try and move on.

Straight razor shaving is a bit of a ritual or a process. Those that do not stick with it tend to get frustrated with the time and process for each shave as well as the time it takes to master a decent shave. Very few pick up the straight razor and walk out of the bathroom after shave 1 going OMG that was the best shave of my life. Those that do I think may be fooling themselves into thinking that.

Most of use who shave daily are probably in the 15 minute range for the our shaves. For me that is down from the 45 minutes it took in the first month. Do not take this as me trying to discourage you as it truly is a great way to shave and that 15-20 minutes a day I am in the bathroom is my "ZEN" time where I can just collect my thoughts and reflect on my day. I would not trade that for the world.

I just think having an understanding going in and the expectations set in advance will eliminate frustration and have the journey off on the right foot.

Perfect. Thanks again for all the help. This should get me started.
It seems all of their kits are out of stock. And the white scaled razor is out of stock on it's own. But using this kit as a guide, I was able to piece a kit together for myself. Slightly more expensive that way, but that's alright.
I figure, if, for whatever reason, this whole thing just doesn't work out for me, I can have the razor honed, and sell the set to the next person who wants to try their hand at straight razors. I have a feeling I'll be keeping it, though :P

A Dovo or a Boker is a fine choice in a new razor. You can't go wrong with either. If you are going to obtain a second used razor, make sure it is shave ready also. If you feel that you should learn to hone at this beginning stage, I would recommend only a barber hone and just learn to refresh for the first year or so. At your stage if the game, I feel that a set of Nortons would not be money well spent. Later, if you decide straight shaving is for you, then sure, go ahead. It doesn't have to cost a fortune to get into honing. A 4-8k combo and your choice of finisher ( the choices are to vast to explore in this thread ) is all you will need. This being said, remember that a lot of people chase that edge like it was a run- a- way beer truck, and spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on natural stones. If all you want to do is hone to a nice shaving edge you DON"T need a lot of expensive stones!!
The people on this forum are great and will attempt to answer any and all questions.
All of this is JMHO Very Best and Happy Shaving, John

the kit you are looking at is a great choice. you can also check out The Classic Edge Shaving Store for more great deals and great customer service. goodluck and feel free to pm me with any questions you may have

I got my kit from there too... but opted to buy my own brush/bowl/soap.
Also agree what syslight said, upgrade to a 3" strop.

Post shaving... I think something with Aloe and Vitamin E and then anything that smells good and feels good to you. Its a very personal choice when it comes to the after products.

Good luck and have fun. Take things slow and ask tons of questions. I started with the Dovo Best Quality too. I did upgrade to the 3 in ch strop. I've been at it now for a couple of months (just a noob too) but if I can answer any noob questions you have, feel free to PM. Enjoy!